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UI recruit Jereme Richmond picked  his future college one game into his high school career. Tracy Abrams accepted an Illini scholarship offer as a sophomore after solidifying himself as one of the state's top Class of 2011 prospects.

But some talents are late bloomers. Case in point, Mycheal Henry.

The 6-foot-6 Chicago Orr junior was all potential as an underclassman, oozing athleticism but lacking refinement. But Henry has taken the next step during the winter, averaging 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Once a fringe high-major recruit, Henry is now being courted by the Big Ten after putting up big numbers during the high school season. Henry received a scholarship offer from Wisconsin earlier this month and visited the UI for the Illinois-Minnesota game Saturday.

"It's very overwhelming," Henry said. "I didn't expect to do this well. It's surprising."

UI assistant Jerrance Howard has led Henry's recruitment for the Illini, who have seriously picked up their recruitment of the Orr standout.

"(Illinois has) been telling me everything," Henry said. "They want me to come to a lot of games. They've been recruiting me hard."

Henry also has scholarship offers from Illinois State, Nevada, Saint Louis and Baylor. The blossoming wing likely will earn even more high-major interest if he shows his improved skillset with the Chicago-based Rising Stars AAU program during the summer circuit.

Orr said his newfound notoriety hasn't been a distraction. Actually, he's liking the attention.

"I just adapted to it," Henry said. "It's been fun."