Illinois Basketball Offers a Pair of High-Upside Class of 2028 AAU Teammates

Illinois has become known for its pursuits of international prospects, but in the latest instance of the Illini targeting foreign-born talent, the recruits already call the United States – specifically, New York – their home. Yes, that recruits, plural.

Class of 2028 prospects Stra Zelic and Abraham Taiwo, who are teammates on the Riverside Hawks (Under Armour Circuit), each received an offer from coach Brad Underwood and the Illini on Sunday. 

Zelic, a Serbian-born 6-foot-11 big man, has an impressively polished jumper – especially considering his age and height. He has a catch-and-shoot three-point stroke, a midrange shot and soft touch around the basket. At times, Zelic has even shown the ability to bring up the ball and facilitate. Although that wouldn’t be his role at the next level, it’s a promising sign of his offensive versatility.