Malcolm Hill is no longer the sole Illini recruit for 2013, as Maverick Morgan announced to the world via Twitter (natch) that he has committed to joining the Fighting Illini in 2013.

Illini fans have been nervous about John Groce’s recruiting prowess, as recruits such as Michael Orris (2012) and Jalen James (2013) have been heading for the hills. Morgan is the first major player to commit to Groce out of high school, as Mike LaTulip will have walk on status and Rayvonte Rice and Sam McLaurin are transfers. This is also Groce’s first commit for 2013, and he has room for two more guys.

The 6-foot-10, 240-pound center is from Springboro, Ohio, and is ranked in the top 15 at his position for 2013. And, that’s pretty much all I know about him as of right now, aside from the fact that he has an awesome name. His final list was said to include Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Dayton, Xavier and Minnesota, but it was the staff at Illinois that sealed the deal for him.

Though the Illini need a center to fill the big shoes of Meyers Leonard, here’s hoping by the time Morgan arrives Ibby Djimde or Nnanna Egwu will be dominating in that position and can teach him a thing or two.

Next on the list, let’s get some point guards!

Illinois has nabbed verbal committments from a shooting guard and a point guard this week, which is perfect because we’re drowning in big men right now.

PG Michael Orris from Crete-Monee and SG Malcom Hill from Belleville East both have verbally agreed to suit up in the orange and blue in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The 6-foot-3 Orris decommitted from Creighton earlier this summer.  Orris explained his reasoning for joining Illinois to the Chicago Tribune:

“It’s been a journey. To get that load off my shoulder is tremendous. I couldn’t be happier with my decision. Illinois is the state school, and in the Big Ten. I get an opportunity to play in front of 15,000 fans, the drive is one and half hours away from my house. It’s an amazing feeling.”

The 6-5, 200-pound Hill is a Junior this year at Belleville East , and is ranked No. 58 in the Class of 2013 by ESPNU.