Jalen Coleman to Illinois: Illini Land 4-Star PG Prospect

Illinois' already-strong early recruiting class for the 2015 season got another boost Tuesday with the addition of 4-star point guard Jalen Coleman.    

Coleman made the decision official with an announcement on Twitter, proclaiming that he was excited to win championships and secure his academic future:

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Excited to announce that I will be attending the Univ of Illinois. Looking forward to adding banners and accomplishing my academic goals.

— Jalen Coleman (@ColemanJalen) September 23, 2014"

According to Shannon Ryan of The Chicago Tribune, Coleman was also considering UNLV before ultimately deciding on the Fighting Illini. 

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He was also considering UNLV but sealed the deal with Illinois after visiting the campus last weekend.

The four-star recruit, an Indiana native who plays for La Lumiere School in Indianapolis, is ranked No. 33 nationally by 247sports.com. He's the highest rated player secured by Groce. 

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Coleman's commitment is another coup for third-year Illinois head coach John Groce. After missing the NCAA tournament last year with a 20-15 record, the Illini are moving in the right direction. They have already secured three major recruits. 

Jon Greenberg of ESPN Chicago was particularly complimentary of Groce's recruiting efforts thus far before throwing in a not-so-sarcastic comment about his previous work at Ohio University:

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Illinois now ranks sixth overall in recruiting. Ohio State is the only Big Ten team ahead of the Illini in the site's rankings.

Coleman ranks as the No. 33 overall recruit and the No. 7 point guard nationally per 247Sports' composite system. The other big-time commits to the school are small forward D.J. Williams and shooting guard Aaron Jordan. 

With the Big Ten adding Maryland and Rutgers this year, the competition in the conference is going to be even more intense than normal. Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska were all tournament teams last year, while Indiana figures to be better next season. 

Illinois figures to be in the NCAA tournament mix very soon coming off back-to-back 20-win seasons and Groce being able to make his mark on the program entering his third year as coach. Coleman's commitment is the latest sign that things are looking up for the Illini. 

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