CHAMPAIGN - The oral commitments of two highly regarded juniors are expected to put some punch in the backcourt of the future at Illinois.

Pledges from Peoria Central guard D.J. Richardson and Warren guard Brandon Paul also allow the program something else it needed: recruiting mojo.

"What it does is, you have a day like this and get a couple of guys to pop, and it creates a momentum swing. Recruiting is all about momentum," Scout.com recruiting analyst Dave Telep said. "Now that you have a D.J. Richardson and a Brandon Paul, it solidifies (UI commitment) Jereme Richmond and now you can go after the Chris Colvins of the world."

Illinois reversed its recruiting fortunes when Richardson, a 6-foot-4 guard at Peoria Central, and Paul, a 6-2 guard at Warren, informed Bruce Weber and his staff they will attend Illinois. Both are expected to be freshmen for the 2009-2010 season.

"We're flying so high after this decision, we won't even need a car to get down there," Brandon's mother, Lynda Paul, said today.

"I think it's the best decision he's made in his life," D.J.'s father, D.J. Richardson Sr., said today.

The double dip creates a positive stir heading into Friday's Illini Madness at the Assembly Hall. Richardson is considered by many recruiting analysts as the state's top prospect in the graduating class of 2009. Richmond, a sophomore at Waukegan who committed to Illinois last November, is considered the state's top prospect in 2010.

Less is known about Paul, though Weber thought enough of him to offer a scholarship in late August, prior to his junior season. He has a brother, Cliffton Paul Jr., who is a sophomore at the UI. The university's academic reputation and Bruce Weber's approach were two selling points for the Paul family.

"He's (Weber) just is such a wonderful gentleman," Lynda Paul said. "He's just a wonderful gentlemen. You can tell he is full of truth, not a lot of fluff."

UI assistant Wayne McClain, with his Peoria ties, has been the lead recruiter on Richardson for some time. D.J. Richardson Sr. said McClain was one of his teachers at Harrison Elementary in Peoria. The recent hiring of assistant coach Jerrance Howard, who is also from Peoria, sealed the deal for the Richardson family.

"Everyone needs recruiting momentum. Programs don't survive without it," Telep said. "Momentum is everything on the court, but it's even bigger off the court. Momentum and perception are everything in the recruiting business. Now you can push the buttons on other players in those classes."

That makes three Illinois commitments who are expected to attend Illini Madness. Richmond also will attend the event, his family said.

Chris Hanna, the assistant athletic director for sales and marketing at Illinois, said today 15,000 pink T-shirts had been sold as of Wednesday. The pink T-shirts, a symbol of cancer awareness, will be used as tickets for the event.

Richmond (Waukegan), Richardson (Peoria Central) and Paul (Warren) are scheduled to compete in the WDWS/News-Gazette Shootout at the Hall on Dec. 15.