Writing Illini
Fansided

Rising 4-star recruit keeps Illinois basketball on top list

Brad Underwood is looking to land some big fish, and this recruit would be an incredible addition.
ByRees Woodcock|
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Illinois basketball is in the hunt for some of the biggest recruits in the country.

Brad Underwood, throughout his time with the Illini, has put the program in great positions when it comes to recruiting. Now, Illinois is in the running for one of the best players in the class of 2026.

On Tuesday afternoon, Joe Tipton of On3.com reported that Maximo Adams narrowed the scope of his recruitment down to 11 programs. The 11 teams to make his top list include Duke, Michigan State, Kansas, Purdue, Arizona State, USC, Texas, Washington, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Illinois.

This would be a huge home run recruit for the Orange and Blue. Adams is a 6-foot-7, 205-pound small forward from Sierra Canyon High School in California. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 40 player in the class of 2026. Adams is also the No. 17 small forward in the country and the No. 6 player coming out of California.

According to 247Sports, Adams has already started to take official visits. He went to USC back in June. He has visits set up with Kentucky on September 5, Michigan State on September 11, Kansas on September 19, Texas on September 27, North Carolina on October 31, and Duke on November 8.

Illinois needs to get in on the official visit schedule to have any chance at Maximo Adams

Adams might be underrated at No. 40 in the country. He is coming off a massive summer where he averaged 18.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while also shooting 40.6% from three-point range.

That is why Illinois needs to secure an official visit from Adams. Without that visit, we have zero chance of landing the superstar.

The fact that the Illini made the top 11 means there is definitely a connection between the coaching staff and Adams. Let’s get that relationship further down the road. I think this kid isn’t just a solid recruit. To me, he is one of the top players in the country and a game-changer for whatever program lands him.

Home/Illinois Basketball Recruiting