There is a growing adage now in recruiting of high school players that scholarship offers don’t quite mean what they used to.

Illinois’ offer to Neuqua Valley’s Mason Martin last month certainly meant a lot.

When a teen-aged kid ignites the interest of his “dream school” and the coaching staff’s pursuit is strong and rapid, the recruitment becomes legit and can go quickly.

In six months Martin went from a complete unknown to a Big Ten-bound player as the 6-5 junior ended his recruitment early, committing to Illinois.

“All of it is super surreal,” Martin said of the whirlwind recruitment. “I’m super grateful and thankful for all of it. Six months ago none of this was happening. Now I’m committed and locked in. I’m still kind of trying to process it all.”

Martin was only going to be kept under wraps for so long.

When you are able shoot the basketball with the range and efficiency that Martin does, you’re eventually going to be found and coveted.

Martin proved he was a Division I prospect over the spring and summer, both with his travel team, Breakaway, and his high school team during the June “live” periods. But the start of his junior season has been an absolute explosion, generating higher-level college interest.

Martin is putting up just over 19 points a game for a team that is 16-1 and ranked No. 9 while playing with one of the state’s elite players, sophomore Cole Kelly. The shooting, which is Martin’s calling card, has been exemplary. He’s already buried 62 three-pointers on the season on 146 attempts.

While that’s an ultra-impressive 42 percent for a high-volume shooter, it’s also about how he gets his shot off. Martin does so effortlessly and with a quick release.

Martin hit 11 three-pointers while scoring a career high 41 against West Aurora in the season opener. He averaged 23 points a game in helping Neuqua to the DeKalb Holiday Tournament title, including 34 points and eight threes in the championship.

Illinois pounced quickly on a player who has established himself as the state’s premier shooter. Martin will help any college program with his ability to space the floor.

“The relationship they built with me mattered,” Martin said.

Illinois came to several games, practices and open gyms. Martin said he felt genuine support and love while talking to all the coaches on the staff.

“I love everything about the program — the facilities, the coaching staff, the culture they have developed with their whole team, whether it’s on or off the court,” Martin said. “It’s one I wanted to be a part of and keep helping build.”

The recruitment and the decision came quickly. But Martin already had his eye on Illinois. He says when you combine the success of the program, the location and his own perception of the school, it became an easy decision.

“It’s really kind of my dream school coming into it,” Martin said. “And they’re a top 15 program in the country, a prestigious program that’s pretty close to home. That’s why I decided to do it so early, because I know it’s the right spot for me. I know I made the right decision.”

Martin says he’s already started a discussion with his high-profile, high-in-demand teammate Kelly about joining him in Champaign.

“We have definitely talked about it, but it’s mostly just making jokes about it right now,” Martin said with a laugh. “But I definitely have already started. He’s my favorite teammate I’ve ever played with, so being able to do that at the next level would be super fun.”

CHICAGO (WLS) — There was a new sign Thursday that Bally’s Chicago casino may not open their new facility this year, as previously expected.

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A bill filed in the Illinois legislature, would allow casino operators in chicago to extend their licenses at a temporary facility by up to 18 months.

Bally’s is the only casino operator in Chicago, with a temporary location in River North at the Medinah Temple Building, while it builds a permanent site along the Chicago River.

SEE ALSO | New Bally’s renderings revealed, as company says it secured funding for permanent Chicago casino

Bally’s said in a statement Thursday the bill allows them to continue operating the temporary casino “responsibly” through September 2027, if needed.

SEE ALSO | Bally’s Casino Chicago holds job fair for people interested in becoming card dealers

Tripadvisor released its 2026 Best of the Best Destinations list for the U.S., awarding cities based on above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over 12 months.

Unsurprisingly, New York City ranked first on the list due to its must-see landmarks, shops and tours. But Illinois cities made the list as well, receiving two of the travel company’s 25 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Here’s what the website had to say.

Chicago ranks among Tripadvisor’s Top 10 US travel destinations

Chicago ranked No. 6 on the list, with the website pointing out the Windy City’s “cornucopia of modern art, fine dining, cutting edge comedy and die-hard sports fans.”

Tripadvisor highlighted Chicago’s city tours, day cruises, landmarks and games as “great things to do,” raving about the city’s cultural experiences. Whether you fancy a history museum, stand-up comedy performance or a walk around the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, Chicago has plenty in store for tourists.

Others are reading: Where is the best place to retire in Illinois? See rankings from U.S. News

Galena makes Tripadvisor’s Best US Destinations list

Less than a three hour drive from Chicago is the quaint town of Galena, which landed at No. 25 on Tripadvisor’s list.

The website compliments the town’s kid-friendly atmosphere, water tours, historical sites and holiday and seasonal tours.

“If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time,” the website wrote, complimenting Galena’s traditional architecture and lengthy history.

Whether you’re looking for a visit to the home of former President Ulysses S. Grant, a walk through the underground Vinegar Hill Lead Mine or a luxurious tour of the town’s fine dining, there’s an endless supply of things to do.

Tripadvisor 2026 Best of the Best US Travel Destinations

Here is Tripadvisor’s full ranking of top travel destinations in the U.S.:

1. New York City, NY
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Oahu, HI
4. Nashville, TN
5. New Orleans, LA
6. Chicago, IL
7. Charleston, SC
8. Key West, FL
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Boston, MA
11. Maui, HI
12. San Francisco, CA
13. Miami, FL
14. Sedona, AZ
15. San Diego, CA
16. Mount Desert Island, ME
17. Miami Beach, FL
18. Island of Hawaii, HI
19. Los Angeles, CA
20. Kauai, HI
21. Moab, UT
22. Asheville, NC
23. Anna Maria Island, FL
24. Key Largo, Fl
25. Galena, IL