Illinois offers in-state underclassman

With six quality prospects already committed in the 2009 and 2010 class, Illinois continues its pursuit of underclassmen. Coach Weber and his staff offered freshman Donivine Stewart of Bartonville (ill.) Limestone Community High School over the weekend.

Stewart received his Illinois offer during his unofficial visit for the Minnesota game. According to Team Illinois coach Antwan Tillman, North Carolina, Ohio State and Wisconsin are in the mix with Stewart, who is expected to play both for Team Illinois 17-under team and Peoria Carver 15-under team.

During his freshman season, Stewart averaged 24.7 points, 4.8 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game. Two of his biggest scoring outbursts were against Illinois recruit D.J. Richardson's Peoria Central team where he scored 35 points and against Indiana recruit Matt Roth's Washington team where he scored 41 points.

Although Stewart is just a freshman, he plays the game with a mentality well beyond his years.

"Donivine has a mature all around game for his age," said Coach Tillman of Team Illinois. "He's a coach on the floor that adapts to situations well. He's very knowledgeable of the game. I've coached him since fourth grade, and he's steadily grown every year. He's the type of kid that you pick to build a program around."