Scratch That: Another Chicken Stays in the Coop

Word came out yesterday that Sterling, Ill. junior Joseph Bertrand has verbally committed to Illinois, swiping one of Wisconsin's prime '09 recruiting targets right off the table. Bertrand is capable of playing either guard spot and will probably wind up playing point guard for the Illini even though he's said to be still growing.

The commitment completes a very nice recruiting class for Bruce Weber, one he sorely needed if you ask those who live and bleed orange. All three players are well-regarded backcourt talents, which could lead to a hellish flashback for opponents in a few years. You cannot blame Weber for trying to recreate the Dee Brown/Deron Williams/Luther Head magic. Combine his 2009 class with a top-notch freshman guard (Demetri McCamey, from Isaiah Thomas' alma mater) and an early commitment from 5-star stud Jereme Richmond for 2010 and you just wonder why it took so long.

While it is sad to remove an excellent player's name from UW's list of potential signees, the completion of Illinois' class means that the Badgers have playing time and open arms to offer Bertrand's capable AAU teammate Diamond Taylor.