Five-star Gordon off the board

The No. 5 ranked prospect in the class of 2007 Eric Gordon is off the board. The father of the 6-foot-2, 175-pound combo guard from North Central High School in Indianapolis confirmed his son's commitment to play in the Big Ten.

"Eric decided Illinois is where he is going to school," said Gordon's father, who also shares the name Eric. "He talked to Coach Weber last night and decided it was time to make the commitment.

"This recruiting process has been crazy. Eric felt like his head was about to explode and wanted to focus on school and get ready for this basketball season. We are talking about 40 or more text messages a day."

Mr. Gordon named four other schools that were in the running with Illinois, but a combination of factors put Illinois over the top.

"Illinois gradually grew on him," the elder Gordon said. "Duke was very close to Illinois, extremely close. Notre Dame, Missouri and Purdue were also in there.

"But after going to several games and spending time on the campus, Eric was very impressed with the crowds and the fan support. He also really likes the coaching staff, not just one coach in particular but all the coaches. Plus, it is only 90 minutes away, which is close to home but not too close. And Illinois has been second in the Big Ten in academics."

As a true combination guard with the ability to excel at either backcourt position, Gordon is impressed with fluid offensive system of Illinois and the success of their most recent backcourt players.

"Illinois runs a three guard offense, and since Eric can play the one or the two at such a high level, the staff said they just wanted to focus on getting the ball in his hands. His position is not so important to them as making sure he gets touches because good things will happen with the ball in his hands.

"Eric has really been impressed with the success Luther Head has had this year running the point. Even though he wasn't the point guard for Illinois, he had the experience of handling the ball along with the other two guards."

Eric Gordon scouting report:

Powerfully built but also highly skilled, Gordon is a true combo guard with a refined all around game. He can shoot from deep either off the catch or the dribble, attack the basket from any direction and can score in the midrange. He also has a dangerous post up game and can distribute the ball as well as score. Defensively he has the quickness and strength to guard any perimeter player. Along with O.J. Mayo he is as complete a guard prospect as there is on the circuit.