One of the best recruits in the country has committed to play at the University of Illinois — Mark Smith — a four-star guard and 2017’s Illinois Mr. Basketball.
Michigan State and Kentucky were reportedly closest to earning a commitment from Smith going into his announcement. Others including Ohio State, Indiana, and Missouri were at one point involved.
But the 2017 state of Illinois Mr. Basketball winner decided to stay home and play for the Fighting Illini. Smith is rated as the No. 74 overall prospect in the country by 247Sports after experiencing a meteoric rise during his senior season.