Illinois Basketball: Illini targets plentiful in Rivals Top 150 for 2021

Rivals updated their top 150 for the class of 2021, and there are a ton of Illinois basketball targets throughout.

Let’s first start off with Illinois’ lone commitment for 2021, Luke Goode. The 6-foot-6 wing checks in as the No. 101 player in the updated Rivals Top 150. I am excited to see what this kid can do on the court. I think his shooting and size are going to give Big Ten opponents headaches.

To start the prospects list, you don’t have to travel too far to find the first of the Illinois targets. Jaden Hardy checks in at the No. 6 spot on Rivals Top 150. Hardy is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard from Henderson, Nevada. He cut his list down to just 12 teams back in mid-April. The list included Arizona, Arizona State, Georgia, UCLA, Texas Tech, Georgetown, Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan, Memphis, Kansas and Illinois.

The next option for the Illini would be Michael Foster at No. 8 in the Rivals Top 150. Foster, a 6-foot-9 forward from Phoenix, Arizona, is a newer addition for fans to keep an eye on. He had a Zoom call with the Illinois coaching staff back on May 15. Foster would be a perfect fit to play the No. 4 spot and, potentially the No. 5 at times.

Checking in at the No. 12 spot is Kendall Brown. He is a 6-foot-7 small forward from Bel Aire, Kansas. Brown is a versatile player who could either play the No. 3 or 4 in Champaign. Back on May 16, he trimmed his list to just Baylor, Minnesota, Ohio State, Marquette, Arkansas, Arizona, Virginia, Kansas, Maryland and Illinois.

Max Christie is someone who has been on the Illinois radar for years. This in-state sensation from Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is the No. 17 player in the class of 2021. He hasn’t cut his list yet, but it is my belief that Christie will end up with either Illinois or Duke.

A big man is always a priority for the Illini, and that is why they are targeting multiple for 2021. The first center you come to is Charles Bediako. He is a 6-foot-10 beast from Willoughby, Ohio. Bediako checks in as the No. 22 player in the Rivals Top 150. He met with the Illinois coaching, virtually, back on May 21.

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Alex Tchikou is another big man Illinois is in the running for in 2021. The 6-foot-11 big man is the No. 25 player in the new rankings. Back on May 28, Tchikou virtually met with the Illinois coaching staff.

The next player in the ranking that stands out is Langston Love. Illinois could always use more shooting, and that is what Love would provide. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard is the No. 43 player in the class of 2021. On May 20, Love cut his list down to just 11 teams and kept Baylor, Texas A&M, Texas, Stanford, UCLA, Texas Tech, Villanova, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Kansas and Illinois alive for his commitment.

Illinois’ No. 1 target, in my eyes, should be Mac Etienne. The 6-foot-10 center from Suffield, Connecticut would be a huge addition to the team. He is ranked as the No. 51 player in the new Rivals Top 150. Illinois is one of the top schools for Etienne right now, and there is a possibility he reclassifies for 2020. This kid would be a huge addition to the program.

Next on the list is Jordan Nesbitt. Bringing in talent from the St. Louis area is always a great thing for the program. Nesbit is a 6-foot-6 wing from St. Louis, Missouri. He is ranked as the No. 59 player in the class of 2021. There hasn’t been a top list, but it is widely believed that Illinois is one of the top schools for this talented player.

Arguably the most underrated player in the Rivals Top 150 is Brandon Weston. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Chicago, Illinois only continues to rise. He is currently the No. 76 player in the class of 2021. Again, he is a player who hasn’t cut his list yet, but Illinois seems to be one of the top schools to land him.

I would say this is the list of the main targets for the Illini right now. I believe we can build one of the greatest classes to ever come through Champaign in 2021. Goode is a great start to accomplishing that goal. Let’s continue adding some big-time pieces.