For a look back at the 2008 Shootout at the Hall, click here

IlliniHQ presents the Deron Williams Shootout at the Hall, hosted by State Farm. This year, the Dec. 12 boys' basketball extravaganza welcomes aboard former Illini and current Jazz star Deron Williams, who has thrown his name — and considerable funding — into the event.

 “This year’s event is going to be the best yet and my foundation, The Point of Hope and I are excited to be a part of it," Deron said. "The talent is high and the competition looks great.  It is a privilege to be supporting a great event and I wish every team and every player continued success.”

The pairings:

11 a.m. - Champaign Central vs. Rich South: Illini recruit Crandall Head won't play (knee injury) for Rich South. How many Boilermakers fans will turn out to see Central sophomore Jay Simpson, who committed to Purdue last weekend?

12:45 p.m. - Peoria Notre Dame vs. Glenbrook North: We're used to seeing a Weber roaming the sideline at the Assembly Hall. This time it's Bruce's brother, Dave, whose Glenbrook North team is led by Notre Dame recruit Alex Dragicevich.

2:30 p.m. - Peoria Manual vs. Bowman Academy: The first Indiana team to make an appearance, Gary-based Bowman is loaded. Leading the way against Wayne McClain's favorite team is Illinois recruiting target DeJuan Marrero, a Class of 2012 prospect with many Big Ten suitors.

4:15 p.m. - Peoria Central vs. Mount Carmel: Illinois recruit Tracy Abrams will play the point for Chicago Mount Carmel, which has the talent to make a long run in the 2010 IHSA tournamant. It's Abrams' first Shootout appearance but probably not his last (he's a junior).

6 p.m. - Rock Island vs. Robinson: Robinson center Meyers Leonard will have a homecourt advantage as often as the Illinois recruit visits the Assembly Hall for Illinois games. Plus, he played at last year's Shootout. Rock Island's Chasson Randle has a bright Division I future, too,

7:45 p.m. - Centennial vs. Waukegan: The event's marquee matchup: It's the defending Class 3A state champion against Illinois recruit Jereme Richmond, the reigning News-Gazette All-State Player of the Year who led his team to a runner-up finish in Class 4A in March.

9:30 p.m. - Brehm Prep vs. Quality Education Academy (N.C.): A prep school showdown will feature a bevy of Division I talent, including Illinois targets Quincy Miller (Quality) and James Siakam (Brehm). Perhaps the top prospect at the Shootout, Miller has deep Chicago roots.

Ticket infomation:

Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 9. Prices are $10 for general admission, $5 for students and $15 for seats on the floor. Re-entry is allowed. Parking is free courtesy the Champaign County Sports Commission.

FYI

A Q&A with Lucas C. Thurman, executive director of the Champaign County Sports Commission:

Why did the Sports Commission create this event?
We created this event for three main purposes. It was our desire to bring premier high school basketball back into the Assembly Hall and to host the most premier game and spectator opportunity. Our goal is to showcase recognized top athletes, teams and talent from the state of Illinois and throughout the country and to offer an exclusive first glimpse at Illinois recruits and future players. We also recognize the thrill and excitement that comes from playing on the floor of the Fighting Illini, and we will do our best to provide this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our local athletes.

Who is responsible for the success of the event?
There is an unbelievable amount of time and support that goes in to making the Shootout not only possible but a growing success. Number one is our sponsors. IlliniHQ, WDWS and the News-Gazette have been with us since the inauguration and have been awesome to work with. The amount of promotion and presentation offered by this media group has been tremendous. We also owe a great deal of gratitude to State Farm, which came on board with us in 2007. As the official host of the event they have offered not only a generous monetary contribution, but have contributed to preparation and event-day details.  Our title sponsor, Deron Williams, is the icing on the cake. His monetary support, name recognition and overall endorsement of the event are quickly catapulting the event to the next level of a nationally recognized feature event. The Assembly Hall staff has been great to us and the Sports Commission staff, board of directors and volunteers have done an amazing job with the planning and execution of the event. We pride ourselves on the service and top-notch production we deliver.

What does it mean to have Deron Williams involved?
It is really exciting. We pitched the idea to him and his representation earlier this year and have been working with his group since to come up with a great partnership. This shootout has the potential of becoming a signature event that is recognized throughout the country, and his involvement can take us there. Through his support we have gained sponsorship from Nike, which has graciously donated apparel and game balls. It is amazing to see an athlete and celebrity of his stature recognize and believe in what we are doing with the shootout. He gives back tremendously to this community, and we are honored to have him on board. With Deron's involvement, we will continue to grow the event boasting top talent and teams from multiple states. The Shootout at the Hall will become the coolest and classiest event in the country!