The Illinois basketball program may have found another gem with ties to Kansas, as four-star Quinton Kitt continues to impress at the high school level.
Kitt, who transferred from East Peoria High School to Monarch Academy, made his commitment to Brad Underwood and the Illini on November 27, 2025. The 6-foot-6 forward has been a premier target in the Big Ten, with programs like Iowa, Michigan, and Northwestern all extending him offers.
Illinois' top recruit is poised to be a major part of their roster, especially with Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo in the same lineup. Kitt's resume continued to grow on Monday, as he was ranked No. 67 in ESPN 100's updated player rankings.
After FIBA and team camps, the updated ESPN Class of 2027 rankings are officially here 🚨📈
— Caden Ferguson (@4qhcaden) July 6, 2026
Several prospects made major statements throughout the live period, with big performances leading to plenty of movement across the board. As the recruiting cycle continues, the race for… pic.twitter.com/Ft7gEhaHjb
Kitt continues to stay in the public eye as a top-100 player in the country. He has built himself a strong image in the eyes of the nation, even after sliding back a few spots from earlier in the year.
The No. 2 player in the state of Kansas will look to build his name to new heights after transferring to powerhouse prep school Monarch Academy, where he will play with fellow Illinois target and former Sun-Times player of the year Jaxson Davis.
Quinton Kitt transferring to Monarch Academy will certainly help his ESPN 100 ranking
Underwood is building something special in Champaign. In one year, there is a chance that they will have Lucas Morillo, Quentin Coleman, and Quinton Kitt all in the same lineup.
However, before we reach that point, we will have to see how Kitt does at his new home at Monarch Academy. The stellar wing will be taking his talents east to join a new prep school that has been attracting some of the most elite talent in the country.
At the risk of disrespecting East Peoria High School, it's safe to say that Kitt would not be playing against the same level of talent as at Monarch. In Kansas, he will have a much brighter spotlight placed on him, and he will be able to test himself against some of the best and brightest athletes in the nation.
If everything goes according to plan, don't be surprised if we see this young man break the top-60 by season's end. He has one more year to grow at the high school level, and with his future already set, it's time for Kitt to amp up the volume.
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