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
Illinois lands top-35 Class of 2026 guard, former Wake Forest commit Quentin ColemanIllinois is preparing for a Final Four, but the Illini also got a big jump on reloading its roster for next season. A day before...
Fri Apr 3, 2026McDonald's All-American Game box score, results: West wins while Arizona, Missouri commits shine
Despite being held in a 42-42 deadlock at half, the West used a 60-point second half to emerge victorious 102-86 over Team East. Missouri commitment...
Fri Apr 3, 2026
Latest update on Tyran Stokes’ decision timeline, NBA upside
Experts around the recruiting world believe the long-awaited commitment of top-recruit Tyran Stokes is nearing, with ESPN’s Paul Biancardi speculating that Stokes’ decision could come...
Thu Apr 2, 2026
How should Louisville basketball, Pat Kelsey approach transfer portal?
After his second season at the helm of the Louisville Cardinals basketball came to an end, head coach Pat Kelsey told reporters he was giving...
Wed Apr 1, 2026