By Joe Henricksen
Eastern Illinois secured a commitment from Foreman guard Tommy Woolridge Thursday night, one of the top 30 prospects in the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s rankings of the top players in the Class of 2010.
Eastern Illinois was the first school to offer Woolridge and, to the Woolridge’s credit, always remained loyal to Eastern Illinois coach Mike Miller and his staff throughout the recruiting process.
Woolridge is an overlooked player in the senior class, mostly due to the fact he plays with two high-profile Division I teammates in Lavonte Dority and Mike McCall. The trio should form one of the elite perimeter attacks in the Chicago Public League and the state this winter. The 6-1 Woolridge, who averaged 17 points a game last season as a junior, brings toughness and attacks on both ends of the floor. He is willing to get after it defensively and in his ability to attack the rim and finish in the halfcourt and in transition. While streaky with his shot, he’s more than capable of knocking down shots.
Woolridge becomes the first Division I commitment in coach Terry Head’s 12-year career at Foreman. Now the focus turns to both McCall and Dority, while 6-6 senior Eddie Denard’s interest is also picking up.
