Bradley Leeb-US PRESSWIRE
Multiple sources indicated on Thursday evening that 2013 point guard Jaylon Tate was off the board to Illinois.
While the verbal commitments of both Andrew and Aaron Harrison to Kentucky highlighted the night’s announcements, the news of Tate’s decision filtered out shortly thereafter.
At 6-foot-2, Tate currently attends Simeon Career Academy, the three-time defending champions in the state of Illinois. Among some of Tate’s notable teammates include the nation’s top overall prospect, Jabari Parker, the undecided Kendall Pollard, and fellow Illini-commit, Kendrick Nunn.
Interestingly enough, Illinois was excluded from Parker’s list and for the time being that remains the case. However, Illini head coach John Groce has now landed a pair of Parker’s high school teammates in Nunn and Tate.
News trickled down on Thursday, as ChicagoHoops‘ Scott Burgess first reported the commitment, citing a text from Tate that he had indeed committed. Tate was on a visit to the Illini campus when he phoned in the decision.
After missing out of top-100 recruit and point guard Demetrius Jackson to Notre Dame just last Thursday, the addition of Tate, who, given Simeon’s success in recent memory, has helped guide a proven winner in the back court.
In addition to Nunn and Tate, Illinois also boasts 2013 verbals from Maverick Morgan and Malcolm Hill. Hill was the first to commit under former head coach Bruce Weber (now at Kansas State), remaining pledged following the coaching change this past spring.
During his time on the AAU circuit, Tate ran with Meanstreets.
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