One More Visit For Pruitt

Shaun Pruitt is nearing the final stages of his recruitment. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound power forward from West Aurora High School in Aurora, IL., will take one final visit to Illinois this weekend before making a decision about his future. Pruitt spent last weekend touring the Michigan State campus and the Spartans pushed hard for a commitment, but Illinois gets the last shot at landing the West Aurora big man.

“Shaun had a great time during his visit to Michigan State,” Mr. Pruitt said. “The coaching staff really pushed for a commitment. Magic Johnson and Steve Smith were both on campus during the visit, so Shaun was impressed with that.

“Shaun will take one final visit to Illinois this weekend before making a decision about what school he will attend,” he added. “He is very interested in the success of each basketball program, but academics are important as well.”

Aside from the academic side of things, Pruitt’s development as a basketball player is an extremely important factor. He knows his game must improve if he has any chance of playing at the NBA level.

“Shaun must develop some perimeter skills if he plans on playing at the next level,” Mr. Pruitt said. “It would be different of he were 250 or 260-pounds, but he’s not. Shaun definitely has the height to play at the next level, but he doesn’t have the weight.

“Depending on what school he selects, the coaching staff will work with Shaun on developing a perimeter game,” he added.

Pruitt will make his decision a few days after his visit to Illinois.

Rivals.com ranks Pruitt No. 76 on the Rivals150 list and the 19th best power forward in the class of 2004.