Bertrand Becomes Illini's Third Class Of 2009 Commitment

October 11, 2007

11:25 P.M. CST

Is it possible for anybody to do better in one day as far as recruiting goes than Bruce Weber has done today?  One thing is for certain--the University Of Illinois head coach is absolutely red hot right now.  Tonight Weber secured his third verbal commitment from the class of 2009 in the form of 6'4 swing man Joe Bertrand from Sterling High School in Sterling, IL.  Bertrand chose the Illini over offers from several other programs, including Wisconsin, Marquette, Iowa, Notre Dame, Southern Illinois, Bradley and Illinois State.

Bertrand joins forces with 6'3 D.J. Richardson from Central High School in Peoria, IL and 6'3 Brandon Paul from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, IL, who both committed to Illinois earlier today.  Also, as we previously mentioned, Weber and company may still not be done, as it is not out of the question that the Illini could also receive a commitment from 6'9 class of 2008 prospect Stan Simpson from Simeon High School in Chicago before the weekend is over.

While we hinted that Bertrand's verbal to the Illini was forthcoming, it appears as though Bertrand may have wanted to wait until seeing what some of the other prospective Illini recruits from the 2009 class were going to do before making his decision official.  There is no question that the earlier commitments from both Richardson and Paul helped speed up the process.  That and the fact that Bertrand recently enjoyed an unofficial visit to the Champaign campus.

Bertrand is a highly athletic and versatile wing player who we believe has the ability to play either the 2 or the 3, and perhaps even the point down the road if he can perfect his ball handling skills.  He is a slasher first and foremost, has explosive quickness to the basket and is dynamite in transition.  Bertrand's mid-range game is also solid and although he is a streaky shooter, he has shown the ability to knock down jumpers from beyond the arc.

Bertrand, who competes on the AAU circuit with the Illinois Wolves 16-Under team, will be in attendance along with Richardson and Paul at Illinois' Midnight Madness tomorrow night.  With that being said, it is sure to be a heck of a lot of fun for all who are present.

Continue to check in with Illinois Prep Bulls-eye for all of the latest as it pertains to recruiting and high school basketball in Illinois.