Illinois basketball to receive Official visit from top 2026 target

Per Multiple sources, Illinois basketball is to host Ethan Brown, a top-150 combo guard prospect in the class of 2026, for an official visit. Brown will start his visit on Monday, July 28th, per reports. Illinois basketball is one of the top offers on Brown’s list, and appears to be really prioritizing him as the summer has progressed. Ethan has shown strong shooting, decision-making, and versatility in what has been a strong summer of 2025. During his junior season at Rolla High School, Ethan averaged 22.2 points, 6.1 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.8 steals per game.  Per an interview with Eric Bossi of 247sports, Ethan hopes to play the point guard at the college level. He spoke to Bossi about his offers and said the following about Illinois.

“The offer was great. I always have confidence in myself that if I keep working that I can play anywhere in the country. They like my IQ, how I play, and how I’m not trying to force anything, and that I make the right play at the right time. They think my style fits the way they play.”

The Fit

After the 2025-2026 season, Illinois basketball will lose senior guard Kylan Boswell and probably Mihailo Petrovic if he ever arrives on campus. That leaves a glaring hole at the guard position, and the Illini are continuing to search for playmakers who can shoot the ball at a high level. Ethan Brown fits that bill to a tee. He is the kind of guard that makes the right play and has outstanding basketball feel. If he can fill out his frame at the college level, he can be the perfect replacement for Kylan Boswell. He has that same gritty versatility that makes Boswell such an important piece to the Illini.

Getting him for an official visit as he continues to rise is a huge step for Illinois basketball. If the cards are played right, look for them to try to close on Ethan Brown.

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