Illinois Basketball: Illini getting an unofficial visit from a rising star

The Illinois basketball coaching staff already has their eyes set on a big-time recruit for 2025.

It is impressive what the Illini have done on the recruiting trail since Brad Underwood took over the program. Players like Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn have decided to play in Champaign. That trend will continue with the great class of 2022 and 2024. But what about even further down the road?

While the class of 2025 isn’t close to being here yet, it is always a good idea to start building relationships with those players. That is what Illinois is starting to do with EJ Walker.

Walker is a 6-foot-8, 220-pound shooting guard from Lloyd High School and resides in Erlanger, Kentucky. He isn’t rated or ranked due to the fact he is from the class of 2025, but Walker already has a myriad of programs that have offered him a scholarship.

Illinois hasn’t extended Walker an offer just yet, but that could be coming in the next couple of years. For now, Walker is just starting to take his unofficial visits. On Monday, he took to Twitter to announce his upcoming unofficial visit schedule. One of the teams he is visiting is Illinois on October 8.

Illinois basketball is smart for targeting a player like EJ Walker this early.

Walker is just entering his sophomore season of high school basketball. The fact he is already 6-foot-8 and is listed as a shooting guard is eye-popping. It wouldn’t shock me to see him at around 6-foot-10 when his high school career is finished.

When I watch Walker play the game of basketball, the first thought that pops into my head is that this is the type of player coaches want in today’s game.

I am amazed by the ability Walker has on the court. He is a power forward who can shoot the ball well. His physical presence on the inside is amazing, but then those kids who are guarding him in the paint have to follow him out to the three-point arc where he can knock down shots.

By the time Walker gets to his junior or senior year, he is going to be a top 100 recruit. He will be wanted by every team in the country. This kid is the complete package.

Hopefully, Illinois can get in the game for Walker and be one of the top teams for him down the stretch. He has amazing potential and I want him in the Orange and Blue.