The Seven

The following scholarship players are slated to be on our 2010-2011 roster:
Richard Semrau (RS-SR) PF
Demetri McCamey (SR) PG
Quinton Watkins (SR) SG
Bill Cole (RS-JR?) PF
Mike Tisdale (RS-JR?) C
Jereme Richmond (FR) SF

We have 13 rides so that leaves seven players in the next 3* classes.
[*I have no idea what is going on with the last 2007 ride but I'm going to assume for the moment that it is not going to a 4-year player and will be available by 2010.]

Say what you will about Weber's recruiting, but I think he can get 7 guys in 3 years. Here's how I would do it (the order is in terms of priority/gameplan, not necessarily commit dates):

2 in 2008
2 in 2009
3 in 2010

The good news is that the 2010 class is loaded. The great news is that we have some awesome connections in that very class. First, though, I'd lock up this guy for 2009

1) DJ Richardson - 2009 - SG
With the Peoria and Jamar Smith connection, no reason not to pencil him in as the logical successor to Jamar Smith. Interest is mutual and this should happen sooner rather than later.

Then we need our guards of the future to continue the Illinois legacy.

2) DeAndre McCamey - 2010 - PG
3) Crandall Head - 2010 - SG
That was easy. Both guys can play and both have outstanding Illini for older brothers. I got my brother to go to Illinois and so can Luther and Demetri.

If we want Weber to survive until the 2009 and 2010 classes, we're going to need some help on the wing.

4) Scott Suggs - 2008 SG/SF
This guy is our #1 target for the 2008 class and we've been all over him for a long time. There is some Chicago/Illinois connection there and I'm going to rely on Weber to seal the deal this summer. [I'd also be plenty happy with Iman Shumpert here...the kid can play and his name is I-man...just a natural!]

I know what you are thinking. Where's the beef? Well, it's harder to predict big men because they tend to develop later. Still, I think I have some answers there as well.

5) Michael Dunigan - 2008 PF/C
I haven't heard stellar reviews lately, but the potential is there and I think this guy is the perfect guy to take Pruitt's ride when he leaves. It's time to get somebody out of Chicago and I think there is strong mutual interest here as well.

6) Jordan Prosser OR Tyler Griffey - 2009 PF
Time to go to our wheelhouse...big white guys =) We need some big boys to develop so they can step up after Semrau, Cole, and Tisdale are done. I'll admit I don't know the difference between these two guys, so I'll take either one on a first-come, first-served basis. I have faith in our staff when it comes to landing big white guys =P

7) DeShaun Thomas or SOMEONE AMAZING - 2010 ??
There really isn't anybody on our radar for '08 or '09 who is going to be a Final Four or National Championship difference maker. However, if you get the other 6 guys on my list then you are going to have a really awesome team with a ton of young talent. Someone with 5* talent will be out there and with Jereme Richmond et al. working on him for 3 years, he will see the light. Here is where you put someone who is one-and-done and you win it all.

The only concern I'd have is that there is no clear backup PG for 2009-2010. I think Shumpert could pull it off though if we get him. Also, it may not be necessary to get Prosser/Griffey in '09 if we get Dunigan in '08, or vice versa. Alternatively, if you can get a stud PG in '09 maybe you don't end up banking a ride in '10. Maybe another ride opens up from a transfer or early draft entry.

**I may revise this after I get some feedback.