Boys Basketball: July 2008 Archives

First came word that Robinson junior Meyers Leonard gave an oral commitment to the Illini. Leonard, a 6-10 center, built a decent national reputation this summer, but most Chicago area recruiting analysts haven't seen him play yet.

Add Leonard to an impressive haul of 2010 recruits for Illinois coach Bruce Weber, including Crane's Crandall Head and Waukegan's Jereme Richmond.

Then came the bad news.

An arrest warrant has been filed for troubled guard Jamar Smith, who is on probation after pleading guilty last year to felony driving under the influence causing great bodily harm. He drove a car into a tree in February 2007, injuring former teammate and Proviso East grad Brian Carlwell.

Weber hasn't commented on the situation yet, but I would guess it is unlikely Smith will ever play for Illinois again.

According to Illinois Warriors coach Larry Butler, the following players have been invited to Akron next week:

Marshall's Darius Smith
Hononegah's David Brown
Waukegan's Jereme Richmond
Young's Marcus Jordan

Butler said Nike people didn't feel Brandon Paul played well enough at the NBA Camp to warrant an invitation.

Rich South's Crandall Head, Curie's Wayne Blackshear and De La Salle's Michael Shaw will all be playing at the Reebok Camp in Philadelphia.