When analyzing and evaluating the graduating senior class in Illinois, a narrative developed over the past couple of years: improvement.
The positive progress this group showed stood out as there were more Division I prospects — currently 24 and still counting — than originally anticipated.
At the top of the class, it can still be debated as to who the top prospect is in the state.
Here is the final look at the Class of 2026 in Illinois as they head off to join their respective college basketball programs this summer.
1. Jamison White, 6-8, East St. Louis
White made the most of his one year in Illinois, leading the Flyers to a 3A state title and to the top of the player rankings. He’s blessed with a strong, athletic frame while showcasing offensive tools, both in the post and facing the basket. Previously committed to Penn State, White will instead stay home and play at Saint Louis.
2. Lincoln Williams, 6-6, Kankakee
With size, length, athleticism and fluidity, Williams brings the physical attributes that stand out at the next level. Add in impressive production — the big wing averaged 24 points a game and became the Kays’ all-time leading scorer — and Williams is an enticing, high-upside prospect who remains uncommitted.
3. Mason Lockett, 6-5, Oswego East
Lockett is a potential jack-of-all-trades player with versatility at the next level. The DePaul recruit’s size on the perimeter and feel for the game is enough for him to continue ascending while his jumper gains dependability.
4. Marquis Clark, 6-1, Young
Following a November commitment to Tennessee, the tough, shifty Clark carried the Dolphins this season with huge numbers and monster games. The compact point guard will burst through an open seam in getting to the rim and has a lethal capacity for scoring the basketball.
5. Rashaun Porter, 6-7, DePaul Prep
The ultimate winner who checks off so many boxes when it comes to intangibles and impacting a game. An elite defender and tough rebounder, Porter was a huge recruiting win for Toledo.
6. Christopher Kirkpatrick, 6-3, New Trier
While an injury derailed his senior season, the Princeton recruit shined when healthy. Plays with an air of confidence. With step-back jumpers, solid footwork and smarts, he will hunt shots and is renowned for his comfort level in shooting the basketball from deep.
7. EJ Hazelett, 6-6, Kankakee
What you like about Hazelett are the ready-made skills as a scorer, combining both shooting range and physicality and touch around the basket. Headed to Indiana State.
8. Chris Bolte, 6-6, St. Ignatius
There is so much appeal when it comes to Bolte, who can play inside and out and impact the game in so many ways. The Yale recruit plays with all-out effort and a competitive spirit that can lift a team.
9. Rykan Woo, 5-11, DePaul Prep
The efficient scoring lead guard is still developing his point guard acumen, but he’s well schooled, intelligent and operates like he’s seen it all before. There is no doubting his ability to make a variety of shots — tough shots and in an efficient manner. Woo will play in the Ivy League at Brown.
10. Cooper Knowles, 6-9, West Hancock
Headed to Belmont, Knowles is a player who has always flown under the radar playing at a small school in the southwestern part of the state. Long, rangy, light on his feet and explosive off the floor, Knowles has a long way to go from a strength standpoint, but he’s just scratching the surface as a player.
11. Colin Stack, 7-1, Benet
While he may lack ideal post skills right now, Stack has soft finishing touch around the basket and face-up ability out to the three-point line. And when weight and strength are added, the potential is there to be a bonafide rim protector with his size and length. Stack has signed with North Dakota State.
12. Semaj Stampley, 6-1, Alton
A super offensive threat as a deadly shooter who connected on nearly 300 three-pointers in his career. Then he will surprise you with his more-than-you-think athleticism. South Dakota State landed a good one.
13. Jordan Williams, 6-5, Fremd
The Illinois State-bound Williams’ game is unassuming, but he’s a versatile wing who will stuff a stat sheet while providing high-level defense. Always engaged with an ideal demeanor and presence, Williams is all about doing what helps a team win.
14. Ben Okoro, 6-7, O’Fallon
The physical makeup is impressive. With his size and length as a run and jump athlete, Okoro’s ceiling is considerably high. While he needs to improve his perimeter shot, the Wisconsin-Milwaukee recruit uses his bounce off the floor and activity level to score at the rim and in transition.
15. Amir Danforth, 6-1, Rockford Auburn
What a career Danforth, who is headed to North Dakota State, put together. All he did was score 2,000-plus points and drain 300 three-pointers while emerging as one of the most lethal shooters in the state. He constantly puts pressure on opposing defenses with his quick release.