Unlike so many current prospects today -- and much like players a decade or two ago -- staying home and playing for the state university meant something to Nunn. Throw in a tight relationship with the coaching staff and the athletic 6-1 guard is on board as coach John Groce's first signature recruit from Chicago. Nunn committed to Groce and the Fighting Illini Saturday afternoon at the tail end of his official visit.

"It just didn't make any sense for Kendrick to go anywhere else," says his father, Melvin Nunn, who originally had a final five of Illinois, Marquette, Memphis, Ohio State and UCLA. "Playing for the major state school absolutely played a big part in the decision. It means something for him to play at the University of Illinois."

Joe Henricksen