THE APEX TIMES
Illinois adds a five-star 2028 power forward target in Bentley Lusakueno
The Illini extended an offer to Bentley Lusakueno, a top-10 national prospect in the 2028 class, and scheduled multiple visits for the fall recruiting period.
Illinois is making an early, recruiting-heavy play for the future with an offer to five-star 2028 power forward Bentley Lusakueno, a high school standout ranked as the No. 9 player in his class, according to Yahoo Sports.
For Illinois, Lusakueno represents the kind of frontcourt prospect the program will need if it is to maintain a high level of size and physicality after a highly anticipated upcoming season. The Illini coaching staff is expected to face roster turnover, and the approach described around this recruitment centers on trying to replace production by attacking the high school ranks.
Lusakueno’s recruitment is already shaping up as a structured campaign. Yahoo Sports reported that Illinois has set up three visits for this fall, a schedule that indicates the staff’s intent to stay in close contact through multiple in-person touchpoints rather than treating the offer as a one-time gesture.
The fit matters here because Lusakueno is listed as a power forward, a position where Illinois often tries to develop reliable scoring and rebounding contributions that can translate both to league play and to the NCAA tournament. Adding a top-10 prospect at forward also changes the long-term recruiting math, because it can influence what roles the Illini prioritize for the rest of the cycle.
Still, recruiting is not linear. An offer and visits do not guarantee a commitment, and even highly ranked players can change plans based on coaching continuity, program fit, and the outcome of other recruiting battles. Illinois will have to convert the early attention into a sustained relationship that carries through the next months of recruiting.
With the fall visits on the calendar, the next key development is whether Lusakueno takes official actions after the trip(s), such as trimming his list or indicating a stronger preference. For Illinois fans, the immediate takeaway is that the staff is not waiting to address its next recruiting window, it is already working to secure an elite talent lane at the power forward spot.
Why It Matters
- Securing a top-10 forward prospect can help Illinois sustain frontcourt quality through future roster changes.
- The three-visit plan suggests Illinois is treating Lusakueno as a priority target rather than a secondary option.
- A successful recruitment would strengthen the Illini’s ability to build depth and role clarity for future seasons.
- The commitment timeline and any subsequent updates after the fall visits will be important indicators of where Illinois stands in the broader class race.
Key Facts
- Illinois offered 2028 power forward Bentley Lusakueno.
- Lusakueno is described as a five-star prospect and ranked No. 9 in the 2028 class.
- Yahoo Sports reported Illinois has scheduled three visits for Lusakueno this fall.
- The reported recruiting push is connected to expectations that Illinois will face significant roster turnover after a highly anticipated season.
- The Illini staff is leaning toward high school recruiting to replace anticipated production.