Point guard Mark Smith chooses Illinois over Kentucky, Michigan State, others

Posted Apr 27, 2017
Mark Smith concluded his unprecedented rise from fire-balling pitching prospect to high-major basketball recruit when he pulled on a hat with an orange block I Wednesday. The Illinois Mr. Basketball and Illinois Gatorade player of the year, Smith chose to play for Illinois despite receiving more than 20 offers — including Kentucky, Michigan State, Missouri, Ohio State and Texas. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

Related: College Basketball Recruiting

Mizzou lands two signees on McDonald's All-American Game roster for first time ever
Both Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant rank among the top 20 prospect nationally in 2026, a level of talent Missouri hasn’t signed from the...
Wed Feb 4, 2026

Find out who got snubbed from the McDonald's All American Game
This year's McDonald's All American Game snub hub revolves around Abdou Toure of Notre Dame (West Haven, Conn.), Colben Landrew of Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) and...
Wed Feb 4, 2026

Updated 2026 Rivals150 Basketball Recruiting Rankings Released
Dylan Mingo remains the No. 2 basketball recruit in the 2026 Rivals150. The 6-foot-5 point guard has battled injuries this high school season but carried...
Tue Feb 3, 2026

Top ranked Tyran Stokes, Jordan Smith headline 2026 McDonald's All American Game rosters
The rosters for the 2026 McDonald's All American Game are live. Set for Tuesday, March, 31 at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. this...
Mon Feb 2, 2026