We just got an oral committment from Jamar Smith out of Peoria, 2 days after getting David Palmer from Tennessee. Both these guys are solid players and if Dee and Deron are still around in 2005, we should be damn good.

 

Here's a link off of Illini Board if anyone wants to read it....

 

http://pjstar.com/sports/uofi/b1r1vrg7077.html

 

 

Go Illini!

Oh, and here are some details about him:

 

 

Jamar Smith is a player that Illinois has been looking at for a while, but his name was not known in recruiting circles. He is a left-handed shooter with a quick elevation and quick release to his shot.

Illinois offer came a week after Smith's strong showing in the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament. All-tournament choice Smith capped his four-game run with a 40-point outburst against Lake Zurich, in which he made a season-high five 3-point baskets.

Where are these guys rated? Are they anywhere near Indiana's recruits for next year?

Where are these guys rated?  Are they anywhere near Indiana's recruits for next year?

No, they aren't anywhere near Indiana's top two for next year. But these are class of '05 guys. Palmer is pretty much a consensus top 50 player and I have seen him as high as 20 on a couple lists. I've seen Palmer play and I was very impressed. He has a very strong build for a junior in high school, he had a good touch from about 15 feet, and was a very good athlete as well. Jamar Smith is a borderline top 100 player that was being recruited by Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Marquette. The key with him is that he is a very good shooter and that has been one the team's biggest weaknesses this year, besides Rich McBride of course.

No, they aren't anywhere near Indiana's top two for next year.  But these are class of '05 guys.  Palmer is pretty much a consensus top 50 player and I have seen him as high as 20 on a couple lists.  I've seen Palmer play and I was very impressed.  He has a very strong build for a junior in high school, he had a good touch from about 15 feet, and was a very good athlete as well.  Jamar Smith is a borderline top 100 player that was being recruited by Kansas, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Marquette.  The key with him is that he is a very good shooter and that has been one the team's biggest weaknesses this year, besides Rich McBride of course.

Yeah, but i wouldnt say McBride is our most consistant shooter although he is labeled as a 3 point specialist. He's only played 7 games. Deron should be our sharp shooter, i think he'll start shooting like he did against Temple earlier in the year pretty soon, once he gets used to his mouth not being wired shut. I believe they are supposed to be cut in time before the Purdue game tomorrow.

 

Go illini!