The chatter is out there about Larry Austin, Jr.

What type of guard exactly is the Springfield Lanphier (Ill.) High School junior and a Class of 2014 recruiting target for Illinois men's basketball?

For those wondering if Tim Beckman could haul in any last-minute recruiting surprises, he might have pulled one off.

Illinois received its 26th commitment for the Class of 2013 on Wednesday morning when Paul James, a 6-foot-4-inch, 245-pound defensive end from Miami Norland High School, chose Illinois a week before National Signing Day.

Tom Lemming has heard the calls for Tim Beckman's ouster. After one season at Illinois.

The CBS Sports Network college football recruiting expert, however, doesn't believe the right way to help Illinois recruit is by letting Beckman go.

The lack of in-state football prospects north of Interstate 80 coming to Illinois next year is noticeable.

The greater Chicagoland area has produced prep phenoms like Laquon Treadwell of Crete-Monee, Ty Isaac of Joliet Catholic and Ethan Pocic of Lemont in the Class of 2013.

Every week during the prep basketball season, IlliniHQ will give a wrap-up of how Illini commits and targets fared during the previous weekend's games. Here are a few notes from the week that was. 


College football fans will get one of their first tastes of the 2013 season in less than two weeks.

National Signing Day, which takes place Wednesday, Feb. 6, is almost like a national holiday for those folks.

Alex Golesh said in early December the Illinois coaching staff was selling playing time to potential recruits.

Perhaps Jaylen Dunlap heard the Illini recruiting coordinator's message.

One item is clear about the Class of 2013 Illinois football will sign in two weeks.

It's not loaded with blue-chippers or high school players who overwhelm recruiting analysts with their skill set.

Rivals.com released its final rankings for the Class of 2013 on Tuesday with National Signing Day fast approaching on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

If any Illinois football fans are nervous about Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) High School defensive lineman Jarrod Clements going back on his verbal commitment to Illinois football head coach Tim Beckman like his high school teammate Reon Dawson did, Rams head coach Maurice Douglass has one word in mind.

Relax.

Every week during the prep basketball season, IlliniHQ will give a wrap-up of how Illini commits and targets fared during the previous weekend's games. Here are a few notes from the week that was.