Illinois Basketball Holds Unique Edge in Recruitment of Top 2026 Prospect

Costanza has already made a visit to Champaign, and On3 recently spoke with the rising senior about his thoughts on the Illini:

“Coach Underwood is a great coach; he knows what he is doing. … He is all about winning and developing his players, getting them to the next level.”

Although a youth-focused, one-and-done approach may not be a consistent recipe for success in March, it’s clear that Illinois’ ability to develop talent – most recently, projected first-round NBA draft picks Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley – hasn’t gone unnoticed by high school prospects.

And though that’s a plus in the recruitment of Constanza – and other targets – the Illini have a unique edge in the pursuit of the Florida forward.

“My uncle is on staff there, Orlando Antigua,” Constanza said. “So he and my dad grew up together and played together in New York.”

A top college basketball recruiter, Antigua is connected, well-respected and has a proven track record for landing elite prospects. Given the family ties and developmental reputation of the program, Illinois may very well be the frontrunner to sign Constanza.

Still, Illinois has a battle ahead with a number of other notable programs, headlined by two other school’s already visited by Costanza in Syracuse and Miami (previous coaching staff). Baylor is reportedly in the mix, too.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois’ Will Riley Impresses Scouts With NBA Draft Combine Measurements

Illinois Basketball Came Away With Quality, Not Quantity, in Transfer Portal

Illinois Coach Brad Underwood's Big Contract Extension: What It Means