Illinois Lands Commitment From Top Class Of 2010 Prospect November 23, 2006 11:30 A.M. CST Who wants to say now that Bruce Weber can't recruit?  After losing out on his two top recruiting priorities from the class of 2007, 6'4 Eric Gordon from North Central High School in Indianapolis and 6'3 Derrick Rose from Simeon High School in Chicago, Weber immediately said that he planned on changing his recruiting philosophy.  All we can say to that is boy, did he mean it! As a result of his redirection and his ability to move quickly, Weber has landed a verbal commitment from the #1 in-state prospect from the class of 2010, as this morning 6'5 freshman Jereme Richmond from North Shore Country Day High School in Winnetka, IL announced that he will play his college basketball for the University of Illinois.  Skill wise, Richmond is not only the clear cut #1 player in Illinois from the class of 2010, but Illinois Prep Bulls-eye also believes that he is one of the five most talented players in the state right now regardless of class.  Richmond brings an extreme amount of versatility to the table, including superb athleticism, as well as the ability to shoot beyond the arc, handle the ball, rebound and defend.  In his high school debut this past Monday, Richmond scored 34 points to go along with 21 rebounds in North Shore Country Day's 54-37 win over Alden-Hebron. With all of this being said, make no mistake about it--despite what anyone may want to say to the contrary, Richmond's commitment is huge for a number of reasons.  Above all else, it shows that a loud and clear message is being sent by Weber and the entire Illini coaching staff.  That message is that the Illini will continue to pursue top in-state talent and make those players a top recruiting priority.  It also shows how committed the coaching staff is with respect to trying to land those players.  On the flip side, Illinois Prep Bulls-eye is well aware that verbal commitments are non-binding and that a player can change his mind in that regard at any point in time.  We know good and well that one only needs to look at how Eric Gordon's recruitment was handled in order to be fully reminded of that.  However, we feel that it is important to point out that Richmond is not only a top-level talent, but also an elite student with a maturity level that extends well beyond his years. Richmond's commitment is only the first indication of how Weber and the Illini are now focusing even more heavily on top underclass talent within the state.  In addition to Richmond, Weber has already extended scholarship offers to two of the top prospects in the class of 2008--6'9 Michael Dunigan from Farragut Career Academy in Chicago and 5'9 Lewis Jackson from Eisenhower High School in Decatur, IL; as well as one of the top prospects in the class of 2009--6'3 D.J. Richardson from Central High School in Peoria, IL. 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.