Top Illini recruit dismisses report
Saturday, July 8, 2006
By JOHN SUPINIE / COPLEY NEWS SERVICE


INDIANAPOLIS - Eric Gordon, the star recruit in Illinois' four-man class of incoming high school seniors, confirmed his Illini commitment and denied an Internet report claiming the shooting guard had reopened his recruitment.

Chicagohoops.com reported Friday that Gordon had recanted an oral commitment made to Illinois in November, but the nation's top shooting guard said Friday night the report was inaccurate.

Gordon posted a message on the Illiniboard.com message board late Friday after he learned of the report while playing at the Adidas Camp in Atlanta. Gordon's father, Eric, also said the report was false.

"It's just the same stuff popping up. Nothing has changed,'' Gordon's father said. "It seems to be the sign of the times. Some people want to see a change.

"It comes with the territory. He's a top recruit. There's been no signing of a document. If there's any way to make a difference, they're going to try it.''

Gordon can't sign a letter of intent until the early signing period in November.

The athletic 6-foot-3 Gordon, of Indianapolis North Central High School, is rated as the nation's top shooting guard and a top-10 recruit overall by scout.com.

When he chose Illinois over Duke, Arizona, Indiana and Notre Dame, it was the biggest recruiting victory in coach Bruce Weber's tenure with the Illini.

But after Indiana fired coach Mike Davis and filled the opening with Kelvin Sampson, the Hoosiers attempted to change Gordon's mind. Gordon has repeatedly confirmed his commitment to Illinois through several media outlets this spring.

The Chicagohoops.com report said Gordon had recanted his commitment and would choose between Illinois, Indiana and Notre Dame.