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Illinois Basketball: 2022 standout Braden Huff receives Illini offer

By Zain Bando

CHICAGO - MARCH 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheer team runs around the court against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a first round game of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Minnesota 51-49. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - MARCH 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheer team runs around the court against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a first round game of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Minnesota 51-49. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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In-state recruiting has been paramount for Illinois basketball since Brad Underwood’s arrival, and an offer to Glenbard West’s Braden Huff shows just that.

The Illini are gearing up for a post-Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn era in Champaign. In order to maintain sustained success under head coach Brad Underwood, landing in-state standout Braden Huff just might be the answer the coaches are looking for to begin a new tradition of excellence.

Huff, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound power forward, hails from Carol Stream, Illinois, and attends Glenbard West High School as part of the West Suburban Silver Conference. Huff was offered by the Illini on June 20. He also holds additional offers from Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Virginia, to name a few.  Huff is currently listed as the No. 2 player from the state of Illinois and a four-star 2022 prospect.

What would Braden Huff bring to the Illinois basketball team?

“Beyond grateful to have received an offer from the University of Illinois,” Huff wrote. “I’d like to thank Coach Alexander and the rest of the staff for this opportunity.”

High school basketball began in the late wintertime in Illinois, as the Hilltoppers turned in one of its best seasons over the last six years. Huff’s squad managed to finish in a tie for first in the Silver division with Downers Grove North. The Hilltoppers turned in a 16-1 regular season that included victories against Lyons Township, Hinsdale Central, Addison Trail, and Proviso East.

As a junior, Huff averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. He was one of the key catalysts that propelled the Hilltoppers to success and with the addition of Bobby Durkin from Hinsdale South, it’s safe to say that Glenbard West is one of the state’s premier teams entering the 2021-2022 season.

Check out Huff’s highlights during the 2019-20 Hilltoppers Thanksgiving tournament, which is when he became a household name.

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If Underwood can land Huff, it could help restart a pipeline for future Midwest prospects to join the fold for years to come.

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