Illini signee Zavier Zens ready to continue winning ways in Champaign

Zavier Zens won his third Wisconsin state championship at Wisconsin Lutheran on March 21st. On that day, he led his team in scoring with 20 points and missed just one shot in their 77–57 state title victory. Wisconsin Lutheran went a perfect 30–0 on its way to its fifth state title in school history.

Wisconsin Lutheran featured Zens alongside his cousins Kager Kneuppel, Kash Knueppel, and Kinston Knueppel. The family is full of superstars, headlined by Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Kneuppel, who graduated in 2024 after helping lead Wisconsin Lutheran to a state championship. 

Kon has been a role model for Zavier since they played together during the 2023–24 high school season, and Zavier has leaned on him early in his basketball career.

“I played under him (Kon) when I was a sophomore, and I tried to take as much from him as possible. Just the way he went at working out and playing hard every single day”, said Zens.

Here comes the Illini

Zavier Zens reopened his recruitment on March 30th. He quickly committed to the Illini on April 17th, following his official visit on April 12th. He will look to continue his winning ways at the next level and help Illinois win its first national championship in school history.

“The Goal is to Win at the Highest Level”, said Zens.

The Milwaukee native is a winner and chose Illinois as his college destination because he wants to win at the highest level. The Illini made their first Final Four in 21 years last season and will be one of the favorites to cut down the nets next April.

Zens is the reigning Wisconsin Mr. Basketball and a three-time high school state champion, but he is not satisfied yet. He is looking to continue developing his game at Illinois and become the best version of himself both on and off the court.

“You can expect me to work super hard and become a lot better and hopefully become a great player in years to come”, 

Development and mastering his craft are important to Zavier Zens as he enters his freshman year of college. He has already seen great strides in his game over the past few seasons.

“At a younger age, I was more of just a spot-up guy. However, I think I’ve really developed my game, and I’ve been able to really get to the hoop this past year and half or two years. And also my mid-post-game – where I am able to get to midranges and post fadeaways”, said Zens.

Zens knew Illinois was the place for him following his visit. He is ready to take on the challenge at Illinois and make an impact in his freshman season.

Zavier’s dad, Greg, also spoke with Armchair Illini and said, “We love coach Hamer, and we love Coach Brad and Tyler, the entire staff was outstanding. Zavier wants to play in the NBA and Illinois has the best player development in the country.”

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