There they were Saturday, warming up on opposite ends of the Southport High School court, two of the nation’s top juniors who could one day lead Illinois back to the Final Four.
Eric Gordon, a multitalented 6-foot-4-inch guard from Indiana power North Central, recently made an oral commitment to the Illini.
Derrick Rose, an explosive 6-3 guard, has Illinois on his short list alongside North Carolina, Kansas and Arizona.
For the sizeable section of orange-clad Illini fans who had driven over from Champaign, this would be a dream backcourt.
Factor in current freshman Jamar Smith, and it could give coach Bruce Weber a three-guard presence with the potential of Deron Williams-Dee Brown-Luther Head.
“I’ve been talking to [Rose] a lot and sending text messages about joining me,” said Gordon, who had 32 points, five rebounds and three steals in Saturday’s 68-66 victory over Simeon. “From what he is telling me, I think Illinois is ahead. Derrick and I would make one of the best college backcourts in the nation.
“Seeing all these Illini fans coming to watch me play makes me feel real welcome. The best part of going to Illinois is the chance to bring the team back to the Final Four. Now, I’ve just got to talk Derrick into coming with me.”
Hampered by an upset stomach, Rose had six points on 2-for-11 shooting while committing nine turnovers.
Tim Flowers had 17 points and 10 rebounds while Josh Davis had 15 points for Simeon.
North Central (4-1) led from late in the second quarter, but Simeon (3-2) drew within 58-55 with 6 minutes 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter. That’s when Gordon made back-to-back steals and finished with one-hand tomahawk dunks.
Sitting near the North Central basket, Illinois coach Bruce Weber had a huge grin on his face.
“Usually teams will just quit after dunks like that,” Gordon said. “I thought it would just end it. But they kept coming back.”
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bsakamoto@tribune.com
