For a second, the score didn’t matter. There was hope.

In unison, the Orange Krush neglected the Illini’s 12-point deficit to then No. 2 Michigan with 11:44 remaining in the second half on Sunday, and started chanting.

“We want Lyle!” CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, “We want Lyle!”

JaQuan Lyle is a five-star recruit and currently ranked as the No. 15 basketball prospect in the nation for the Class of 2014 by ESPN. The junior has drawn interest from Kentucky and already has offers from Ohio State, Georgetown, Louisville, Texas and Indiana, among others.

While Lyle’s mind is far from made up, he would be Illinois’ biggest recruiting get since Dee Brown in 2002. So if there’s a silver lining to the Illini’s 74-60 loss to the Wolverines, it was the Edwardsville, Ind., native’s presence. After the crowd finished the chorus of his name, Lyle tweeted from @JMamba5: “We want Lyle” chant #ICanDigIt.

“It got real loud in here, and I had to tweet that,” Lyle said after the game. “To be the one they chanted, they had three commits here and lot of recruits, that was real special.”

Lyle was referring to the Illini’s Class of 2013 commits Jaylon Tate, Kendrick Nunn and Malcolm Hill, as well as Class of 2014 commit Michael Finke, Class of 2014 No. 49 recruit Larry Austin and Class 2015 No. 23 recruit D.J. Williams.

Lyle didn’t know the other recruits well, but he said he’s acquainted with Tate and has played against Nunn. Regardless, he was in Champaign to meet with Groce, which he did just before the game.

“He really loves the game of basketball,” Lyle said. “He really looks forward to turning this school around. He just talked about me and how great I’d fit into the program. I really agree, but I just have to take my time and see.”

Austin, who plays at Lanphier High School in Springfield, Ill., also said he liked Groce’s system, but it was the first-year coach’s courtside demeanor that caught the junior point guard’s eye.

“I like how he coaches his team,” Austin said. “He yells at them. He gets into them, but he gets the best out of his players.”

Sunday was Austin’s second Illini game of the season. He was also in St. Louis for the Illini’s 82-73 loss to Missouri in the Braggin’ Rights Game on Dec. 22. While he hasn’t witnessed an Illini win this season, he’s noticed the fans, and their dedication to the team, even when times are tough.

“The atmospheres are great,” Austin said. “The crowd gets into it each and every night. They don’t care who they’re playing. Even if they’re down, they’re still going to cheer for them. It’s pretty good here.”

Austin keeps in touch with Illinois seniors D.J. Richardson and Brandon Paul, whom he met when he’d take trips down to Champaign when Bruce Weber was still coaching the Illini. Once Groce succeeded Weber, he met with Austin in his office and personally offered him a scholarship.

Groce has a reputation of being a particularly strong recruiter. He was the lead recruiter when Ohio State signed Mike Conley Jr., Daequan Cook and Greg Oden when he worked under Thad Matta, and in the few months he had to recruit his class of 2013 he signed the nation’s 24th best class, according to ESPN.

“Recruiting is always exciting,” Groce said. “I love meeting people and developing relationships. That part’s fine. I enjoy it.”

The Orange Krush enjoys seeing top-50 recruits at games as well. They give the student section something to cheer about, even if the Illini are down 12.

Ethan can be reached at [email protected] and @AsOfTheSky.