After bringing in the No. 58 nationally ranked recruiting class of 2025, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has a lot of work to do to ensure the success of the Fighting Illini over the next few seasons.
One target that could make sure that goal is accomplished is Alex Constanza, the No. 15 overall prospect and the No. 4 power forward in the class of 2026.
Constanza, who is originally from Ohio, has repeatedly included the Illinois Fighting Illini within his top schools. When he recently broke down his recruitment process, including an official visit to Champaign, he discussed exactly which factors will lead him to his eventual commitment.
"The number one thing for me is development, family-like culture. I want to get better every day on and off the court," Constanza said. "I want to be able to fully fit in, play with good teammates, and get a chance to win a national championship."
A family-like culture, he says? Well, what if Underwood leaned into the fact that there is no place like home in Champaign, especially since one of the athletic program's go-to mottos is "FamILLy?"
What does Illinois need to do to land Alex Constanza?
Yes, there is a lot that goes into the recruiting process, with seemingly new factors becoming a part of the equation daily. However, if a player sits there and emphasizes the importance of feeling like he is a part of a family within his new program, a head coach would be ignorant not to pay attention.
Underwood has the perfect in, especially with players (both football and basketball alike) committing to the Fighting Illini and using the hashtag "#FamILLy" within their announcement.
Also read: Illinois basketball in the hunt for massive class of 2026 big man
Constanza also shared that he is nowhere near a decision, and wants to focus on finishing out his final AAU season before he looks toward the next level any further. He also confirmed that he will not reclassify to 2025, opting to remain in the class of 2026 and finish his high school career.
One unfortunate factor for Illinois is that Constanza let the country know that the Kentucky Wildcats and head coach Mark Pope have been in contact with him, poking their way into his recruitment.