Fighting Illini land in-state point guard
Illinois wanted a point guard in the class of 2012. Sunday afternoon they got him when Michael Orris committed to play for Bruce Weber and the Illini.
A 6-foot-2 point guard from Crete (Ill.) Crete-Monee, Orris had taken visits to Boston College and Nebraska before heading to Illinois this weekend.
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"I got to see a lot of colleges and I was able to see some things," Orris told Rivals.com. "Illinois just felt right. It really did. There's a family atmosphere that the players have and it's just great.
"I really connected with the players. All of them, not just one or two. It was a great weekend for me and I knew in my heart it's the place for me. I get to play for my state school in the Big Ten."
Rock solid with the ball, Orris is a confident point guard who rarely makes mistakes. He'll knock down open shots, is underrated as a defender and plays with toughness.
According to Orris, the Illinois staff compared him to Ohio State's Aaron Craft and he sees himself fitting in nicely.
"Me and Tracy (Abrams) will be the only point guards on the roster when I get in," said Orris. "I'm a cerebral payer, I bring leadership. I bring a tenacity about me that I want to win.
"I'm not worried about my points and getting my own. I'd rather set them up and see them score. It only makes me better and elevates the team and success."
After originally committing to Creighton and then backing away to take some time and reconsider his options, Orris is juiced to have found a place with an in-state program.
"It's going to be great," said Orris. "I know a lot of people that go to Illinois some older friends of mine. It's only an hour and a half away from and 15000 in the orange and blue at every game is going to be awesome."