Jackson to Notre Dame
Demetrius Jackson has informed the Illinois coaches he will attend Notre Dame, sources said today. The point guard is scheduled to formally reveal his commitment later today on ESPNU.
Illinois coach John Groce's staff did work in getting into Jackson's final two. But it wasn't enough to overcome the Irish's three-year-plus recruitment of Jackson, who is from nearby Mishawaka.
Story developing.
I agree for sure!! Not surprised he stayed in the Hoosier state, just glad he didn't go to IU. Afterall, he did get to see an awesome Irish win over Michigan last weekend on his official visit... hard atmosphere to top!! Now Groce can cross him off their list and focus on the Illini-bred recruits throughout the state. He might be "ranked" higher that Kendrick, but I'll take Nunn head-to-head anyday!! Go Illini!
Demetrius Jackson was never coming here with the bi-polar nature of Illini Loyalty fans. Many comments made by those fans was downright embarassing, neurotic, insecure and in some cases caustic and mean. I had hoped recruits don't read our message boards but unfortunately I guess they do.
Story developing means give the Sleepy Gazoo time to rationalize the recruiting loss and make excuses and more shameless cheerleading. Likely they will use the standard Obi Want Tate approach--oh, well, these name recruits won't turn ut so well anyway and so we are better off without him blah blah wank wank. Was there real doubt where he'd go? ND was after him three years and Groce is a new coach of a struggling program.
Well, as much as I wanted Jackson to come to Illinois, congrats to ND for his decision. At least we were in it. I wish Jackson the best at ND.
Jackson wanted to stay home, and there is nothing wrong with that, unlike other folks **cough**cough**Jabari Parker, **cough**cough**Anthony Davis and **cough**cough** Derrick Rose, who don't want to stay home. Just sayin'.
I didn't think there was much of any chance we'd get Jackson. Recruiting in Indiana never has gone favorably for Illinois. This was extremely expected and par for the course. I highly doubt Mayes is going to be wearing an Illini uniform as well, although at least his comments about Deron Williams are positive indicators.
In any case, we'll wind up with Nunn as our headline recruit, which is no different than what we would have had without the coaching change (well aside from us being down 2 point guards in Orris and Austin). That said, I at least give Groce credit for trying to pull these guys in. Can't say I'm pleased with what will be a swing and miss on the 2013 recruiting class. Hopefully we have a shot at the 2014 class, but based on the early interest polls, it's not looking good. The only question will be is how Illinois fans' patience will be for what will be a massive rebuild if Groce can't hit something in both the 2013 and 2014 classes. If Illinois makes the tourney this year, I think things will be okay, but if not, we may be in for a heck of a struggle.
Illinois was the clear favorite for Nunn after he stepped out of his second commitment (when he decommited from TAMU) and he had a very good relationship with Howard. Even on his recruiting page after backing out of his TAMU Commit, he had Illinois listed as "high interest" with the other schools on his list shown as "medium" or "low" and that was with Weber still coaching. I'm pretty sure Nunn to Illinois was pretty much a done deal after the decommit. Now would Weber have been the right coach for Nunn? That I can say probably would not be the case. Weber had issues dealing with the "modern athlete" and Nunn is certainly that. I don't think it would've worked out well for Nunn with Weber coaching, but I still can't say I saw him committing to any other school but Illinois with Weber coaching.
How is the 2013 class a swing and a miss??? We are currently ranked 14 nationally with 2 top 100 players. We have a scholarship offer out to a top 40 player. Scholarship offer out to two other top 125 players. And an offer to a pf from Chicago. I understand commitments from all 4 of these players is unlikely, but even without any of them we are bringing in a very talented class. With a couple of them we are bringing in a top 5 class nationally. So PLEASE explain how missing out on one and done Parker and DJ makes this a missed class? Did I mention these coaches have only be here six months? Even if Hill was already committed a lot of the time in a coaching change the players leave too. Also, how can you say we lost Austin? He is in the 2014 class and we are still considering offering him.
I'm bummed because DJ coming to UI would have been huge. So the rebuilding will take a little longer now and the next tier of PGs is a step down from DJ. I am (and I'm sure most fans will be) heartened that Groce and staff made great short-term progress in this recruitment and take it as an indication that they will be very successful in the future when recruits have a chance to be courted for more than a few months.
Mike Brey put in a lot of work on this and he was rewarded. DJ clearly found his ability to develop NBA point guards persuasive. ;)
What a joke. Mike Brey dont develop any of his players. name one that was worth anything besideds harangody who is a bust. Look what Groce did with conley he wasnt even a nba prospect out of high school then he was a one and done and is a very productive guard in nba. get em next time groce
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