Fay opts for the Missouri Valley Conference

Behind a strong team effort, the Illinois Wolves worked their way into the semifinals of the King James Classic before falling to the D-One Greyhounds. 6-foot-7, 235-pound power forward Carlton Fay was integral to the Wolves success, and now he is excited about contributing to the Salukis future success.

Fay, who is from Putnam County High School in Granville, Ill., gave a verbal commitment to Southern Illinois on Monday night.

"I was ready to make a decision and I was happy with Southern Illinois," said Fay. "I'm really excited about joining such a great program."

In the end for Fay, it came down to Southern Illinois and another Missouri Valley Conference power Bradley for Fay, but he was also getting interest from some high-majors like Vanderbilt and Nebraska going into the spring. Tempted to play out the summer and try to garner some high-major offers, Fay instead chose to end his recruitment.

"Trying to get the attention of bigger schools was the plan going into the summer, but I was ready to commit," he said. "No I can just go out and play basketball and not worry about anything else.

Fay averaged 20 points and 9 rebounds as a junior last season.

Carlton Fay scouting report:

A sturdy presence down low, Fay can score over bigger players with a nice jump hook. Also a dangerous face up threat, Fay ha a soft touch out to the three-point line. Defensively, he loves to bang and can move his feet to chase down rebounds, but he is not a vertical athlete.