Brad Underwood continues to scour the in-state recruiting scene to help build the Illinois basketball program.
Underwood, who is entering his 10th season with the Illini, is coming off a very successful season where he led Illinois to their first Final Four appearance since 2005. It was a special campaign for the Orange and Blue, and they will look to replicate that success in 2026-27.
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When it comes to the future, Underwood has been very successful in setting up his program. He has already established commitments from four-star recruits Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin for 2027, and he is now looking to add another name in Edvardas Stasys.
Stasys, a product of Lisle, Illinois, has been receiving plenty of attention from mid-major programs like Northern Illinois and Central Michigan, with Illinois’ offer being his first from a power-four school. If he signs with the program, he will be the third local prospect in the class of 2027, with the aforementioned Kitt and Martin both hailing from Illinois themselves.
The big man from Benet Academy would join a program that already has star David Mirkovic, as well as Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic. If all three of these big men depart at season’s end, it could leave an opening for Stasys to work his way into the fold.
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Edvardas Stasys can be a major developmental piece for Underwood and the Illinois basketball team
The 6-foot-7 Stasys can bring a lot to the table when it comes to an Illinois lineup that’s built on size and strength. He brings a relentless motor to a team filled with highly skilled individuals like Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, and Mirkovic.
Stasys has plenty of time to right the ship, as well as gain size to compete at the next level. But until that day comes, he will most likely be a developmental piece who can help the team in the future.
The talent is there, there is plenty of room to grow, and Stasys can certainly get there at a program like Illinois.
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This article was originally published on www.writingillini.com as Illinois basketball continues trend of targeting in-state recruits for 2027.
