Recruiting Surge: Quentin Coleman Commitment Sends Illinois Rising

Not since the class of 2022 (the Ty Rodgers class) has Brad Underwood and his staff brought in four U.S.-based high school prospects. Four years and a handful of exceptional international (as well as transfer portal) finds later, the Illini are back to that number in the class of 2026.

With the addition of Quentin Coleman (who committed on Friday), Illinois now has four total high school recruits pledged to the program. With Coleman now in the fold, the Illini recruiting class has been elevated to No. 14 in the country (and sixth in the Big Ten), per 247 Sports’ composite rank, which is based strictly on high school recruits (does not include transfers).

Here’s a quick refresher on all four:

Ethan Brown, three-star guard

Listed as a 6-foot-4 combo guard, Ethan Brown, a Missouri native, has many traits of a lead guard. He’s heady and a more-than-capable passer with solid ball skills. Still, his best trait is his long-distance shooting. With a quick trigger and seemingly infinite range, Brown gets his shot off at will – from anywhere on the floor – and often converts.

Landon Davis, three-star forward

Despite being listed at 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, forward Landon Davis plays bigger than his size. He has excellent length, solid vertical athleticism and is physical. Also, he fits the typical Underwood mold: a shooter with the aforementioned positional size. To top it off, he is yet another impressive passer – especially for his position – and he defends extremely hard.

Lucas Morillo, four-star swingman

A Swiss Army Knife to end all Swiss Army Knives, Lucas Morillo is the Underwood recruit. Tremendously versatile, with great size (6-foot-7, 215 pounds), Morillo can play any position on the floor – and, at the college level, he should slot anywhere from point guard to power forward. He’s an exceptional playmaker, a capable scorer from all three levels and a top-notch rebounder. There may not be an aspect of the game in which Morillo can’t make an impact – and that should hold true even at the high-major level.

Quentin Coleman, four-star guard

The initial thought watching Coleman play: smooth as butter. The 6-foot-4 guard is always in control, has an unbelievably fluid jumper and has the ball on a string. He can score at all three levels – but is probably at his best shooting from deep – can make plays for others and rebounds well for his position. Coleman, similar to Morillo, should find himself in the thick of the Illini rotation next year.