A big recruiting summer just got bigger for John Groce and the Illini.
According to a report from Illini Inquirer's Derek Piper, Illinois received the commitment of Trent Frazier, a three-star point guard from Florida ranked as the No. 142 player in the Class of 2017 by Rivals. Other recruiting rankings have more favorable views of Frazier. Scout ranks him as the No. 74 player in that class, and 247Sports ranks him as the No. 108 player, both services assigning Frazier a four-star ranking.
Regardless, it's a big addition for the Illini, who made big news earlier this summer by landing big man Jeremiah Tilmon.
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"Relationship and loyalty. Head coach John Groce and assistant Dustin Ford have done an unbelievable job on recruiting me for the past two years," Frazier told CSN's Scott Phillips. "These guys have really shown me that I'm really their guy and makes it feel special. These guys have been to at least 25-plus games to see me play. I mean, it's incredible. And this visit this week is what put a stamp on it. Really meant a lot this week and this is why this is gonna be my new home."
Per Rivals, Frazier had offers from Baylor, Georgia, Kansas State, Memphis, Seton Hall, SMU and VCU.
Frazier was spotted at Illinois football practice during his visit to Champaign.
It's good news for Groce, who has consistently seen top-flight point guards land elsewhere throughout his tenure at Illinois. Jalen Brunson famously picked Villanova over Illinois and won a national championship last season. Charlie Moore was considering Illinois after de-committing from Memphis, but he ended up selecting California.
Groce's Class of 2017 is a strong one, featuring Tilmon, Frazier and DaMonte Williams. Frazier and Williams will join a backcourt that also features Class of 2016 recruit Te'Jon Lucas.