Focusing on Size and Strength
Brad Underwood is entering his tenth year at the helm of the Illinois Fighting Illini, a tenure marked by a historic Final Four appearance that ended a two-decade drought for the program.
His recruiting philosophy now leans heavily on Illinois talent, a strategy that has already yielded verbal pledges from four-star forwards Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin, both of whom grew up within the state’s borders.
The latest target is Edvardas Stasys, a 6-foot-7 prospect from Lisle, whose blend of size and strength has drawn interest from several mid-major programs and, crucially, a first offer from a power-four school.
Stasys would join a frontcourt that includes David Mirkovic and the Ivisic brothers, Tomislav and Zvonimir, offering a depth of size that could offset the loss of departing big men at the end of the season.
Coaches envision him as a developmental piece who can grow into a competitive force at the next level, reinforcing a roster that blends local roots with a broader national outlook.