Illinois lands four top-100 recruits

Thanks to a few pen flourishes and an active fax machine, Illinois enjoyed what might have been its finest hour since the 2005 Final Four.

Bruce Weber had the unprecedented pleasure - at least for him - to announce that four top-100 recruits signed to play for the Illini.

Even though three of the four incoming freshmen - guards D.J. Richardson, Brandon Paul and Joseph Bertrand - committed 13 months ago, it didn't diminish Wednesday's bliss.

"They're kids that wanted to be here," Weber said. "Kids that were excited all along and they've kept that excitement."

Richardson, who still needs to reach the NCAA' initial-eligibility standard, and Paul are considered top-50 recruits.

Bertrand and 6-foot-9 forward Tyler Griffey are listed as top-100 prospects by the Recruiting Services Consensus Index.

Rivals.com says this group gives Illinois the nation's No. 8 recruiting class.

Weber considers all three guards to be combo players, though Bertrand is more of a passer, and the acrobatic Paul is more of a scorer.

"He has that NBA athleticism," Weber said of Paul. "He has really come a long way in the last year-and-a-half."

The trio apparently has discussed picking up the three-guard legacy born by Dee Brown, Deron Williams and Luther Head.

Weber sees them playing immediately since Demetri McCamey and Alex Legion will be the team's only returning scholarship perimeter players next season.

Griffey, a suburban St. Louis standout whom the Illini started tracking in eighth grade, could make an instant impact as well.

While playing for Adidas Nation, Griffey has faced the world's finest in Africa and France.

"I really say he's kind of an international forward," Weber said. "He can face up to the basket, shoot the ball, pass the ball."

The only area surprise on the opening day of the November signing period came at DePaul, where 6-foot-6 forward Tony Freeland committed and signed.

The Los Angeles native joins former Chicago Marshall swingman Mike Stovall in the Blue Demons' recruiting class.

Northwestern announced the signing of versatile 6-5 guard Drew Crawford (Naperville Central) and 6-3 shooter Alex Marcotullio from suburban Detroit.