Illinois basketball legend stops in to see top recruiting target

An Illinois basketball legend was in the house to watch a potential future legend for the program.

When it comes to recruiting, the Illini have connections in various places. We have done some good work in Wisconsin. Indiana is starting to become a pipeline. Overseas has been good to us as well. And, of course, in-state recruits are always a nice option.

Texas is a state that isn’t bearing fruit for the Orange and Blue. The last player to come from Texas was Matthew Mayer, and he entered the program via the transfer portal.

Change could be on the horizon, though. Illinois is starting to dabble in the Lone Star State once again, and we are heading toward a familiar high school. Back in December, Illinois offered a scholarship to Bryce Dixon, a 6-foot-4 wing out of The Colony High School in Texas.

Dixon doesn’t have a recruiting profile just yet, but the high school sophomore has an offer from Mississippi State to go along with his Illini offer. He is also showing interest in the Illinois program, as he has already taken an unofficial visit back in mid-January.

While there is mutual interest between Illinois and Dixon, there is also another connection. Illinois legend Deron Williams also went to The Colony. On Tuesday night, he was in attendance at The Colony’s game, and he and Dixon had a chance to talk and take a photo together.

Illinois basketball target Bryce Dixon is only going to continue to climb the class of 2026 rankings

The Colony had a great 2023-24 campaign. They finished with a record of 27-5 overall and 12-2 in their conference. Ranked No. 37 in the state of Texas and No. 7 in class 5A, Dixon has helped elevate the program to great heights.

According to his social media profile, Dixon has seven double-doubles on the season, and he capped his sophomore regular season campaign with 22 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, two assists, and two blocks.

Dixon is a sophomore by class, but he has the mentality and basketball IQ of someone who is way beyond his years. That is the first thing that stands out to me. He is directing traffic and is a team leader.

I also love how easily the game of basketball comes to Dixon. His touch shooting the ball if phenomenal. I love his ability to cause chaos, but he is under control. That is a great attribute to have on the basketball court.

This kid feels like a senior or even a college player already, just imagine what he is going to look like in two years when he is actually a senior in high school. It wouldn’t shock me if Dixon climbs into the top 10 nationally.