Francis Okoro told The News-Gazette last month distance from his home in central Illinois wouldn't factor into his college basketball decision.
Apparently, the Normal West big man was telling the truth.
Okoro, one of the top recruiting targets for Illinois and coach Brad Underwood, verbally committed to Oregon late Monday night, announcing his choice via a Twitter post.
Illinois and Purdue were also in the running for the 6-foot-9 big man.
"After careful thought, prayer and counsel, I'd like to announce where I'll be playing college basketball," Okoro wrote. "I'd like to thank each university and staff that took time to recruit me.