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Illinois Basketball: DJ Steward talks Illini in latest interview

By Rees Woodcock

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini gives instructions to his players during a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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One of the biggest 2020 recruiting targets for the Illinois basketball team is in-state talent, DJ Steward.

Steward is a 6-foot-3, 165-pound combo-guard from Whitney Young High School in Chicago, Illinois. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 27 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 6 combo-guard in the nation. He is also the best player in the state of Illinois.

Snagging Steward has become one of the top priorities for the Orange and Blue. But it won’t be as easy as saying we are the state school so come play for us. There are so many teams vying for Steward’s commitment including some of the blue bloods.

The most recent blue bloods to come in with an offer were Duke and North Carolina. These are two traditional powerhouse programs that usually get their way when it comes to recruiting. Where is Steward’s head after these two prestigious offers, though?

Scott Burgess of Prep Hoops had a chance to chat with Steward about his recruitment and thoughts on the two most recent offers. Obviously, he seemed really excited. Steward mentioned the great coaching from Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams. He also liked the thought of playing with equal talent around him at these programs.

There was a ray of hope for the Illini during this interview with Steward, though. He did mention the schools that have been recruiting him will still get respect. He talked about the relationships he has built with the programs and then talked a little bit about what Illinois has to offer.

Steward liked Illinois’ facilities. He also mentioned that Brad Underwood and the coaching staff have a plan for Steward to be the replacement for Ayo Dosunmu. This would make sense considering Ayo is departing after this season for the NBA. He will, most likely, be a first round draft pick.

Next. 4 underrated recruits who could help the Illini. dark

At the end of the article, Steward does mention that he is going to cut his list down soon. I look for the Illini to make this list. I assume it will be a top five that consists of something like Illinois, Texas, Duke, North Carolina and Indiana. But let’s just make this top list and go from there. Hopefully, the Illini can snag Steward because this kid is a game-changer.

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