Illinois has struggled to find success on the floor under head coach John Groce this season, but the Illini continued a strong recent recruiting stretch by landing a commitment from Peoria Manual junior Da'Monte Williams on Sunday night.
The 6-foot-2 Williams is the son of former Illinois star and 1998 Illinois Mr. Basketball, Frank Williams. Regarded as a four-star prospect by Rivals, Williams is considered the No. 56 overall prospect in the national Class of 2017.
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By landing Williams, the Illini now have two in-state prospects committed in the Class of 2017, as they also have a pledge from Belleville East wing Javon Pickett.
This gives Illinois a great start in an important recruiting year, as the state of Illinois is filled with potential Big Ten players and the Illini have a big class to fill in 2017. With Williams and Pickett in the fold, the Illini can start to target other priority recruits such as La Lumiere center Jeremiah Tilmon (who hails from East St. Louis), Belleville Althoff wing Jordan Goodwin and a third player for another spot in that class.
Things haven't always come easily for Illinois on the recruiting trail under Groce. The Illini have missed out on some priority recruits the past few years, but this fast start and strong collection of in-state talent could get Illinois back on track very quickly if they continue this positive recruiting momentum.