Branden Dawson is now a consensus top-25 player in his class (No. 16 on Rivals.com and No. 21 on Scout.com). He averaged 16.7 points and 15.5 rebounds as a sophomore.

Dawson's blend of size and what what his coach calls "extreme" athleticism has high-majors constantly dialing his number. Indiana, Purdue, Minnesota, Georgetown and UCLA have extended scholarship offers, while Illinois, Butler, Ohio State, USC, Xavier and Butler have also shown high interest.

Each Monday, we'll introduce a team participating in the IlliniHQ Shootout at the Hall presented by State Farm Insurance, our annual boys' basketball extravaganza which this year takes place Dec. 12 at the Assembly Hall. Today: Peoria Manual

Meet the newest Illini - Crandall Head said he has faxed his NLOI to Illinois

Today, three highly touted prep basketball players are expected to ship their letters of intent to Bruce Weber, who has lined up his second consecutive nationally ranked recruiting class.Beat writer Paul Klee sat down with all three players in advance of their big day.

Meet the newest Illini - Robinson big man says he has faxed his national letter of intent to Illinois

CHAMPAIGN - Thanks to a gutsy freshman, Illinois avoided what could have been a loss in an exhibition game Sunday.

Peorian D.J. Richardson poured in 23 points, including eight straight midway through the second half, to lead No. 23 Illinois to an 84-63 win against Division II Quincy University at the Assembly Hall.

 “This year’s event is going to be the best yet and my foundation, The Point of Hope and I are excited to be a part of it," Deron Williams said. "The talent is high and the competition looks great.  It is a privilege to be supporting a great event and I wish every team and every player continued success.”

This week, HQ recruiting expert Jeremy Werner analyzed where Illinois stood with the prep football stars still looking for a school.