Hales Franciscan's Matt Humphrey and Farragut's Michael Dunigan, two of the most sought-after prospects in the nation, made oral commitments to Oregon on Monday.
''Oregon was just the best fit for me as a basketball player and for my family as well,'' Humphrey said. ''They just always stayed consistent. They were one of the first to offer and stick with me.''
''Oregon was just the best fit for me as a basketball player and for my family as well,'' Humphrey said. ''They just always stayed consistent. They were one of the first to offer and stick with me.''
Humphrey and Dunigan play for Tai Streets' Meanstreets club basketball program. Thornton grad Joevan Catron, who also played for Meanstreets, is a sophomore at Oregon.
Humphrey and Dunigan play for Tai Streets' Meanstreets club basketball program. Thornton grad Joevan Catron, who also played for Meanstreets, is a sophomore at Oregon.
''He looked good, lost a lot of weight and he was progressing as a player,'' Humphrey said. ''That wasn't a huge factor. It was just a bonus.''
Humphrey and Dunigan had Illinois on their final list. Humphrey's father Darryl played baseball at Illinois.
''I can actually say I would have gone to Illinois if they had offered me earlier,'' Humphrey said. ''It got to the point where I had to wonder if they really wanted me. When I went to Midnight Madness I thought I would get an offer, but they didn't offer until a couple months ago. That's a part of the way they handle things. I don't take it as a bad way to do things. That's just the way they are.''
Illinois hasn't received a commitment from a player in the 2008 class.
Jereme Richmond, the jewel of Illinois' 2010 recruiting class, has transferred from North Shore Country Day in Winnetka to Waukegan.
''It's because of the commute and just because I didn't fit in from a social standpoint,'' Richmond said.
The 6-6 sophomore committed to Illinois after his first high school game.
''There are definitely times where I think what could have been and what other schools could have been recruiting me,'' Richmond said. ''As of now, I'm confident with it and positive with my decision.''
NOTE: New Trier graduate and Northwestern center Amy Jaeschke was named to the 12-member 2007 USA U19 World Championship Team roster.
Contributing: Scott Powers











