Wildcats sign 6-11 center

While Bill Carmody's job security has been a frequent topic in media circles, basketball prospects don't think Carmody is leaving Evanston any time soon.

The Wildcats wrapped up a banner recruiting stretch Monday night when 6-foot-11 center Luke Mirkovic chose NU over offers from Louisville and Marquette.

Mirkovic is a Serbia native who came to the United States last summer and dominated at La Lumiere Academy, a private school north of LaPorte, Ind.

Everyone who has seen Mirkovic play believes he's a perfect fit as the center in Northwestern's Princeton-style offense.

Though Mirkovic is skinny, he's a tremendous shooter and passer. Those are essential skills for the guy who must make so many plays from the top of the key.

Mirkovic joins Glenbard West forward John Shurna, Batavia swingman Nick Freundt and Detroit center Davide' Curletti in Northwestern's freshman class.

All four should make an immediate impact for the Wildcats, who have all 13 scholarship slots filled for 2008-09.

Now, Carmody needs to fill the assistant coaching position that opened when Paul Lee, who had been here all eight years with Carmody, decided to take the same job at Marist in upstate New York.

Shaun Pruitt report

Illinois' senior center averaged 11.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game at the Portsmouth Invitational to help the Tidewater Sealants team win the title in the three-day tourney.

In the championship game, Pruitt shared team-high scoring honors with Ohio State's Jamar Butler (18 points) while leading everyone in rebounds with 12.

Pruitt now hopes to land an invitation to the NBA's pre-draft camp in Orlando at the end of May. In the meantime, he'll continue working with Tim Glover at Attack Athletics.