Illinois locks in official visit from in-state 5-star Brady Pettigrew

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The world of college basketball is changing rapidly in the portal era, but that doesn’t mean high school prep recruiting has stopped.

One of the top prospects in the country, five-star combo guard Brady Pettigrew, will take an official visit to Champaign on Oct. 2.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard from Bolingbrook saw his recruitment explode this year after a dominant summer with Brad Beal Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit. The Illinois native will also take official visits with Michigan (Sep. 12), Florida (Sep. 25), Ohio State (Nov. 6), and Arkansas (Jan. 1).

VISIT NEWS: 2028 5 Brady Pettigrew has scheduled the following official visits, source told @LeagueRDY:

Michigan: September 12th
Florida: September 25th
Illinois: October 2nd
Ohio State: November 6th
Arkansas: January 1st

Pettigrew is the #16 overall prospect in the @SCNext… https://t.co/kJrZ0O5Yvypic.twitter.com/HbAaJwi2mH

— Sam Kayser (@KayserHoops) August 13, 2026

Per 247Sports, Pettigrew is ranked as the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois and No. 18 nationally in his class. Brad Underwood and his staff have tracked the EYBL circuit closely, and Pettigrew is a prospect the Illini have prioritized for a long time, having been one of his earliest Division I offers.

What Makes Pettigrew an Elite Prospect?​

Pettigrew’s numbers on the circuit say everything you need to know. During Peach Jam, he put up 23.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 47.2% from the field and a staggering 46.2% from beyond the arc.

Some highlights from a high priority Illinois recruit

5 ️ Brady Pettigrew 2028

#1 player in Illinois
pic.twitter.com/YZ7qVMp1ju

— Champaign Problems (@ChiefIlliniVic) June 16, 2026

Beyond the stat sheet, Pettigrew possesses a complete three-level scoring package. He’s an explosive off-the-dribble creator who can score at all three levels, pull up off pick and roll actions, or hit contested perimeter jumpers.

Illinois has a strong sell​

For Brad Underwood and his staff, the pitch to Pettigrew should be strong. Illinois’ high-tempo, offense gives primary ball handlers maximum freedom to play in space, make decisions, and showcase their full skill set. More importantly, Illinois has established an undeniable track record of developing guards into NBA-ready talent

Illinois should be firmly in the mix with this recruitment, with another sell being the in-state ties Illinois has with Pettigrew.

He plays his prep ball just up north at Bolingbrook High School. Illinois making him a priority early on sends a clear message about keeping the state’s top talent within its borders. Landing the premier player in the state would be a big statement for Underwood, re-establishing Champaign as the ultimate destination for the state’s elite prep recruits.

When Pettigrew steps on campus this October, Underwood and his staff will have the ultimate opportunity to lock down the headliner of their future backcourt.

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