Illinois Basketball: Illini trying to build the recruiting pipeline in Wisconsin

Illinois basketball had success with one Wisconsin recruit, so why not try to continue building that pipeline.

I was shocked when the Illini were able to pull Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Brandin Podziemski out of Wisconsin. Usually, teams like the Badgers or Marquette land players like this. But Podziesmki picked the Orange and Blue. This choice might help others, like Kon Knueppel, decide they can come to Illinois as well.

Knueppel is a 6-foot-5, 205-pound shooting guard from Wisconsin Lutheran High School and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He isn’t rated or ranked just yet because he is from the class of 2024, but this kid is a wanted player by many different programs.

There are roughly seven teams that have offered Knueppel a scholarship. In addition to the Illini, some of the bigger programs include the likes of Wisconsin, USC, and Iowa.

Illinois basketball loves to load up on the shooting guards.

I see where the future of the Illinois basketball program is heading. Brad Underwood wants this team to be dangerous from the outside.

Just look at the class of 2021. Luke Goode and Brandin Podziemski are both great shooters who can play the No. 2 or No. 3 spots on the court. The 2022 class is bringing in Jayden Epps and Sencire Harris, both of whom can light it up from outside and play any guard position.

For 2024, Underwood is now going after Knueppel. He is a great player who can hit shots from anywhere on the court.

Knueppel is entering his sophomore year at Wisconsin Lutheran, and the expectations are high. He had a great freshman season, averaging 10.6 points per game while hitting 52.5% of his three-point shots.

I think Knueppel can stay out on the three-point arc and hit shots all day long, but what I love about his game is the fact he can create his own shot. He isn’t just a stationary player. This kid can drive to the hoop and score. He can get into the lane and pull up from mid-range. Knueppel has the entire offensive repertoire.

I love this offer by Illinois. If we can continue building that pipeline to the state of Wisconsin, the Illinois basketball program will have a great future. Knueppel is going to be a special player.