Nov. 12--Illinois welcomed "one of the best point guards" in the Class of 2016, according to coach John Groce, when Milwaukee native Te'jon Lucas signed his national letter of intent Wednesday.
"He makes really good decisions," Groce said of Lucas, rated a four-star prospect by Scout.com. "A guy either has that vision or he doesn't. He's exceptional with seeing things."
The 6-foot Lucas also considered USC and Old Dominion. Wisconsin and California reportedly made late pushes to try to land him.
With a lack of depth at point guard in Champaign, Lucas could make a quick impact.
The Illini also signed 6-6 wing Kipper Nichols, a 2015 Tulane signee from the Cleveland area who was granted a release for family reasons. He will enroll at Illinois for the spring semester and likely will be eligible to play next December.
Groce also noted that sophomore forward Leron Black might be able to play in the season opener Friday against North Florida in Springfield. Black has been sidelined with a knee injury.
sryan@tribpub.com
