By Roy & Harv Schmidt

The basketball recruiting world today is largely controlled by handlers and people who often times have nothing but their own self-serving interests at heart. As a result, they overhype recruits primarily for the purpose of feeding their own egos and trying to put additional money in their pocket. That is why it is so refreshing to see players who don't buy into the hoopla, recognize their true level of ability and turn out to be successful without the outside influences. Such is the case with Michael Black and Xavier Humphrey, who are both class of 2009 recruits from Fenwick. As a result, we believe that they made outstanding college choices.

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

The persona of De LaSalle's Dre Henley began to rise this past summer when he earned an invitation to the prestigious Reebok All-American Camp on the basis of an outstanding performance at Reebok's underclassman camp in June. But even then, there were still people who were questioning whether or not he was worthy of the invite. However, make no mistake about it--after watching Henley last night at the Windy City Showdown, there is no doubt that he has hit the big time.

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

We told everyone in a previous blog back in October that Jerrance Howard and the University of Illinois had completely turned the tables in the recruitment of Tracy Abrams. Right then and there we knew that the Illini were the leader for Abrams' services. What we did not know was that the Illini coaching staff would be able to close the deal so quickly. With that in mind, we firmly believe that the dominos are just beginning to fall into place regarding Bruce Weber's recruitment of the 2011 class. Quite frankly, while we don't know what the time frame will be, we would be surprised at this point if other prized 2011 recruits don't ultimately pledge their commitments to the Illini.

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

While we never base an overall scouting evaluation of a player on one game, there are some things that you can immediately conclude after watching a prospect for the first time. Such is the case with 6'10 class of 2010 center and University of Illinois commit Meyers Leonard. After taking in Leonard's performance yesterday at the Shootout At The Hall in Champaign, we believe that it is a no-brainer when we say that he is the best big man in Illinois right now regardless of class. Illinois Prep Bulls-eye offers further commentary on Leonard as well as other impressions from yesterday's event at the Assembly Hall in this blog.

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

The glut of high school basketball shootouts in the state of Illinois during December may be greater than the holiday shopping rush. There are three in particular that stand out--the Shootout At The Hall on December 13, the Loop Capital Markets Shootout on December 14 and the Windy City Showdown on December 20. They are all must-see events and should be among the highlights of the month.

By Roy & Harv Schmidt

Don't get us wrong--every single player that University of Illinois head coach Bruce Weber has recruited in both the classes of 2009 and 2010 will be a vital piece to the puzzle when it comes to Illini basketball two or three years from now. However, we are thoroughly convinced that no player will be more influential in determining the Illini's future success than Jereme Richmond. We will even go as far as to say that it begins and ends with him. Anyone who saw Richmond play at the Waukegan Thanksgiving Tournament this past week should know exactly what we mean.