Currently there isn’t a high school senior-to-be in Illinois ranked among the top 100 prospects in the country. However, the unrealized potential and what could have been when it comes to the Class of 2027 is real.
There are five players who began their high school basketball careers playing in Illinois but have since departed for prep schools. All five are now consensus top 100 prospects in the country.
Here is a look at where those five are ranked nationally and where their individual recruitments stand as we head towards the final two “live” evaluation periods this month.
Davion Thompson
Thompson began his high school career with a bang at Bolingbrook and became the first sophomore ever to win Sun-Times Player of the Year. He spent his junior year at Link Academy in Missouri.
It’s been a big spring for Thompson. He’s currently the second leading scorer on Nike’s EYBL circuit at 21.7 points a game while shooting 54 percent from three for Meanstreets. He also made Team USA and played in the FIBA U18 AmeriCup.
National Rankings
247Sports: #21
On3: #31
ESPN: #28
Recruitment: The 6-1 guard committed to Arkansas in June, choosing the Razorbacks over Michigan and Vanderbilt. Although he has yet to officially announce, the belief according to sources is Thompson will reclassify and be part of the Class of 2026 and enroll at Arkansas this fall.
Devin Cleveland
The 6-3 combo guard made an impact as a freshman and dazzled as a sophomore at Kenwood while averaging 21 points a game. Cleveland, who is now at LaLumiere in Indiana, shined on the EYBL circuit this spring, leading his Bradley Beal Elite team in scoring with 15.9 points a game.
National Rankings
247Sports: #34
On3: #42
ESPN: #32
Recruitment: Both Michigan and Arkansas have been front and center for a while in Cleveland’s recruitment. Missouri has come on strong as of late while both Connecticut and Syracuse are showing considerable interest.
Jaxson Davis
After scoring 2,000-plus points and leading Warren to 88 wins in three years, including a state runner-up finish in 2025, the calm, cool point guard has decided to go to Monarch Academy in Kansas City for his final year. This past spring he averaged 14.2 points and 5.2 assists a game for Meanstreets.
National Rankings
247Sports: 39
On3: 59
ESPN: 53
Recruitment: There is a lengthy list of suitors with visits currently being set up with Creighton, Iowa, Marquette, Michigan and Michigan State, while Butler, Kentucky, Missouri, Northwestern and Ohio State remain involved.
Quinton Kitt
The 6-6 Kitt elevated his stock and shot up national rankings since his commitment to Illinois last fall and averaging 19.5 points a game for Meanstreets this past spring. Kitt announced he is heading to Monarch Academy for his senior season.
National Rankings
247Sports: 100
On3: 84
ESPN: 67
Recruitment: Kitt committed to Illinois last November.
Howard Williams
The well-traveled Williams began his promising high school career at Young as a freshman and was instantly among the top young prospects in the state. He departed for Oak Hill Academy in Virginia for his sophomore year. Williams enrolled at Dynamic Prep in Texas for his junior year but played last winter in the Overtime Elite League.
National Rankings
247Sports: 51
On3: 47
ESPN: 76
Recruitment: Florida State, Cal, South Carolina and a few others were involved in the early stages, but it’s been Washington that has stepped up as of late, receiving a visit from the 6-6 forward a few weeks ago.