The big guard from Pennsylvania is beloved by Illinois basketball

Illinois Basketball continues to expand the list of potential players that could come on board in the near future.

The 2024 class ended up being pretty impressive for the Illini. It will honestly be difficult to surpass this group of players.

Brad Underwood has also started to bring in some solid talent for the 2025 class. Illinois has signed several four-star recruits and I don’t think we’re anywhere near done.

And then there’s the class of 2026. Illinois doesn’t have a commitment yet, but there’s plenty of time and a large pool of big-time recruits available. One talented player Illinois is now eyeing is Ethan Johnston.

Johnston is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound shooting guard from Hill School in Pennsylvania. He is not evaluated or ranked yet, but Illinois is still early in recruiting as we are one of the first major programs to offer him a scholarship.

Underwood visited Johnston on Wednesday. A scholarship offer came soon after the visit, Johnston announced on his social media page.

One of the greatest highlights of the Underwood era of Illinois basketball is his ability to mold players into well-rounded basketball talents.

Ayo Dosunmu came in and was a dynamic guard who can play the No. 1 through No. 3 spots. Coleman Hawkins was a big man who developed his three-point shot and could stretch the floor. Ty Rodgers was a great winger with athletic ability and can now play the point guard role.

Johnston is one of those players who makes it to the college ranks. He’s 6-foot-3 and can play wing, but he has the shots and handles to fill any role Illinois needs in the backcourt.

I love Johnston’s ability to knock down shots from three-point range. He would be a weapon for the program. Johnston can move the ball up the field and also distribute it. He’s a dynamic guard who can do a little bit of everything. Illinois loves this type of player and I think he would be a perfect fit in Underwood’s system.