Illinois Basketball: Illini land 4-star guard Brandin Podziemski

The Illinois basketball team just received a vital commitment from Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball.

Head coach Brad Underwood and the Illini received another offseason surprise, as four-star combo-guard Brandin Podziemski announced his commitment to the Orange and Blue on Tuesday.  Podziemski chose Illinois over his other top four schools: Kentucky, Wake Forest, Miami, and Vanderbilt.

Podziemski, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound guard, is currently ranked as the No. 152 overall prospect in the nation by 247sports.  The Illini commit shot up the rankings throughout the duration of his senior year, given that he was only ranked No. 273 in October 2020.  Podziemski is additionally ranked as the No. 3 player in the state of Wisconsin.

A product of St. Johns Northwestern Military Academy located in Delafield, Wisconsin, Podziemski absolutely tore up the stat sheet for the Lancers his senior year. He averaged an absurd 35 points per contest.  The Wisconsin native would additionally tally 10.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 4.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.  His phenomenal senior season earned him the honor of Wisconsin Mr. Basketball.

What will Brandin Podziemski bring to the Illinois basketball program?

Podziemski was named Wisconsin Mr. Basketball for a reason.  He can do it all.  The four-star recruit has been compared to current Miami Heat star Tyler Herro by many.  Podziemski’s film shows he has the ability to score the ball from all levels of the floor.  He is a sharpshooter, as he is a very dangerous left-handed three-point threat.  His ability to shoot the three-ball will give Illini point guards Trent Frazier and Andre Curbelo a good outlet option.  The Mr. Basketball of Wisconsin also possesses a consistent mid-range jumper. Podziemski can also perform some flashy dunks and slam down some ally-oops.

In addition, the Illini commit possesses spectacular handles, which he uses to create scoring opportunities.  On several occasions in his senior mixtape, Podziemski was able to stop on a dime, dribble behind the back to create separation from his defender and drill a jump shot.  The Wisconsin native can also break ankles with a killer cross-over, creating an open lane to the basket for an easy score.

Finally, Podziemski is a phenomenal passer.  The four-star recruit has the ability to deliver a gorgeous dime when on the move.  On many occasions during his tape, Podziemski was able to thread the needle, converting on pass attempts that not many hoopers would find easy.  His stats are able to back up his passing abilities as well, given that he averaged over five assists per contest his senior year

Podziemski’s commitment comes at a very convenient time, given the recent departures of star guard Ayo Dosunmu and freshman guard Adam Miller.  Not only will Podziemski provide much-needed depth at the guard position, but he will absolutely make an immediate impact as well.  The new Illini commit will likely be competing with Illini junior Austin Hutcherson and fellow incoming freshmen Luke Goode and RJ Melendez for minutes.

Podziemski joins Goode and Melendez as the current members of Illinois’ 2021 recruiting class. The Illini just got a special one.