Recruiting Wrap

Antonio Drummond making splashes

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Monday, December 15, 2008 8:41 AM

When D.J. Richardson decided to transfer to Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., Peoria Central was left pondering how to fill the void of losing a consensus top-50 recruit in the nation. Left to step into the large shadow left by Richardson's departure was a 5-foot-9 freshman. Antonio "BoBo" Drummond would have it no other way.

 

"As soon as (Richardson) told me he was going to leave, I already knew what's going on," Drummond said. "It's on me now. I was up for the challenge. I was sad that he left, but I still had to do what I had to do. It's a big opportunity for me. It'll make me grow."

 

Although it may seem like a load to put on the shoulders of a freshman, Peoria Central coach Dan Ruffin said Drummond is already one of the most complete players on his squad and is a "legit" Division I prospect.

 

"The focus is now on him," Peoria Central coach Dan Ruffin said. "He's handled it well. He just goes out and plays. He plays and he just plays hard. He does everything I've asked him to do. He's probably the focal point of our team and he's handled it pretty well."

 

Drummond made a splash on the AAU circuit this summer with the Peoria Stars. He has already received interest from several Division I high majors looking for a floor general, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and UCLA.

 

Illinois coaches got a closer look at the Peoria Central product on Saturday at the Shootout at the Hall. Drummond scored 11 points in a 51-49 loss to Crane, but his most impressive effort may have been on the defensive end as he drew the assignment of Illinois commit Crandall Head. Drummond yielded six inches to the Crane junior, and although Head netted 21 points, Drummond's quickness and tenacity on the defensive end forced Head into 10 turnovers.

 

"He likes playing against the best competition," Ruffin said. "He likes playing against the best guy, and that's something you like having in a kid. He wants that challenge. He wants to guard the best guy on the team. He doesn't want the guy sitting at the end of the bench.

 

Drummond said he hasn't delved fully into the recruiting process yet, but said Illinois is still a big presence in the Peoria area. With Peoria Central grad Jerrance Howard on the Illinois staff, it is likely Illinois will keep close tabs on the impressive freshman.

 

"So far I like (Illinois)," Drummond said. "I haven't seen much yet. But this is the school that I know the most. I like it a lot."

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