Da'Monte Williams (2017 PG) commits to Illinois

#151      

Captain Bubbles

Captain Bubbles
Fairfield, IL
Captain Bubbles
I like this commitment for this reason: He didn't do any hat ceremonies, or do anything too crazy. He just went about by touring the facilities, informed his parents and then told the coaches of his decision. He just did it humbly and quietly.

To be honest, I was not an Illini fan, nor followed Illini basketball when his father played, so I don't know how he played or what he was like, but I've read about Frank on here from several posters who think and relive his memories. I hope Da'Monte turns out to be special, and it sounds like he has a lot of great potential.
 
#152      

Second and Chalmers

S
Second and Chalmers
Captain Bubbles said:
I like this commitment for this reason: He didn't do any hat ceremonies, or do anything too crazy. He just went about by touring the facilities, informed his parents and then told the coaches of his decision. He just did it humbly and quietly.

To be honest, I was not an Illini fan, nor followed Illini basketball when his father played, so I don't know how he played or what he was like, but I've read about Frank on here from several posters who think and relive his memories. I hope Da'Monte turns out to be special, and it sounds like he has a lot of great potential.
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HRF was fun to watch with the ball in his hands in a way no Illini has matched since, not even Dee and Deron. He's a big reason why I became an Illini fan as a kid, and it's so awesome that DaMonte is going to come and continue that legacy.
 
#153      

hooraybeer

hooraybeer
Pittsburgh, PA
hooraybeer
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#154      

FT35

FT35
Naperville
FT35
Bomb Squad 217 said:
His pg rating is not as high as it could be because, I believe, he doesn't exclusively play og for Manual as I think he is one of their taller players and they need him elsewhere.
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This is true. He does not play the 1 at Manual.

It should be noted that his rankings at various sites have nothing to do with his play at Manual. At this time last year, he was barely a mid-major prospect who was not in anyone's discussion as being one of the top 10 players in his class in the State of Illinois.

He really came on the scene during the AAU season where he does play PG. He's not just capable of playing the 1, he can excel at it. Not that it really matters now, but it wouldn't shock me if he's a bit higher in the rankings by the fall. The only reason he didn't rise higher last year is because he got hurt in July which slowed him down on the court.
 
#155      

HisRoyalFrankness

HisRoyalFrankness
Chicago, IL
HisRoyalFrankness
Da’Monte and Manual coach Derrick Booth were on ESPN Peoria 96.5 with Jim Mattson yesterday. I missed it live, but was able to find a link. http://espnpeoria.com/audio-vault/ The interview is the second from the top and takes a few seconds to appear.

Some highlights from them both:

-Booth is happy for Da’Monte and for U of I and great to see Da'Monte's hard work has paid off
-Booth said Da’Monte will bring athleticism that fits our system of getting up and down and his shooting range has really improved over the last year
-Booth is glad the pipeline from Peoria to Champaign is back and is excited to watch him in Champaign over the next few years

-On his decision Da’Monte said he just felt like it was a good fit and it felt like home
-What does Groce expect of Da’Monte’s role? –"Play every game like it is my last"
-On how big of a role HRF had on the process-Frankie was sitting back in the process and let Da’Monte pick whatever he wanted as long as it was a good fit
-Groce was hopping around he was so excited
-Da’Monte said Frankie was all smiles and that was the happiest he had ever seen him when he picked Illinois
-On his good friendship with Tilmon and Goodwin and if they will follow Da’Monte-He is going to recruit both of them and he talks with Tilmon a lot, but needs to get in contact with “J-Good” now. He thinks there is a good chance to get them both.

Manual is in a tough regional with Peoria Central, Washington and Normal U-High, but lets all hope they win their regional and then the Peoria sectional to get to state.

:illinois::chief:
 
#156      

Adnarel

A
Adnarel
HisRoyalFrankness said:
Da’Monte and Manual coach Derrick Booth were on ESPN Peoria 96.5 with Jim Mattson yesterday. I missed it live, but was able to find a link. http://espnpeoria.com/audio-vault/ The interview is the second from the top and takes a few seconds to appear.

Some highlights from them both:

-Booth is happy for Da’Monte and for U of I and great to see Da'Monte's hard work has paid off
-Booth said Da’Monte will bring athleticism that fits our system of getting up and down and his shooting range has really improved over the last year
-Booth is glad the pipeline from Peoria to Champaign is back and is excited to watch him in Champaign over the next few years

-On his decision Da’Monte said he just felt like it was a good fit and it felt like home
-What does Groce expect of Da’Monte’s role? –"Play every game like it is my last"
-On how big of a role HRF had on the process-Frankie was sitting back in the process and let Da’Monte pick whatever he wanted as long as it was a good fit
-Groce was hopping around he was so excited
-Da’Monte said Frankie was all smiles and that was the happiest he had ever seen him when he picked Illinois
-On his good friendship with Tilmon and Goodwin and if they will follow Da’Monte-He is going to recruit both of them and he talks with Tilmon a lot, but needs to get in contact with “J-Good” now. He thinks there is a good chance to get them both.

Manual is in a tough regional with Peoria Central, Washington and Normal U-High, but lets all hope they win their regional and then the Peoria sectional to get to state.

:illinois::chief:
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