Basketball
Illinois basketball offers 2027 forward Jayon Connor
Illinois basketball is prioritizing length and athleticism in their recent class of 2027 pursuits.
Illinois basketball continues to offer length and athleticism on the perimeter. On Sunday morning, the Illini offered Jayon Connor, a 6-foot-7-inch wing out of Lewisville, North Carolina. Illinois is the first high-major program to offer Connor, who has seen his recruitment start to heat up recently. Illinois basketball has been really confident in its ability to evaluate talent, as they were one of the only high-major teams to offer now NBA guard Keaton Wagler. Additionally, they were the first high-major offers for current players Ethan Brown and Landon Davis and 2027 prospects Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin.
In the summer EYBL circuit, Connor averaged 14.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.5 steals for Team CP3. Though he is not known as a shooter, his length, athleticism, and versatility are undeniable. Once he grabs a rebound, Connor is bolting down the floor and getting downhill immediately. Illinois basketball has recently added a player similar to Connor’s athletic skillset in 2026 wing Lincoln Williams.
Per Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer, Connor is also hearing from the likes of Houston, Michigan State, Nebraska, and more.