High Major Prospects

The state of Illinois is home to a profusion of high major division one talent, here is a breakdown of prospects that fit the "high major" description

Ian Miletic - 6'7 SG - Rolling Meadows

Committed - Marquette

Miletic is the most college-ready prospect in the state and has earned our #1 overall prospect ranking. Committed to Marquette as of June 12th, 2024, Miletic has solidified himself as a high major division one basketball player. Over the years, Miletic has consistently advanced his game and blossomed into one of the best wings in the nation. A pure shooter, decisive slasher, athlete in transition, and floor general are ways to describe Miletic’s game. In addition to his skills, Miletic’s vocalness and leadership traits set him apart from most young prospects. Expect the 6’7 skilled shooting guard/wing to do significant things in the Big East in years to come.

Davion Thompson - 6’2 PG - Bolingbrook ‘27

Offers - Tennessee, Wake Forest, Michigan, Iowa, Washington, Illinois, Eastern Illinois, Bryant

Thompson is one of the most promising prospects in the state. What sets Thompson apart is his diverse scoring ability. Excellent footwork paired with a smooth shot and developing athleticism are all factors in Thompson’s ability and projectability on the court. At 6’2 and still young, Thompson could grow into a well-sized point guard prospect in the coming months. This year, he is the focal point of a state title-worthy team, Bolingbrook. Thompson could have one of the best underclassmen seasons in recent history.

Jaxson Davis - 6’2 PG - Warren Township ‘27

Offers - Illinois, DePaul, Arizona State, Northwestern, Indiana, Western Illinois, Eastern Illinois

Davis is another promising prospect in the state of Illinois. Davis possesses all of the skills to succeed at the next level. The 6’2 scoring guard had a tremendous freshman season, leading Warren Township to a 31-win season. Playing with Nike Meanstreets on the EYBL circuit last spring and summer, Davis racked up several offers and interest from major division one programs. Davis’ offers include the University of Illinois, DePaul, Arizona State, Northwestern, Indiana, Western Illinois, and Eastern Illinois. Expect Davis to have an even more productive high school and AAU season as a sophomore.

Phoenix Gill - 6’3 PG - St. Ignatius

Committed - Northwestern

Gill’s potential is undeniable. The athletic point guard has all of the tools for success. Playing with Mokan Elite and Mac Irvin Fire over the spring and summer, Gill displayed his talent on the national level and performed well. Committed to Northwestern as of June 10th, 2024, Gill brings a complete game to the Wildcats. Gill is the focal point of his St. Ignatius squad this year and will likely post major performances throughout the 2024-2025 season.

Cole Kelly - 6’6 SG - Neuqua Valley ‘28

Offers - University of Illinois, DePaul

Kelly’s talent is extremely unique and he has the chance to become one of the better basketball players the state of Illinois has seen. Kelly’s athleticism, frame, IQ, and manipulative ball skills are far beyond his age. Playing up with Breakaway 16u for the entirety of the spring and summer gave Kelly the platform to showcase his mature game on the Under Armor circuit. Recently, Kelly was invited to Team USA Men’s Junior National Team Minicamp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to play alongside the nation’s top talent. Kelly has already been identified as one of the nation’s most promising prospects and his stock will only improve from here. The freshman shooting guard has already received offers from the Illinois Fighting Illini and the DePaul Blue Demons.

Dietrich Richardson - 6’7 CG - Peoria Manual

Committed - Bradley

Richardson is another college-ready prospect in Illinois. Extreme positional size and athleticism make him the high-major prospect he is. Richardson’s ability to elevate over defenders in the mid-range and when attacking the basket will serve him well at the next level. Richardson’s length and instincts also add to his ability as a defender. Richardson chose Bradley over Vanderbilt, Illinois, Wyoming, DePaul, Xavier, Virginia Tech, St. Louis, and Arizona State, amongst others. Expect him to make an immediate impact in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Brady Pettigrew - 6’3 PG - Bolingbrook ‘28

Over the past year, Pettigrew has gained national notoriety for his skilled playmaking, scoring, and defensive ability. Pettigrew displays a very mature game, excellent at choosing spots, creating space, and spacing the floor as a shooter. At 6’3 with advanced athletic ability, Pettigrew has great positional size for his age and will develop into an explosive scoring guard in the years to come. Recently, Pettigrew was invited to Team USA Men’s Junior National Team Minicamp in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to play alongside the nation’s top talent, exemplifying himself as one of the top guards in the nation. Coming from a long line of Division One athletes, Pettigrew will be another exciting prospect to track throughout his high school campaign.

Ethan Vahl - 6’2 PG - Oswego ‘28

Playing up an age group for the Illinois Wolves on the Under Armor circuit, Vahl displayed his talent on a national level, proving he is a significant guard to track. Vahl’s pace and vision aid him as a point guard, yet he can also play off-ball as a floor spacer and knockdown shooter. In June, Vahl was selected to play in the UA Future Stars game, being identified as one of the best guards in the 2028 class. Already developing athleticism and growing into his frame, Vahl has high major upside.

Devin Cleveland - 6’2 PG - Kenwood ‘27

Offers - Michigan, Illinois, DePaul, Arizona State, Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Hampton, Western Illinois, Bryant

Devin Cleveland is one of the more well-known prospects in the state of Illinois. With offers from Michigan, Illinois, DePaul, Arizona State, Illinois State, and Northern Illinois, amongst others, Cleveland has solidified himself as a high major division one prospect. In May, Cleveland was invited to showcase his talent in the Nike Elite One Hundred camp. Cleveland has also gained interest from NCAA division one powerhouse, Arkansas. Cleveland’s talent is unmatched and he has the opportunity to become one of the better prospects coming out of Illinois when it is all said and done.

Aleks Alston 6’10 W Kenwood

Offers - Michigan State, DePaul, Ohio State, Oregon, LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Xavier, Iowa, California, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Georgetown, Tulsa, Arizona State, Loyola Chicago, Georgia Tech, New Mexico State, Bradley, Western Illinois, Cal Poly

Alston has tremendous upside. Alston’s extreme positional size and versatility make him a high major prospect. Alston is a lengthy and athletic sharp shooting wing prospect. With offers from Michigan State, DePaul, Ohio State, Oregon, LSU, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Xavier, Iowa, California, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Georgetown, Tulsa, Arizona State, Loyola Chicago, and Georgia Tech, amongst others, Alston’s decision will be a high profile commitment. Alston is the backbone of another state title contender, Kenwood Academy.

Mason Lockett 6’5 CG Oswego East ‘26

Offers - Xavier, Akron, Minnesota, St. Louis, DePaul, Northern Illinois

Lockett burst onto the scene after having a productive spring and summer with Young and Reckless. The 6’5 combo guard has great length and blossoming athleticism. On-ball, Lockett is a shifty, manipulative lead guard, with ball skills and the ability to get paint touches, dish to teammates, or make a play for himself. Off-ball, Lockett is a consistent shooter behind the arc, attacks closeouts, and makes the right read. Lockett is riding an extreme recruiting high and will only improve his stock in a lead role with Oswego East this season. For Lockett, the sky is the limit.

Colin Stack 7’1 C Benet ‘26

Offers - Illinois State, Indiana State, Eastern Illinois, Bryant

Stack is the best big in the state. Stack’s imposing size and modern shooting ability make him a very intriguing prospect that college programs need to track. Stack’s ability to pick-and-pop and catch-and-shoot separate him from others in his position. Stack is the primary force of early state-title favorite, Benet Academy. Currently holds offers from Illinois State, Indiana State, Eastern Illinois, and Bryant. Expect his stock to rise tremendously.

Daniel Pauliukonis 6’9 W Benet

Committed - Southern Illinois

Pauliukonis is a prototypical division one wing. At 6’9 with athleticism and catch-and-shoot ability, Pauliukonis is the wing that college programs look for. Pauliukonis is one of the best transition players in the state, always sprinting ahead of defenders, achieving correct spacing, and soaring high to avoid contests at the rim. Pauliukonis chose Southern Illinois over many programs including Miami of Ohio, Illinois State, UIC, St. Thomas, NDSU, Western Michigan, Toledo, etc.