Brad Underwood is doing wonders to the reputation of the Illinois basketball program.
Everything started with Ayo Dosunmu. Now, the Illini are landing five-star recruits and are in the running for many more.
As of right now, Illinois has the No. 4 class in 2027. Two players are signed up, but a recent report might have another massive recruit joining the mix in 2027.
Everyone already knew that Brady Pettigrew was set to take an official visit to Illinois on October 2. What people might not realize, and what Jeremy Werner of 247Sports is reporting, is that Pettigrew has a chance to reclassify to the class of 2027.
Illini Inquirer AM: Tuesday, Aug. 25 — ☕️ Your morning jolt of #illini news
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) August 25, 2026
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This would be a bombshell of a scenario. Just think about that for a second. If Illinois can convince the local kid to come to Champaign and play for the Orange and Blue, we would have another five-star in the mix for 2027.
So, let’s lay out what the recent recruiting classes have seen. Will Riley, a five-star recruit, in the class of 2024. Also, two NBA players in Morez Johnson Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis. Keaton Wagler, the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft, in 2025. Quentin Coleman, a five-star recruit, in the class of 2026.
Illinois now has a chance to land a player in Pettigrew, who is a five-star and might be available for the 2027 class. Just looking at the past three recruiting classes alone, the Illini have to be an intriguing option for the talented guard.
The Illinois basketball roster would be so dirty with Brady Pettigrew in the mix
Okay, so after the 2026-27 season, Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Jake Davis all might be gone.
I think there is a 50-50 chance that David Mirkovic and Stefan Vaaks depart for the NBA. I think there is a 30% chance we get Coleman back and he doesn’t go to the NBA.
If Pettigrew were to commit and reclassify, he would instantly be starting for the Illini. The lineup would be pretty insane.
Vaaks, Pettigrew, Lucas Morillo, Mirkovic, and whatever big man Illinois can land in the transfer portal or as a five-star. We are targeting plenty of big-time options, and Underwood won’t have trouble finding another big man.
Illinois is poised to be good for a long time. As long as Underwood is at the helm, there is comfort in knowing that mediocrity is something that won’t be around the program.
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