Four-star Class of 2014 power forward Leron Black (Memphis, Tenn./White Station) committed to Illinois Sunday while on his official visit in Champaign, picking the Illini over Baylor, Indiana, Memphis and Tennessee.
"I felt comfortable with the coaching staff and felt this was the best place for me to grow and develop as a player, person and spiritually," Black said.
Black's AAU coach credited a "great" relationship with the Illini staff for the decision.
"Leron has a great relationship with coach John Groce and assistant Jamal Walker, plus the opportunity to play as a freshman and develop into a combination forward was too much to pass up," said Norton Hurd.
Black, the No. 36 player in the ESPN 100, is a strong and physical power forward at 6-foot-7 and 215 pounds. He will provide Illinois with a dependable rebounder who plays with great energy and urgency on both ends of the floor. He has an under-appreciated skill set and has the potential to be a terrific combination forward on the college level.
"Leron has a great motor, is willing to work, is a beast on the boards and can hit the 15-to-18-foot jumper. He is a good kid with great character," Hurd said.
Black joins fellow power forward Michael Finke (Champaign, Ill./Centennial) in Illinois' 2014 recruiting class.
Information from ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers was used in this report.