Dundee-Crown's Beck chooses Lake Forest

Dundee-Crown guard Jeff Beck said his lifelong goal was to play college basketball.

The 6-foot-1 senior realized that dream on Saturday, when he committed to Division III Lake Forest College.

"I never considered not playing in college," Beck said Monday. "My dad would throw it out there that I could just go to (the University of Illinois) and just go to school or something, but I've always wanted to continue playing."

Beck averaged 17.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for the Chargers, who relied on his leadership during their run to the 2009 Class 4A semifinals in Peoria and subsequent fourth-place finish. He helped Dundee-Crown win an undefeated Fox Valley Conference (Valley) title and finish with a final record of 24-7.

A two-time Daily Herald All-Area selection and a three-year varsity performer, Beck chose Lake Forest College over St. Norbert, in part, due to the school's proximity. Lake Forest was the first school to ever send Beck a letter, when he was a sophomore, and talks "got a little more serious at the beginning of this year," he said.

"There was really nothing there I didn't like," Beck added. "I really enjoy all the coaches, it's a great area, it's not too far from home, all the guys seemed like really good guys and the program seems great. It's nice to have this off my mind."

Beck committed a week after his good friend and Illinois Magic AAU teammate, McHenry senior Chris Madson, gave his commitment to Lake Forest College. The two plan to room together as freshmen.