Joseph Bertrand

6-5, Guard, Sterling

Rated No. 116 by Rivals.com and unranked by Scout.com, Bertrand averaged 14 points and five assists as a junior at Sterling

Just before midnight on Oct. 11, 2007, Joseph Bertrand became the third guard to commit to Illinois in a span of about 24 hours. The Sterling senior already has shown he's comfortable at the Assembly Hall, scoring 28 points in a 2007 team camp (against D.J. Richardson) and 26 points in a 2008 team camp (against Brandon Paul). Beat writer Paul Klee caught up with Bertrand on Monday.

Describe the scenario when Bruce Weber offered a scholarship.

Joseph Bertrand: "We scrimmaged down there and he took me into his office. He told me that he wanted me to come to school there. He told me to think about it, and finally I said yes. It felt good to me. I had a lot more offers, but to get an offer from Illinois, I was kind of waiting for them to offer me. It was real exciting for me."

Why Illinois?

JB: "I've always like them. I've really liked coach (Bruce) Weber. I've been down there to scrimmage with them and with my team down there. I've been going down there since I was 14 or 15. It was real exciting for me when they offered me."

How did the other two commitments (from Paul and Richardson) affect your decision?

JB: "I was excited about it. I get to play with D.J. and Brandon. They're really good players. To have all three of us there is exciting."

What are your goals with this recruiting class?

JB: "I want to get better, improve my game in every aspect. I want to get faster, stronger, and get comfortable with the players and the coaching staff."

And your take on the current Illinois team?

JB: "It was good for them to get Demetri there. I think they'll be pretty good this year. Then having us coming down there next year will be big for them, too."

How have (Sterling coach) Peter Goff and (Illinois Wolves coach) Mike Mullins influenced your career?

JB: "Oh, both coaches have had a huge influence on me. Coach Mullins is an incredible coach. He's done so much for every player that comes through the program. Coach Goff does the same. He really cares about the guys. It's been really good for us."

Sterling doesn't have a lot of Division I athletes. What's the attention like in a small town?

JB: "I was in walking through Wal-Mart the other day and some people came up to me and asked for autographs. That was fun. I'll be going around town and you don't expect it."

So what did you get at Wal-Mart? Groceries?

JB: "No, me and my friend were just walking around. We were bored one day, so we went to Wal-Mart."

Who do you like to watch?

JB: "In the NBA, my favorite players would be Kobe and Derrick Rose. I think the first time I watched Derrick Rose was when I was 15 at an AAU tournament. He was really exciting to watch, real fast. Everything about his game is fast and explosive. That's what I like about him."

What number will you wear at Illinois?

JB: "Not 11!" (Dee Brown's number)

Probably a good choice.

JB: "Yeah, I'll probably go for something in the 30s."

D.J. said he's wearing No. 1.

JB: "You're going to be wearing it for the next four years, so you have to pick one that you like."

–Paul Klee