The Crazy Timeline Of Flo40 Big Man Jeremiah Tilmon's Recruiting Saga

The Crazy Timeline Of Flo40 Big Man Jeremiah Tilmon's Recruiting Saga

The full recruitment timeline of East Saint Louis (IL) and Missouri-bound big man Jeremiah Tilmon.

May 16, 2017 by Brett Regan
The Crazy Timeline Of Flo40 Big Man Jeremiah Tilmon's Recruiting Saga
The case is closed. The saga is over. Jeremiah Tilmon is headed to Missouri, and everyone can now take a deep breath of relief knowing the wild ride has officially ended.

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Anyone familiar with the recruitment of Tilmon, the No. 27 prospect for 2017, knows there was plenty of drama along the way.

In early April, the 7-foot Flo40 big man from East Saint Louis (IL) asked for a release from his letter of intent at Illinois, which put him back on the market following the firing of Illini head coach John Groce after five seasons and the hiring of Brad Underwood to take over the program in March.

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A week later, reports swirled around social media that the request had been granted.

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On Monday, Tilmon committed and signed with Missouri. All that's left is to take a trip down memory lane to remember everything that went down:

JULY 11, 2016: Tilmon commits to Illinois

Shortly after dropping a top five of Illinois, Kansas, Michigan State, North Carolina, and Texas, the rim protector announces he will stay close to home and play for the Illini.

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AUGUST 16, 2016: Tilmon transfers high schools

Following a successful season at La Lumiere School (IN), which included a trip to the DICK'S Sporting Goods High School Nationals title game, Tilmon announces he will head home for his senior season.

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NOVEMBER 8, 2016: Tilmon chooses not to sign a National Letter of Intent


What was supposed to be a dynamite 2017 class changed tones when the big man did not sign his letter of intent on the first day of the fall period.

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NOVEMBER 17, 2016: Tilmon signs with Illinois

In a surprising move, Tilmon does, in fact, ink to play for head coach John Groce during the 2017-18 campaign.

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MARCH 11, 2017: Illinois fires John Groce after five seasons

MARCH 18, 2017: Illinois hires Oklahoma State's Brad Underwood as its new coach

MARCH 25, 2017: Tilmon is rumored to be staying with Illinois

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APRIL 5, 2017: Tilmon requests a release from his letter of intent

APRIL 11, 2017: Illinois grants Tilmon his release

MAY 15, 2017: Tilmon commits and signs with Missouri

Stay with Illinois because of his relationship with assistant coach Jamall Walker, who remained on staff? Go to Missouri to play for a coach from his same hometown? Do something absolutely nobody expected? At the end of the day, those were the choices.

The first two had some legitimacy. The last option was just for kicks.

Missouri was always the intriguing program to look out for in Tilmon's recruitment. With Cuonzo Martin, who is also from East St. Louis, hired as the head coach and his staff, which includes Michael Porter Sr., the father of the nation's top player, the Tigers were certainly considered the front-runner in hopes to create another superstar team in the SEC alongside Michael Porter Jr. and point guard Blake Harris.

It happened, and it's now time to focus on basketball and the impact the big man will have for a rebuilt and rejuvenated program.