With a stable of backcourt players to take head coach Tom Richardson and the Illinois State basketball program into the 2004-05 season, the Redbird coach focused his attention on post players Wednesday with the signing of Ronnie Carlwell, Greg Dilligard and Michael Sams on the first day of the early signing period.
Collectively, with one more to sign in the spring, this class should fill our needs inside, Richardson said.
Carlwell, a native of Maywood, Ill., measures in at 6-foot-10, 250-pounds and will bring an immediate defensive presence from Proviso East High School. The All-Suburban West Gold Conference selection blocked 199 shots during the 2001-02 season, or nearly six rejections per game. The Pirates finished with a 26-3 record on the year and advanced to the Class AA super-sectionals. He averaged 10 rebounds and just under five points per game and was also recruited by Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky and Wyoming.
I really liked Illinois State because of the coaching staff, players and arena, Carlwell said. I will bring a big defensive presence to the Redbirds. I want to come in and block shots, rebound and hopefully score some points.
Richardson agrees with Carlwells inside presence.
Ronnie is 6-10 and 250-pounds, so hes a different type of player, Richardson said. Right now hes a solid shot blocker, defender and rebounder, but his scoring is something that will have to be developed.
Dilligard, from Highland High School, is a 6-8, 215-pound forward from Labelle, Mo. He averaged a double-double as a junior with 16 points and 12 rebounds per game. Dilligard was named the teams most valuable player, while walking away with conference defensive player of the year honors. He was also selected to the all-state and all-district teams. Dilligard, who started as a sophomore and junior, was also recruited by Eastern Illinois.
I really like the players and the coaching staff. It was an easy decision, Dillegard said. I enjoy playing defense and should bring a defensive presence to the team. I should be able to contribute a little offensively as well.
Dilligard, who plans to major in an area of business, has a work ethic that Richardson admires.
Greg is a blue-collar, hard-working player that the fans will enjoy, Richardson said. Hes a good athlete with a lot of potential ahead of him. Hes an excellent defender and shot blocker.
Sams will join ex-teammate and current Redbird Neil Plank next season. A product of Mt. Zion High School, Sams averaged 14 points and nine rebounds last season at forward. Sams, who started last season as a junior, has been a regular with the varsity including an appearance in the sweet 16 as a sophomore. The 6-7, 205-pounder will join his older brother, Jake, in the Missouri Valley Conference. Jake is starting his sophomore season at Indiana State this year.
On my visit, the coaches and the players were great, Sams said. Plus, Illinois State is close to home. It just seemed like a good fit for me. I will bring a lot of energy to the floor. I like to get physical, play scrappy and do the little things that make my teammates better.
Sams also brings a blue-collar mentality.
Michael is a hard-nosed, tough player, Richardson said. Hes not afraid to dive on the floor for loose balls and is from the Gregg Alexander mold. Hes a guy that does all the little things that help you win.
These were the only three signed national letter of intents that Richardson and his staff were expecting, thus leaving the basketball program with one scholarship for the spring signing period.
