Leron Black's Commitment a Major Step Forward For Illinois Fighting Illini

On Sunday morning, the Illinois Fighting Illini made a major statement on the recruiting trail, landing the verbal pledge of 2014 forward, Leron Black.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Black is widely considered amongst the top power forward prospects within the high school senior class. Illinois head coach John Groce had been hoping for a statement name to help propel the Illini class forward and on Sunday morning, that’s exactly what he got. Black was visiting the Illinois campus at the time of his decision.

A year ago at this time, Black announced his verbal commitment in favor of the Baylor Bears, but as a high school junior, he took the time to back off that commitment and re-open his options. That second wave allowed Illinois to swoop in and land the 6-foot-7 forward. Black becomes the second commitment to pledge a decision in favor of Illinois from the class of 2014, joining Michael Finke in the process.

As Illinois looks to keep pace with the top power threats in the Big Ten Conference, Groce knows the importance of winning the battles on the recruiting trail. Black is undoubtedly his biggest coup so far as he prepares for his second season in charge of the Fighting Illini.

Black currently attends White Station High School in Tennessee and during his time on the AAU circuit he ran with Team Thad.

 

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