Don’t be surprised when there is a rise competitiveness of Illinois Division 1 programs, schools are making great coaching hires and RECRUITING LOCALLY

Here’s a thread

1. Illinois (21-10)

Brad Underwood has done a good job with developing relationships in Chicago, keeping the states top talent in 5-stars Ayo Dosunmu and Adam Miller home.

Next years team has Final Four talent.

Southern Illinois (16-16)

Salukis were overachievers last season, they feature two local standouts in Anthony D’Avanzo and Lance Jones. Illinois native coach Bryan Mullins can recruit Illinois and will be a star in the coaching business!

Will compete for MVC title this year.

3. Illinois-Chicago (18-17)

Illinois native Luke Yaklich takes over the Flames as a first year head coach. He pulled in 3 local guys who will be major impact transfers in Zion Griffin, Teyvion Kirk, and Maurice Commander.

Likely 20 wins next year, Will be a quick turnaround!

4. Western Illinois (5-21)

Rob Jeter nailed it when hiring Nick Irvin/Kyle Heikkinen. Best recruiting class in school history, Leathernecks got verbals from Illinois stars Colton Sandage, JJ Flores, Tamell Pearson, Cam Burrell, Ramean Hinton, and Marcus Watson.

Summit Champs?

6. Northern Illinois (18-13)

Huskies have recruited local for awhile now, they feature Darius Beane, Tyler Cochran, and more from Illinois. Signing former Bolingbrook star Kaleb Thornton should payoff in a big way for the Huskies.

Should be competitive in the MAC again.

7. SIU-Edwardsville (10-21)

Head Coach Brian Barone enters his second full season. SIUE signed Collinsville PG Ray’Sean Taylor, should be a contributor from day one, future pro!

A lot to be excited about for SIUE fans.