Illini target Lucas to announce decision Wednesday

Illinois’ head coach John Groce instructs his team from the sidelines during the game against Coppin State at State Farm Center, on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. The Illini won 114 to 56.

By Alex Roux

Te’Jon Lucas, a three-star point guard in the class of 2016, will announce his college decision Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. He’s considering Illinois, Old Dominion and USC.

Illini hoops fans’ collective attention has been focused on Lucas and fellow 2016 point guard Charlie Moore, especially in the wake of Xavier Simpson’s commitment to Michigan. Head coach John Groce has yet to land a commitment in the class of 2016, and securing a point guard has been a top priority.

Lucas, a 6-foot, 155-pound Milwaukee native, is ranked as the third-best player in Wisconsin by 247sports.com. His long, lanky build allows him to finish over defenders in traffic, and he’s the type of traditional pass-first point guard the Illini roster currently needs more of heading into 2016-17.

Lucas was scheduled to take an official visit to Illinois this weekend, but tweeted Tuesday that he would announce his decision Wednesday in Milwaukee. But, that doesn’t mean Lucas can’t still commit to Illinois and take the visit anyway.

Lucas took an unofficial visit to Illinois over the summer, and Groce has visited him in Milwaukee.

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Moore was scheduled to visit Illinois the weekend of Sept. 25, but reportedly had to postpone his remaining official visits due to a family emergency.

Alex is a senior in AHS.

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@aroux94