MAHOMET – Mahomet-Seymour basketball star Brett Melton will give an oral commitment to the University of Illinois on Monday, The News-Gazette has learned.

Melton, a 6-foot-5 junior, has called a press conference for noon Monday at the school, at which time it's expected he'll announce his college choice.

The 1998 All-Area selection is the first prospect to commit to Lon Kruger for next year. He can't sign a letter of intent with the school until November 1999.

As a sophomore, Melton averaged 21.5 points and five rebounds for the Bulldogs. This summer, he was invited to the prestigious Nike All-American Camp and played for Larry Butler's Illinois Warriors AAU team, which won the Nike Summer Championships in San Diego.

Illinois, which is expected to have two scholarships available next year, has also shown an interest in juniors Darius Miles of East St. Louis, Reo Logan of Hillcrest, Andre Brown of Chicago Leo and Matt Lottich of New Trier.

Kruger was out of town this morning, the first day of the NCAA's contact period.