Bruce Weber’s recruiting image received another boost this week when ESPN rated the Illinois basketball class of 2009 as the second-best in the country at this point, behind only North Carolina.

Granted, making such an early assessment can be dangerous and misleading. The Illini have received four commitments and other schools are likely to pass them as they receive more of their own commitments. At this point, the ratings serve two purposes: they keep the fanbase excited and give Weber more cachet as he builds his recruiting classes of the future.

For a little perspective, take a look at the final consensus national rankings, according to rscihoops.com, of these Illinois recruits: Dee Brown No. 19 in 2002, Deron Williams No. 48 in ‘02, James Augustine No. 78 in ‘02, Rich McBride No. 28 in ‘03, Brian Randle No. 52 in ‘03 and Shawn Pruitt No. 77 in ‘04.

Here is a look at the current national rankings of the four players who have indicated they will sign with the Illini in November. These can change dramatically after the summer:

                                               Scout.com                    Rivals.com                  ESPN.com

Brandon Paul                       No. 95                              No. 49                       No. 80

D.J. Richardson                   No. 60                              No. 57                       No. 92

Tyler Griffey                       No. 80                              No. 123                      No. 47

Joseph Bertrand                 NR                                    No. 77                        NR