Jeremiah Tilmon Signs with Illini
It took a little longer than expected, but East St Louis center Jeremiah Tilmon has signed with Illinois and will join their recruiting class that includes two other highly touted in-state prospects in Da’Monte Williams (Peoria Manual) and Javon Pickett (Belleville East). This gives the Illini a class that boasts three of the top five players in Illinois along w top 100 nationally ranked point guard Trent Frazier.
The state’s top prospect Tilmon verbally committed to the Illini in July. He became the signature recruit of the John Groce era. In recent months there had been talk behind the scenes of a possible decommitment. On the eve of the first day of the early signing period Tilmon said he would not sign with Illinois during the early signing period. After a week things came together and Tilmon has signed his national letter of intent to officially join the Fighting Illini 2017 class.
Why was all this such a big deal? Tilmon is the top post prospect in Illinois since Jahlil Okafor and Cliff Alexander several years. He has legit size and length to play the center position in the Big 10. Offensively he continues to improve with skilled low post moves and can hit a mid-range jumper. Runs the floor extremely well. Shot blocking presence on the defensive end and is a solid rebounder.
Tilmon played with the St Louis Eagles on the circuit. He is the #1 prospect regardless of class in the state.