Tuesday night was the men’s basketball awards banquet – the day that Bruce Weber set as to how long the season-ending loss to Washington would sting, and that is good enough for me. The first steps to moving on are to look at the talent that is coming back, and at who the Illini could bring in for the future.

First, I spoke with the crown jewel, Eric Gordon. In my interview with him a couple names were repeated throughout: one was Chicago’s Derrick Rose, and the other … was E’twaun Moore.

E’twaun Moore is a junior from Central High School in East Chicago, Indiana. Reportedly the Illinois coaching staff, along with a bundle of other high-profile programs, have turned up the heat on the athletic guard. Moore is reluctant to name all the schools he is considering, but gave up four of the many: Illinois, Tennessee, Miami and Purdue. He says those four are pursuing him most intensely.

And why not? Moore is ranked as the 71st best prospect in the nation by Rivals recruiting service, and has recently backed up his top 100 ability, as well as making a claim to even better his ranking. Moore is a 6-foot-3-inch, 175 pound guard who has made a name for himself as a pure scorer. He has the ability to take a defender off the dribble and finish in the lane. He is a very good athlete with explosion on his leap, and along with his natural ability, Moore has made himself into one of the more intimidating defenders in the country. The only knock on the guard has been his jumpshot, which according to Justin Young of Rivals isn’t an issue at all:

“He was consistent from deep and showed a good-looking form on his shot. Mixing that with his already good skill set, Moore not only proved that he was one of the best players in the event, he proved that he is one of the top guards in the class of 2007.”

To Illinois fans he feels like the perfect guard to compliment Bruce Weber’s team – an athletic guard who can shoot and get to the hoop while possessing the size and ability to guard an opponent’s 1-3. Moore says that he is an up-and-down player who loves to play in transition, loves to play free, and is looking for a school that lets their guards play. (Illinois circa 2004-2005) Moore didn’t say anything about being named all-tournament at a recent AAU event and downplayed any success I pointed out, directing attention to his team.

Moore, although soft-spoken about his game, was quick to point out how well he would fit into Champaign’s program.

“I am looking for a school that I could fit in right away,” Moore said. “I want to like the environment – at Illinois I could come and fit in. I play their type of ball, I really like the three guard offense/defense, and of course they have a winning tradition.”

It’s this time of year that fans can’t help but envision classes coming together and leading teams to the Final Four. It keeps them going, so try this on: Eric Gordon running alongside Moore, friends from high school, stars in Champaign. Nice, huh?

E’twaun said that although he talks to Gordon every so often to keep in touch, Gordon does not try to pressure him into the decision. But the idea of playing with the blue chip guard does creep into Moore’s thoughts for his decision, which is expected to be made at the end of summer or early in his senior year.

“I like the fact that Eric is going to Illinois,” Moore said. “It’s good to know who’s around you. I know how talented he is and also that he is a friend. Selecting a school, its a pillar.”

Illinois fans always wonder why some recruits can’t see the silver lining in playing at Champaign.

Weber develops guards, recently there has been immediate playing time for blue chip guards, and the chance to become an Illinois legend could be reason enough. Maybe Moore has noticed some of the positives. Illinois guards’ NBA success is a positive, but the modest Moore merely responds, “Hopefully where ever I go, I can work hard and become one of the players who becomes great.”

An Illinois fan might ask E’twaun to get in touch with Luther Head and ask him how his time with Bruce worked out, but it seems the bright guard from East Chicago has his priorities laid out. He intends to visit Champaign during the summer.

Ian Gold can be reached at [email protected].