Thanks to a solid group of local high school products, Bruce Weber's 2011 recruiting class was ranked by both Rivals and ESPN as the No. 11 class in the country. With the Illini inking six players in that class, Weber's roster now features 10 underclassmen, and though NCAA basketball players can of course choose to enter the NBA Draft after any season they please, it's safe to say that Illinois is well stocked with young talent.
With that in mind, Illinois' 2012 class is as thin as can be. The Illini will be taking in just two players, and only one on scholarship. Here's the full list:
- Mike LaTulip, 6' 0", SG, Mt. Prospect, IL
- Michael Orris, 6' 2", PG, Crete, IL
(via Orange & Blue News)
Though unrated by Rivals, Orris is the headliner here, carrying three stars from ESPN and an overall grade of 90. LaTulip, who had scholarship offers from lower tier Division I schools, will be joining the Illini as a preferred walk-on.
For more on Illinois, check out Hail to the Orange, SB Nation's Illini blog.