Illinois has started its 2019 recruiting class with a four-star forward.
Antwan January, a 6-foot-11 center from Hillcrest Academy in Arizona, committed to coach Brad Underwood and the Illini on Tuesday, he announced on social media.
“Thank you to everyone that’s been in my corner,” January wrote. “I would like to give thanks to God, my Mom, my brother/trainer , and all the coaches that recruited me. It’s been a journey & I’m not done yet.”
January becomes the first member of Underwood’s ‘19 group, which figures not to be a large class with a young roster in Champaign. He picked the Illini over Kansas State, Ole Miss and TCU.
“The style of play fits my game,” January told Rivals. “They like to play fast and run the floor which is what I love.
“The relationship that I formed with coach (Chin) Coleman and coach Underwoodwas big and so was the chance to play in the Big 10 Conference. It is one of the best out there and really, it just felt like home.”