Illinois Recruiting Buzz: Lucas Morillo Returns From Injury, Plus Key Updates

Nov 23, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood during the first half against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Recruiting Buzz: Lucas Morillo Returns From Injury, Plus Key Updates

Originally posted on Illinois Fighting Illini on SI
By Jackson Langendorf | Last updated Dec 20, 2025 8:52 PM ET

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Illinois has gradually turned itself into a recruiting powerhouse under coach Brad Underwood. In the 2026 class, the Illini already have three recruits committed and signed, while they have earned one verbal commit in the 2027 class.Below is an update on all four future Illini, along with one notable target who has put together an excellent past few weeks. Keep watch in this space for more Illinois basketball recruiting buzz.

Illinois recruiting updates on commits and key standout target

Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Ethan Brown (2026)

Ethan Brown, who attends Rolla High School (Missouri), exploded in early December for 34 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and seven steals in a 90-74 victory over Pembroke Hill. On Friday night, though, his club suffered its first blemish of the season, falling by 11 points against Blair Oaks. Still, Rolla remains ranked fifth in the state of Missouri, per MaxPreps.

Illinois signee Ethan Brown lit up Mizzou Arena, powering Rolla to a statement win over Pembroke Hill with a monster 34 points, 7 boards, 7 assists, and 7 steals. Total control of the game from start to finish. Big stage, bigger performance. pic.twitter.com/YyNDeQYkdD
— Revocruit (@Revocruit) December 9, 2025

Landon Davis (2026)

Landon Davis has helped his loaded Northwest (Waukee, Iowa) club get off to a perfect start through five games, including an 80-58 victory over crosstown rival Waukee High School. Davis, along with Nebraska commit and former Illini target Colin Rice, have been the key pieces for Northwest thus far.

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Illini target standout: Brady Pettigrew (2028)

Brady Pettigrew leads Bolingbrook 65-54 win advancing to semifinals in 2025 ‘Iolani Classic. @BradyPettigreww pic.twitter.com/5BKu88o2d7
— Illinois Sports Updates (@Sports4Illinois) December 19, 2025

Despite being just a sophomore, Brady Pettigrew is the engine that makes Bolingbrook High School (ranked ninth in the state of Illinois) go. The Raiders currently have a record of 8-2, with one of those losses coming against Millennium High School (Arizona), ranked No. 11 in the nation. Bolingbrook is currently playing in the Iolani Classic in Hawaii, where Pettigrew has been on an absolute tear, showing off his elite scoring package and high-flying ability, leading his club to a semifinal appearance and even winning the event's dunk contest.