Illinois basketball recruiting four-Star Center Keiner Asprilla

Per Joe Tipton of On3, Illinois basketball is one of six schools that are contacting four-star center, Keiner Asprilla the most. Asprilla, a 7-foot center in the class of 2026, stated that Illinois, Kansas, Auburn, Syracuse, Villanova, and Seton Hall are the six schools who have contacted him most. Per 247sports, Asprilla is the 41st overall prospect in the class of 2026 who has already taken an official visit to Missouri.

Given that he is a New Jersey native, I assume assistant coach Orlando Antigua is leading this recruitment for the Illini.

The Fit?

Illinois basketball is looking to add its first commitment to their class of 2026. Looking ahead to that season, Morez Johnson Jr. would be a junior if he continues his career with the Illini. Outside of Johnson Jr, Tomislav Ivisic will still be eligible, however, the current plan is to have Ivisic in CHampaign for two years. The 2026 season would be the first season that the Illini does not have Ivisic if all goes according to the current plan.

With that being said, Asprilla would be a strong fit as a true, big man. In addition to Asprilla, Illinois has heavily recruited 5-star forward, Alex Constanza. Constanza took an official visit to Champaign in December and may possibly reclass to the class of 2025 per sources.

4 Keiner Asprilla, a 7-foot center in the 2026 class, tells me he’s hearing from these schools the most often (in no particular order):

Kansas, Auburn, Illinois, Seton Hall, Syracuse, and Villanova. https://t.co/ycoXnP511E pic.twitter.com/dtz2epahTL

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) January 10, 2025

Quick Scout | Keiner Asprilla visits #Mizzou on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:

Frame/length of traditional 5
Played against older peers on the EYBL
Supplied steady interior D and boarding
Offensive game consists of rim finishing
Individual skill work needed https://t.co/SzcZIM7DKN pic.twitter.com/utj57PUydH

— Matt Harris (@MattJHarris85) September 19, 2024

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