The Sentinel: Illinois Athletics

Illinois soccer stuns Kentucky with 2-1 road win, perfect 5-0 start intact

The Illini upset Kentucky on the road, snapping the Wildcats’ 19-match home win streak with a 2-1 victory.

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Illinois soccer extended its unbeaten start with a 2-1 win over Kentucky on Sunday, handing the Wildcats their first loss of the season and snapping a 19-match home winning streak.

Before 881 fans at the Bell Soccer Complex, the Illini (5-0-0) scored twice in the first half and held firm defensively to secure the program’s best start since 2004.

Fighting Illini Sports Kentucky (5-1-0) struck first just two minutes into the contest when a deflected shot off an Illinois defender slipped past keeper Izzy Lee. It marked the first goal the Illini had allowed this season.

Illinois responded quickly. In the 17th minute, Ashley Stellon forced a turnover deep in Kentucky’s end and found Cayla Jackson wide open in the box. Jackson delivered, drilling a shot inside the right post to even the score.

The eventual game-winner came in the 43rd minute when Ellen Persson rose for a header off a Stellon corner kick. The goal, Persson’s first of the season and second of her career, gave Illinois a 2-1 lead it would not relinquish. Stellon finished with two assists, her third and fourth career helpers.

Lee anchored the back line with seven saves against Kentucky’s 19 total shots, including a diving stop in the 80th minute on a strike from distance that nearly tied the match.

Despite being outshot 19-7 and conceding an 8-4 edge in shots on goal, Illinois made the most of its chances to remain perfect under first-year coach Katie Hultin. She joins Tricia Taliaferro (1999) as the only Illinois coaches to begin their tenures with five straight wins.

The victory also marked Kentucky’s first home loss since Oct. 15, 2023, when the Wildcats fell 2-0 to Mississippi State. The last time Kentucky lost at home to a non-conference opponent was Sept. 22, 2019, against Central Michigan.

Illinois returns to action Thursday at Missouri, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. CT. The Illini are back at Demirjian Park on Sunday, Sept. 7, for Senior Day against Valparaiso at 1 p.m.

Illinois women’s soccer 2025 season, Illinois vs Kentucky soccer recap, Illinois soccer best start since 2004, NCAA women’s soccer upsets 2025, Katie Hultin Illinois soccer coach debut

Illini men finish 2nd, women 3rd in sunny season opener in Savoy

A warm, sunny day set the stage for Illinois XC as the Illini opened their season with top-3 team finishes.

SAVOY - It was a beautiful, picturesque day at the Orange & Blue Golf Course in Savoy, just minutes from the University of Illinois campus in Urbana-Champaign. With only a few clouds in the sky and comfortable temperatures just under 80 degrees, runners navigated the course with ease as the Illinois men’s and women’s cross country teams opened the 2025 season at the Fighting Illini Invitational. The Illini men placed second overall with 61 points, while the women finished third with 74.

Women’s Division

Freshman Nora Wollen led the Illinois women with a runner-up finish in the 4K, clocking 13:18.90. Teammate Avril Andre followed in third place at 13:26.50, giving Illinois two of the top three finishers in the race.

Freshman Nicole Poglitsch scored in 23rd (14:20.70), graduate student Lina Maatouk finished 24th (14:25.90), and sophomore Mabry Bruhn added a 29th-place effort (14:33.90). Stella Davis (30th, 14:35.00) and Audrey Ginsberg (36th, 14:47.10) rounded out Illinois’ scoring depth.

Illinois placed third as a team behind champion Bradley (28 points) and runner-up Indiana State (61).

Women’s top five finishers:

1. Kaitlyn Sheppard, Bradley – 13:08.00
2. Nora Wollen, Illinois – 13:18.90
3. Avril Andre, Illinois – 13:26.50
4. Nadia Potgieter, Bradley – 13:31.30
5. Abigail Hancock, Bradley – 13:35.10

Men’s Division

Graduate student Joshua Daggett paced the Illinois men with a fifth-place finish in the 6K, running a personal-best 17:41.90. Sophomores Trey Sato (7th, 17:49.10) and Adam Patel (8th, 17:49.90) added strong scoring performances.

Senior Brady Masters placed 16th (18:16.70), and sophomore Jackson Barrett crossed in 26th (18:30.50) to round out the team’s scoring five.

Illinois finished second behind Bradley (22 points), edging UIC (74) for the runner-up spot.

Men’s top five finishers:

1. Jayde Rosslee, Bradley – 17:23.50
2. Caleb Lind, Bradley – 17:33.10
3. Daniel Chavez, UIC – 17:38.40
4. Travis Gaffney, Bradley – 17:40.50
5. Joshua Daggett, Illinois – 17:41.90

Meet Team Results

Women’s Team Scores (4K):

1. Bradley – 28
2. Indiana State – 61
3. Illinois – 74
4. Illinois State – 98
5. UIC – 134
6. Southern Illinois – 181
7. Northern Illinois – 183
8. Chicago State – 232
Men’s Team Scores (6K):

1. Bradley – 22
2. Illinois – 61
3. UIC – 74
4. Illinois State – 101
5. Indiana State – 129
6. Southern Illinois – 139
7. Chicago State – 195

Tagged: Illinois cross country Fighting Illini Invitational results, Illinois XC 2025 season opener Savoy Orange and Blue Golf Course cross country race, Nora Wollen Illinois women’s cross country, Illinois men’s cross country Daggett Sato Patel

Fighting Illini Sports
Illinois football names six captains for the 2025 football season

Illinois football enters 2025 with six captains, blending veteran experience and new leadership.

CHAMPAIGN - The Fighting Illini football team will enter the 2025 season with six captains, a group selected by team vote that blends established leaders and first-time honorees.

Quarterback Luke Altmyer, tight end Tanner Arkin, linebacker Gabe Jacas, center Josh Kreutz, linebacker Dylan Rosiek, and defensive back Miles Scott will wear the captain’s patch this fall.

For Altmyer, the role marks his first as a team captain. The junior signal caller became one of the nation’s most efficient passers last season, throwing for 2,717 yards and 22 touchdowns. His steady play helped guide Illinois to its first 10-win campaign since 2001, a season that ended with a New Year’s Day bowl appearance.

Arkin returns as a captain for the second straight year. The senior tight end, a Mackey Award watch list selection, has grown into a reliable option in the Illini passing game, scoring five touchdowns over his first two seasons in Champaign.

Jacas, a senior outside linebacker, will serve as a captain for the first time. Considered one of the top defensive players in the country, he enters the season as a preseason All-American and a key piece in Illinois’ defensive front.

Kreutz will once again anchor the offensive line in both role and leadership. The veteran center is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and returns for his third season as a starter, bringing stability to an offense that will look to build on last year’s success.

Rosiek provides leadership at the heart of the defense. The middle linebacker, also a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, was named captain for the second straight season and enters his third year as a defensive starter.

Scott rounds out the group, earning captain status for the second time. A steady presence in the secondary, the senior free safety has started 24 games over the past two seasons, compiling 118 tackles, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.

The six captains reflect both experience and continuity, with four returning leaders and two new additions. Their leadership will be tested as Illinois looks to follow up a milestone season and continue its climb in the Big Ten.

Garrett Scantling tapped as new Illinois assistant track & field coach

A fourth-place finisher at Tokyo 2020, Garrett Scantling joins the Illinois track staff under longtime coach Petros Kyprianou.

CHAMPAIGN - The University of Illinois has added an Olympian to its coaching roster as director of track, field and cross country Petros Kyprianou announced the hiring of Garrett Scantling as an assistant coach Tuesday. Scantling will work closely with Kyprianou, focusing on the jumps and combined events squads.

A fourth-place finisher in the decathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Scantling brings a wealth of high-level competitive and coaching experience to the Illini program. His Olympic run was highlighted by a score of 8,611 points, which included personal bests in the 400-meter dash (48.25) and 1500-meter run (4:35.54). He qualified for Tokyo by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, with 8,647 points.

“Garrett is an ultra-positive person who brings world-class Olympic experience,” said Kyprianou, who has coached Scantling since 2011. “He has a special ability to relate to student-athletes because he’s walked in their shoes. I believe his impact will be felt immediately.”

Scantling’s collegiate career at Georgia, where he was coached by Kyprianou, was marked by steady excellence. He medaled three times at the NCAA Indoor Championships in the heptathlon, earning bronze as a freshman in 2013, silver in 2015, and another bronze in 2016. His top collegiate mark came in 2015 with 6,068 points in the heptathlon.

After his NCAA career, Scantling continued to compete at the highest level. In 2022, he claimed two national titles, winning the U.S. Indoor Championships in the heptathlon with 6,382 points and later dominating the USA Combined Events Championships with a personal-best 8,867 points in the decathlon.

His coaching background includes a stint as an assistant coach at Georgia under Kyprianou from 2019 to 2021. Most recently, he returned to his alma mater, the Episcopal School of Jacksonville, where he served as the strength and conditioning coach while also leading football, girls weightlifting, and track and field.

Now, Scantling brings that experience to Champaign.

“I’m super excited to be a part of what Petros has built here for the Illini,” said Scantling. “I can’t wait to share my experience and expertise with all the different student-athletes I’ll get to work with.”

The addition of Scantling comes as Illinois continues building depth across its program. His arrival strengthens an already ambitious push to elevate the Illini’s performance in multi-events and jumps on the Big Ten and national stages.

Illini men's tennis falls to Oklahoma in NCAA First Round

The Illini’s 18th NCAA Tournament appearance ends in Fort Worth with a 4-0 loss to nationally ranked Oklahoma

FORT WORTH, Texas — Illinois’ postseason run came to a quiet close Friday afternoon as the Illini fell 4-0 to No. 24 Oklahoma in the NCAA Tournament First Round at TCU’s Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center.

In their 18th NCAA appearance under longtime head coach Brad Dancer, the Illini (15-12) found themselves outmatched by a seasoned Sooners squad that controlled key moments in both doubles and singles play.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

University of Illinois tennis player Tyler Bowers rips a forehand shot during the Neitzel Family Open in 2024. The red-shirt sophomore from Bloomington fell in postseason singles play to Oklahoma's Kholo Montsi, 6-4, 6-4.

Oklahoma took the early lead after securing the doubles point with victories on Courts 1 and 3. Illinois did notch a bright spot at No. 2 doubles, where Kenta Miyoshi and Max Mroz earned a 6-3 win over OU’s Kholo Montsi and Luis Alvarez, improving their record to 3-1 as a duo. But it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.

In singles play, the Sooners methodically closed out the match with straight-set wins on Courts 5, 3, and 2 to seal the shutout. Alejandro Melero set the tone with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Mathis Debru at No. 5 singles. That was followed by Alvarez’s 6-4, 6-2 decision over Zach Viiala at No. 3, and Montsi’s 6-4, 6-4 win against Tyler Bowers at No. 2 to officially clinch the match.

The Illini showed signs of life on the remaining courts, but play was suspended once the match was decided. Miyoshi, ranked No. 12 nationally, was locked in a third set against Oklahoma’s Oscar Lacides at No. 1 singles, while Jeremy Zhang led his match on Court 4, and Mroz trailed early on Court 6.

Despite the early exit, Illinois closes the year with a winning record and continues to build under Dancer’s steady leadership, marking two decades of consistency and postseason presence for the program.

Aulani Whisler named as assistant as Hultin builds Illinois women's soccer staff

CHAMPAIGN - Aulani Whisler will join the Fighting Illini womens' soccer staff as an assistant coach working with the team's defenders. New head coach Katie Hultin, who replaced long time head coach Janet Rayburn this fall, announced the addition of Whisler last week.

Whisler transitions south to Illinois from Grand Valley State University in 2024, where she served under Hultin. Under her guidance, the Lakers conceded just nine goals in 24 matches en route to their NCAA DII Midwest Regional title.

“I am thrilled to welcome Aulani to the staff,” Hultin said. “She was an integral part to our team’s success last year and she will make an immediate impact at Illinois. She is a phenomenal recruiter and an outstanding coach, bringing the perfect balance of competitiveness and compassion. Her drive and dedication make her a tremendous asset and I am excited to see her make a different both on and off the field.”

Whisler, who will join assistant coach Sammy Jo Prudhomme, was as an assistant coach at Illinois State in 2023, following a highly successful one-year stint as interim head coach at Chicago State in 2022. Despite her short tenure, she earned well-deserved respect while guiding the Cougars to the most wins in program history.

We are excited to announce the addition of @aulani_whisler as an assistant coach!

Welcome to Champaign!#Illini | #HTTO | #UP ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/4btD4gRyS3
— Illinois Soccer (@IlliniSoccer) January 2, 2025

“I’m honored and excited to be joining Illinois soccer,” said Whisler, who was was selected to the 2021-22 class of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under Program, a year-long education and mentorship opportunity designed to support up-and-coming members of the coaching profession who are 30 years of age or younger. “I would like to thank coach Hultin for the opportunity to continue coaching alongside her. I cannot wait to get started with our student-athletes and pour into all aspects of our program.”

Whisler has plenty of experience on the pitch. A four-year athlete, she played in 69 matches during her career from 2015 to 2018.

Makira Cook’s 20 points leads Illinois past Oregon State

CHAMPAIGN - Behind a strong performance from starting senior guard Makira Cook, No. 22/23 Illinois closed its five-game season-opening homestand with a decisive 85-66 win over Oregon State on Friday night at State Farm Center. The victory extended the Fighting Illini’s impressive season start to 5-0.

Cook paced the Illini with 20 points, tying her season high, and contributed across the board with eight assists, two steals, and three rebounds. Her scoring surge marked her second 20-point game of the season and the 33rd of her collegiate career, as she continued to establish herself as a key offensive catalyst for Illinois.

Photo: Illinois Sports Information

Makira Cook takes a shot from the paint on her way to a season-high 20 point finish against the Oregon Beavers.

The Illini got off to a fast start thanks to Cook, who accounted for their first six points with back-to-back three-pointers within the opening two minutes. Illinois followed with a 9-2 run to take a commanding 17-6 lead just six minutes into the game. Cook’s early offensive spark helped Illinois maintain control throughout the first quarter, as they entered the second frame leading 21-13.

Illinois’ offense stayed hot in the second quarter, with Cook and forward Kendall Bostic leading the charge. The Illini opened the frame with a 6-2 run to re-establish a double-digit lead, and their defense stifled Oregon State’s offense, holding the Beavers to just two points over a three-minute span. Cook’s court vision and playmaking were on full display as she orchestrated the offense and found open teammates to keep the Illini ahead 40-30 at halftime.

In the second half, Cook’s contributions extended beyond her scoring, as she dished out several assists to help Illinois maintain its double-digit lead.

"We knew we had to push (the) pace," Cook said. "All of us, we like to run and play fast. Once it's rolling, you just keep rolling with it."

Knowing the plethora of offensive weapons at their disposal, Cook said they can put a lot of pressure on an opposing team's defensive effort. Moving the ball around created open looks and challenged the Beavers' endurance.

"Since we know we are all a threat it makes the game that much harder on the defense," Cook said. "When we are letting the ball just fly to each other, that's making them move around. It's just better for us and harder for them."

Bostic took advantage of Oregon's slack defensive pressure, drilling shots from the mid-court. She finished the night with a career-high 31 points and eight rebounds. Genesis Bryant added 12 points, all scored in the second half, and surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her Illinois career with her final basket.

Illinois’ efficiency on offense was a key factor in the win, as the team shot 53.1% from the field in the first half and maintained its rhythm throughout the game. Cook’s leadership and consistent play were complemented by contributions from across the roster, including Brynn Shoup-Hill, who chipped in eight points and seven rebounds, and Adalia McKenzie, who added eight points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Oregon's offensive effort was led by AJ Marotte, who finished with 16 points, four rebounds and the same number of assists. Senior Catarina Ferreira went 6-for-11 as the second-leading scorer with 15 points for the Beavers. The Brazilian native lead her team in the paint with 11 boards and was 2-for-5 from three-point range.

Keywords: Makira Cook Illinois basketball, Fighting Illini vs Oregon State, Illinois basketball unbeaten start, Illinois women’s basketball

Bostic delivers career night, propelling No. 22 Illinois in victory over Oregon State

Photo: Illinois Sports Information

CHAMPAIGN - Kendall Bostic delivered a historic performance Friday night, leading No. 22/23 Illinois to a commanding 85-66 victory over Oregon State at State Farm Center. Showcasing their dominance against a fellow Power 5 program, the Fighting Illini closed their five-game homestand with a perfect 5-0 record.

Bostic stole the spotlight with a career-high 31 points, shooting an ultra-efficient 15-for-18 from the field, and grabbing eight rebounds. In the process, she reached two monumental career milestones: surpassing 1,000 points at Illinois and becoming just the fourth player in program history to amass 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Her seventh rebound of the night pushed her past Karisma Penn into second place on Illinois’ all-time rebounding list with 1,044 boards.

"I've been working on that mid-range part of my game and they sunk so far off it was like I didn't really have a choice but to shoot," Bostic said. "Luckily, everything was falling for me tonight."

The senior forward's 31 points marked her first career 30-point outing and her second-consecutive 20-point game this season. Her offensive efficiency—an 83.3% shooting clip—stands as one of the best performances of her Illini career.

Illinois dominated the game from the outset. Makira Cook set the tone early, scoring the team’s first six points on consecutive three-pointers within the first two minutes. An ensuing 9-2 run stretched Illinois’ lead to 17-6 just six minutes into the contest. By the end of the first quarter, Illinois held a 21-13 advantage, with Cook leading the way with eight points.

"I'm really happy how we played," said head coach Shauna Green. "We are really playing well together. I love how we are sharing the ball. Seventeen assists again tonight. (We're) playing with at great deal of connectiveness and confidence."

The Illini never let up, outscoring Oregon State 21-15 in the second quarter to take a 42-28 lead into halftime. Bostic reached double figures with 3:42 left in the half, underscoring her relentless scoring effort.

Cook finished with 20 points, tying her season high, along with eight assists, two steals, and three rebounds. Genesis Bryant came alive in the second half, scoring all 12 of her points after the break and becoming the second Illini player of the night to hit the 1,000-point career mark. Contributions from Brynn Shoup-Hill (eight points, seven rebounds) and Adalia McKenzie (eight points, four rebounds) rounded out Illinois’ balanced attack.

Defensively, Illinois held Oregon State to 37.9% shooting and forced 16 turnovers, translating to 21 points off those opportunities. The Beavers, known for their stingy defense under long-tenured head coach Scott Rueck, allowed their second-highest non-conference scoring total since 2004-05 as the Illini shattered their season average of 59.3 points allowed per game.

The win extends Illinois’ active winning streak to an impressive 10 games, the second-longest in the country.

Keywords: Kendall Bostic career high night, Illinois women’s basketball, Fighting Illini vs Oregon State recap, Kendall Bostic 1,000 points 1,000 rebounds

Six Illini soccer players earn all-district academic honors

CHAMPAIGN - Six Illinois soccer student-athletes were named to the 2024 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, the organization announced on Tuesday.

Senior midfielder Kennedy Berschel, senior defender Ella Karolak, junior forward Sarah Foley, senior defender Angie Galo, senior midfielder Sarah Hiestand, and junior forward Lia Howard each earned the prestigious academic distinction for the first time in their careers.

Berschel started all 18 matches this season, posting career-bests in goals (4), assists (4), points (12), and shots (18). Foley, an All-Big Ten Second Team selection, tallied personal-high marks in goals (11), shots (33), shots on goal (22), and game-winning goals (6).

Karolak helped the Illini defense record four shutouts, while also registering a career-best two assists. Galo started every match, setting new personal standards in goals (3), assists (2), shots (14), shots on goal (5), and minutes played (1,472).

Hiestand started all 18 games, scoring her first career goal and adding an assist. She also ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 79 interceptions during conference play. Howard found the back of the net three times, all in the 80th minute or later, and tied for the team lead with four assists.

The Academic All-District honorees will advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot, with first, second and third-team selections to be announced in early December.

Keywords: Illinois soccer, Academic All-District, College Sports Communicators, Illini women's soccer, Student-athlete honors

Despite strong play from Will Riley and Kylan Boswell, Illinois suffers first loss of the season

Illinois' Kylan Boswell dives after a loose ball with Alabama's Mark Sears at Legacy Arena on Wednesday. Boswell turned in a 17-point performance for the Orange & Blue in his 33 minutes on the floor in the Fighting Illini's first loss of the season.

Photo: Courtney Bay/Illinois Athletics

BIRMINGHAM - The Illinois basketball program's hope of snapping a long-standing losing streak against Alabama came up short Wednesday night, as the No. 8 Crimson Tide secured a decisive 100-87 victory in Birmingham at Legacy Arena in front of over 11,000 basketball fans. Despite a strong offensive showing from Illinois, Alabama’s depth proved to be the difference maker, handing the Illini (3-1) their first loss of the season.

No. 25 Illinois is 0-2 against ranked opponents this season if you include an exhibition matchup on Oct 27 against No. 24 Ole Miss.

Alabama (4-1) dominated early, surging to a 52-38 lead by halftime behind efficient shooting and a balanced attack. Grant Nelson led the Crimson Tide with a game-high 23 points, while freshman guard Aden Holloway added 18 points in 29 minutes off the bench. Alabama’s bench accounted for 39 points, compared to Illinois' 24, proving crucial in maintaining the Tide’s lead throughout the contest.

Illinois struck first with a three-pointer from freshman guard Kasparas Jakucionis, giving the Illini a brief early advantage. A layup by junior guard Kylan Boswell later pushed Illinois ahead 7-6. However, Alabama quickly regained control with a three-pointer from Latrell Wrightsell Jr. at the 17:19 mark, sparking a dominant stretch that saw the Tide extend their lead to as many as 18 points in the first half.

Despite Illinois trimming the deficit to eight points on two occasions in the second half, the Illini couldn’t sustain momentum against Alabama’s relentless pace. Seven turnovers in the first half hampered Illinois’ comeback attempts, allowing Alabama to seal the victory with consistent scoring from its starters and reserves.

Illinois freshman forward Will Riley showcased his potential, leading the team with 18 points off the bench. Riley nearly posted a double-double, pulling down nine rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, while also dishing out four assists. It marked Riley’s third double-digit scoring effort in four games.

Boswell turned in a season-best performance with 17 points and seven rebounds. Jakucionis contributed a career-high 15 points, along with four rebounds and six assists, while sophomore center Tomislav Ivisic recorded his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 boards.

For Alabama, Nelson’s versatile scoring effort, combined with Wrightsell’s and Holloway’s sharp shooting, kept Illinois at bay. Labaron Philon chipped in 16 points, rounding out the Tide’s top double-digit scorers.

The loss marked Illinois’ fourth consecutive defeat to Alabama, with their only win in the series dating back to 1953.

Wednesday’s contest highlighted Illinois’ offensive potential, as they out-rebounded Alabama and shot better from beyond the arc. However, defensive lapses and a lack of bench production underscored the challenges Illinois must address as they navigate a competitive early-season schedule.

Illinois will look to bounce back this Saturday at State Farm Center when they host Maryland-Eastern Shore at 3 PM.

Keywords: Illinois basketball, Crimson Tide basketball, Will Riley Illinois basketball, Grant Nelson Alabama

Brandon Lee joins the Fighting Illini 2025 class

CHAMPAIGN — The Fighting Illini secured a major piece of their 2025 basketball recruiting class on Monday with the signing of 6-foot-4 shooting guard Brandon Lee, head coach Brad Underwood announced. Lee, the son of Puerto Rican basketball icon Butch Lee, joins Illinois as a dynamic scorer with international and elite AAU experience.

Born in Puerto Rico and currently playing at The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey, Lee brings a multifaceted offensive game to Champaign. Ranked No. 98 in the 2025 class by 247Sports, he has proven himself as a three-level scorer with the ability to dominate high-stakes competition.

"Brandon is a gifted scorer and an aggressive offensive player who can score at all three levels," Underwood said. "He has great physicality which allows him to score at the rim, get to the foul line, and he is a very capable shooter with range at the 3-point line."

Lee’s pedigree extends far beyond his own burgeoning résumé. His father, Butch Lee, was a trailblazer as the first Puerto Rican to play in the NBA. The elder Lee made history at Marquette University, where he earned the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1978 before being selected 10th overall in the NBA Draft. That legacy is part of what has shaped Brandon’s basketball journey, which has included starring for Puerto Rico in international tournaments and excelling in top-tier AAU circuits.

On the Nike EYBL circuit with the New York Rens, Lee emerged as one of the top young players in the country. Averaging 23 points per game, he finished as the third-leading scorer and earned the Breakout MVP award for the 17U division at The Circuit. At the prestigious Peach Jam, he further impressed, posting 18.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

Lee’s skills shone on the international stage this summer at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where he led Puerto Rico in scoring with 13.3 points per game, including a standout 22-point performance against Team USA in the quarterfinals.

"He has faced high-level competition throughout high school and AAU, and he has FIBA experience as well with Puerto Rico," Underwood added. "Brandon comes from a basketball family, so it's no surprise he is a high IQ player who has been well-coached throughout his career. We're excited to officially welcome him to the Fighting Illini family."

Illinois’ recruiting momentum has been significant, as Lee becomes the fourth guard to join Underwood’s 2025 class. He chose Illinois over offers from Rutgers, Mississippi State, Seton Hall, and several other programs, signaling the strength of the program’s appeal. Lee joins recent commit Keaton Wagler as part of a backcourt poised to keep the Illini competitive in the Big Ten for years to come.

With his blend of experience, scoring versatility, and NBA bloodlines, Lee is poised to make a significant impact at State Farm Center.

Keywords: Brandon Lee Illinois basketball, Fighting Illini 2025 recruiting class, Puerto Rican basketball stars, Brad Underwood Illinois signing, Illini Basketball