Brady Pettigrew remains Illinois basketball golden goose as recruiting stock rises

Illinois basketball is looking to make a splash in the recruiting world, and Brady Pettigrew is that guy.

As of right now, the Illini don’t have a commitment for the class of 2028. There are some big-time options out there, and Pettigrew is the golden goose for Illinois. He is the player who should be the center of attention, and if Brad Underwood could land him, everything else would fall into place.

On Wednesday, Pettigrew’s stock took a jump. 247Sports updated their class of 2028 rankings, and Pettigrew went from the No. 18 player in the country to now being a top 10 player at No. 10.

Pettigrew remains a five-star recruit, and he is now the best combo guard in the country and is still the best player coming out of Illinois.

Goal one for Illinois is to win the Pettigrew sweepstakes. Pulling him in would be huge for the program, and he would be a nice transition from the current national title-expecting squad to the next generation.

While Pettigrew is lined up as the No. 10 player in 2028, there is a chance Illinois is recruiting him for the 2027 class. He could reclassify, which would be even better for Underwood, as Pettigrew’s impact would be more immediate.

Illinois already has two four-star recruits committed for 2027 – Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin – so it is a good start. They are both backcourt or wing players, so they help strengthen depth.

Pettigrew would instantly step in and elevate the Illinois class of 2027 to top-10 status. Right now, we have the No. 26 class in the country.

While all eyes should be on Brady Pettigrew, Illinois basketball is after a couple of other giant recruits

Pettigrew should be priority No. 1. Whatever resources are needed to land him should be put into his recruitment.

That isn’t stopping Illinois from also recruiting other powerhouse players from the class of 2028.

Illinois has an official visit coming up with power forward Benjamin Berrouet. He is the No. 5 player in the updated recruiting rankings. He would be a dangerous wing or frontcourt player for the Orange and Blue.

I am keeping an eye on 7-foot-3 center Dylan Betts, too. He took an unofficial visit to Illinois about a month ago, and since then, he has been on our radar. Betts would be the big man to complete the class of 2028.

Honestly, for me, it all comes down to Pettigrew. Land him, and the sky is the limit when it comes to the potential of the class of 2027 and 2028. Get the golden goose, and Illinois basketball will be in good hands.

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