Illinois basketball to host five-star forward Bentley Lusakueno for official visit

Illinois basketball continues to be in the mix for high-level talent on the prep recruiting trail. Per 247sports’ Dushawn London, the Illini are set to host five-star power forward Bentley Lusakueno for an Official visit on September 19th. Lusakueno is the 6th overall prospect in the 247sports class of 2028 rankings. He is also set to visit Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Iowa in addition to the Illini. Bentley Lusakueno is a 6-foot-10, 205-pound power forward who recently transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

He brings an intriguing combination of size, versatility, and length to the frontcourt. Lusakueno is a really fluid mover at his size, and he is comfortable facing up around the basket and stretching the floor out with a smooth jump shot. Lusakueno is just another talented prospect set to visit Illinois basketball this fall. Per recent reports, the Illini will host five-star prospects NaVorro Bowman Jr., Darius Wabbington, Brady Pettigrew and Moussa Kamissoko for official visits this fall.

The fit with the Illini

Illinois basketball will undergo significant roster turnover during the 2027 offseason. As of now, Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic are expected to exhaust their eligibility after this season, and both currently project as NBA prospects. Star forwards David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic could also play themselves into the 2027 NBA Draft conversation. The Illini are also high on the prospects of guards Stefan Vaaks and Quentin Coleman.  With at least five guys expected to finish their college careers out this year, Illinois basketball is set to go through some turnover, particularly in the frontcourt.

Bentley Lusakueno would be a massive get for the Illini as they look to build its frontcourt of the future. There are also rumors that Lusakueno may be a candidate to reclassify into the class of 2027. The Illini have quite the sell for the talented big man; they have one of the best strength and conditioning programs in the country and always utilize versatile big men in their offensive scheme.