By Joe Henricksen

With rumors all over the internet concerning the future of Rich South sophomore star Crandall Head, the brother of

former Illini great and current Houston Rocket Luther Head, and after spending the weekend in Champaign listening

and hearing the rumors while Head was also on campus, it looks like Illinois may be on the verge of landing another

quality young prospect. Head has let it be known he may very well end his recruitment early.

By Joe Henricksen

No, Lewis University in Romeoville is not in the Big Ten or Big East, but it plays in one of the toughest Division II

conferences in the country. And head coach Scott Trost added a couple of talented pieces this week that will help

his Flyers contend in the Great Lakes Valley Conference in the near future.

By Joe Henricksen

Last December at the Pontiac Holiday Tournament, a rail-thin sophomore with floppy hair opened some eyes,

including those of the City/Suburban Hoops Report. After scoring 16 points in a loss to Curie and averaging 17

points and hitting 12 three-pointers in four games at Pontiac, the Hoops Report left with the thought that this kid has

a chance. Now Lake Forest junior Matt Vogrich, who doesn't exactly look the part of a Division I 2-guard, is a

wanted man and heads the list of soon-to-be breakout juniors in Illinois this winter.

By Joe Henricksen

A year ago they entered with plenty of hype. A year later the Class of 2010 in Illinois, led by Jereme Richmond of

Waukegan, hasn't disappointed. In fact, the class has only added to its early talk of being "the next great class" in

the state.

By Joe Henricksen

The gripes and complaints have suddenly come to a halt, at least somewhat or maybe just temporarily. I have given

family, friends, fans and subscribers who have constantly asked my thoughts on coach Bruce Weber and the

Illinois basketball program--specifically in regards to recruiting and future success--the same response for the past

couple of years: I will let you know in the fall of 2007.

By Joe Henricksen

The Class of 2008 remains empty for coach Bruce Weber and Illinois on the recruiting front, but this week's news

that juniors D.J. Richardson of Peoria Central, Brandon Paul of Warren and Sterling's Joseph Bertrand have given

their verbal commitments more than makes up for what could be a very quiet early signing period next month. With

as many as three scholarships remaining--as long as Quinton Watkins isn't on campus and remains in California--

Illinois may actually be in a position of tucking two of those scholarships in their pocket for the future. At least that's

what the Hoops Report would do.