CHAMPAIGN – "He's growing up."

That was the consensus statement Saturday in reference to Jereme Richmond, including the opinion of the 6-foot-7 junior himself.

The UI's early-bird commit transferred to Waukegan as a sophomore and wound up sitting out the end of last season. His suspension raised character questions.

"We're all more comfortable this season," said Bulldog coach Ron Ashlaw. "I was new last year and we had a team divided between seniors and young guys. It was hard on everybody. Now we have guys who went to grade school together. They feel natural around each other ... no rivalries."

Referring to Bulldog teamwork, Ashlaw said "a theme has emerged. Last year we were always trying to identify ourselves. I'm particularly pleased today because the Assembly Hall is a bright light atmosphere and we played the way we envisioned. It was just like the first six (Waukegan is 7-0)."

If you're a numbers counter, Richmond bagged 21 points in Friday's win against Maine South, and had 18 more Saturday on 8-for-15 shooting. He didn't press, taking what came to him in a 65-55 defeat of Rock Island.

OK, Jereme, have you really matured?

"Definitely," he said. "We've moved past the bumps in the road, and our team attitude translates to the game. Last year I concentrated too much on individual statistics. It was a bad experience for all of us. I don't want to be the downfall of the team again."

In terms of smarts and talent, the UI couldn't do better.

Head of the class

Crandall Head's transfer from Rich South to Chicago Crane took a toll on coaches trying to influence his enrollment elsewhere. Both Tyrone Slaughter of Whitney Young and Vince Carter of Von Steuben were given six-game suspensions for improper contacts.

Head flashed his special skills at the Shootout at the Hall on Saturday, producing an unusual triple-double with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 turnovers. To say his passing was nonchalant would be an understatement, but his rash tosses are clearly correctable. In the wild rush toward a 51-49 victory against Peoria Central – the teams combined for 40 turnovers in 32 minutes – Head converted a drive-in for a 49-47 lead, broke the 49-49 tie with a free throw, and blocked Travis Kellem's layin that would have given Peoria the lead.

"We've already informed the custodians to open the gym for practice when we get back to Chicago," said Crane coach Tim Anderson. "We have to learn to value the basketball."

With long arms and dribble skills with either hand, Head reminds more of Kendall Gill than brother Luther Head, either of which is a positive comparison.

The question is not whether Head and Richmond will make an impact at Illinois. The question, rather, is how long they'll be around. Both have advanced to a point where, with normal progress, they may be too good to be four-year collegians.

My, oh, Meyers

The third UI commitment in that junior class, 6-11 Meyers Leonard of Robinson, is a different case. He is thin and immature but displays excellent touch and mobility that could make him a standout when he gets stronger. His rebounding and outlet passing were good, and his shot-making was impressive, though infrequent.

At Robinson on Friday night, Leonard got just four shots and two points in a 45-43 win. Then at the Hall on Saturday, he had 15 points in a 49-42 win against St. Thomas More.

That stands as his highest production of the young season. Clearly, he is a prospect about whom Illini fans must be patient. As with Mike Tisdale and Stan Simpson, UI coach Bruce Weber made a good recruiting decision but it won't blossom overnight.

Leonard, whose late father was once a golf pro in Robinson, has reportedly grown six inches in the last year. He has unusual coordination and running ability for his size. He could be special someday.

Loren Tate writes for The News-Gazette. He can be reached at ltate@news-gazette.com.