Shaun Pruitt Commits To Illinois

Shaun Pruitt knew his decision wasn’t going to be easy, but his recruitment has finally ended. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound power forward from West Aurora High School in Aurora, IL., has given a commitment to Illinois. Pruitt had planned to make this decision after his official visit to Illinois was complete, but the decision was just too tough.

"I want to thank all the college coaches who have recruited me over the past 3 years at West high,” Pruitt said. “I also want to thank my family, friends, coaches and West high staff and fans who have continued to support me, especially through the hard times when I was injured. This has been a tough decision and a long hard year leading up to this decision, but I feel like I’ve put the work in to get where I am now, to help prepare me for college, and I plan to continue working even harder.

“I’ve visited many college campuses, met with many college basketball coaches, and allowed myself to experience the full recruiting process,” he added. I wanted to choose the place that seemed to be the best fit for me and I feel like my decision is based on solid reasoning with the help of good people around me. After much thought, I have decided to accept a basketball scholarship from the University of Illinois.”

Many people believed that Michigan State was the team to beat after Pruitt returned from his official visit to East Lansing, but after his visit to Illinois, Pruitt knew that staying home was the best option.

“Few people know that I was leaning toward Illinois in March when the head coach came to my Regional final game,” Pruitt said. “I had one of my career best games and afterwards he told me that I would definitely fit into his plans. But I felt I had to reconsider things and look closer at other programs after the coaching change. Coach McClain staying at Illinois had a lot to do with helping to continue the connection I had with the previous staff through to the new staff. Also, coach McClain really made a difference in helping my Dad and me understand what to expect if I chose to become an Illini.

“Thanks again to everyone who was involved in or followed my college recruiting,” he added. “I feel I made the best decision for me and I’m happy to be staying to play for my home state school. I’m looking forward to working hard with Coach Weber and his staff and working my way in with all the great players at Illinois.”

Rivals.com ranks Pruitt No. 66 on the Rivals150 list and the 19th best power forward in the class of 2004.