Over the years, the Illinois basketball program has targeted the East Coast, and now we are heading back out to try to land a big-time recruit.
Brad Underwood has done wonders with the Illini, as we have been able to land some huge recruits. As the coaching staff has formed over the years, different areas have become stronger and weaker depending on who is on the staff.
Orlando Antigua came back in the picture in the last couple of seasons, and Illinois has started to focus more on the East Coast once again.
This past Wednesday, Illinois’ interest in the East Coast heated up again, as Josh Rivera announced he had received a scholarship offer from the Orange and Blue.
Blessed to receive an offer from the University of Illinois! pic.twitter.com/nTVs7Nn81f
— Josh Rivera (@joshrivera22) July 23, 2025
Rivera is a 6-foot-7, 180-pound shooting guard from Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 70 player in the class of 2027. He is also the No. 7 shooting guard in the country and the No. 3 player coming out of New York.
There is a lot to love about Rivera’s game. He is a long player who can shoot well. It is going to be tough to guard Rivera, as he plays either the No. 2 or No. 3 spot, and at 6-foot-7, he is going to be tough to get a head in his face on the perimeter.
I love Rivera’s quick release. That is going to make him an even tougher matchup. He is someone who can make buckets at all levels of the floor, too. With two years remaining, this kid is likely to skyrocket up the 2027 recruiting rankings.
Illinois basketball is familiar with Josh Rivera’s high school
Archbishop Stepinac is a program that has had a decent relationship with the Illini. In the class of 2018, the Illini pulled in some solid talent led by Ayo Dosunmu.
In that class, Illinois also landed Alan Griffin from Archbishop Stepinac. He was a good player for the Illini but would eventually transfer.
I think Griffin would have had a good Illinois career if he hadn’t bolted for Syracuse, although I completely understand the move. He would have been a great scoring option on some good Illini runs. Maybe Rivera can pick up where Griffin left off and help take Illinois to great heights.