EDWARDSVILLE — Mark Smith made his first unofficial visit to Illinois on Jan. 1 and got his scholarship offer from then coach John Groce after the Illini beat Ohio State.
The Edwardsville guard visited again in early February. And again last week — one more unofficial visit that simply reinforced what he already believed.
Illinois was for him.
Smith heard the pitch from a pair of blue bloods and a perennial Big Ten title contender. Kentucky and Michigan State both offered. Duke came in late with some interest and an in-home visit.
But Illinois — even after the coaching change from Groce to Brad Underwood — remained in the picture.