Waukegan's Richmond tops Illini's 2010 recruiting class

CHAMPAIGN -- A year after signing a class of recruits that helped pushed Illinois back into the Top 25 this season, Illini have signed three players considered to be among the country's 100 best.

Illinois basketball spokesman Derrick Burson says forward Jereme Richmond, guard Crandall Head and center Meyers Leonard signed letters of intent Wednesday indicating they'll join the 23rd-ranked Illini next season.

The 6-7 Richmond is from Waukegan High School in Waukegan. College sports Web site Rivals.com calls him the 36th best college player in the country.

He'll be joined by Head, a 6-5 shooting guard from Rich South High School in Richton Park. He is the younger brother of former Illini Luther Head.

Leonard is a 7-0 center from Robinson High School in Robinson.