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Recruiting Wrap

Illini to keep eye on Jacob Williams

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 8:53 AM

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Chasson Randle and Nnana Egwu have been the must-see prospects on the Illinois Wolves AAU roster. But it's hard not to notice the athleticism of 6-foot-6 wing Jacob Williams, a Class of 2011 prospect from Chicago St. Patrick.

Williams sports scholarship offers from Bradley, Indiana State, Southern Illinois and Xavier. Several high-majors are also showing high interest in the Wolves standout.

"I know Coach (Bruce) Weber had mentioned that he's probably going to stop in and see him while he's in the Chicago area," said Mike Mullins, Williams' AAU coach. "Miami of Florida is coming in to see him. He's going to have a busy fall, himself.

"Miami, Wake Forest, Illinois, Wisconsin and Purdue are schools that have expressed continued interest and are going to make their way to take looks at him, besides the schools ... that have already offered him scholarships," Mullins said. "He's got a nice mix of very, very strong mid-major teams and high-majors looking at him. That's probably the right level for him right now. As he progresses, it'll clear things up for him."

Williams was scheduled to visit Xavier last month but was unable to make the trip. He is attempting to reschedule that visit and also plans to travel to Southern Illinois this fall, Mullins said.

After having to sit out the high school season due to disciplinary action at Chicago St. Patrick -Williams allegedly stole an iPod from a friend as a prank - the 6-foot-6 Class of 2011 forward was back on the court this spring and summer with the Illinois Wolves under-16 AAU team.

He shook some of the rust off but will look to settle in and polish his game even more this coming year. Several high-majors will closely monitor his development.

"(Illinois wants) to keep a close eye on him and track his progress," Mullins said. "He's in a little different situation after sitting out a year and kind of having to catch up all that through the spring and the summer. Obviously, he did enough to attract not only offers but interest from various schools. I think this will be a key year, his high school season and his spring and summer AAU season, with regards to continuing to show improvement. It will certainly help his recruitment to get to a point of fruition."

RECRUITING RAMBLINGS

Northwestern and head coach Bill Carmody received its first commitment from a Class of 2010 prospect, and it was a good one. Jershon Cobb, a 6-foot-4 guard out of Atlanta, gave a verbal commitment to the Wildcats recently. Rated a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Cobb chose Northwestern over scholarship offers from Auburn, Boston College, Cincinnati, Xavier and several other Division I programs.