Illinois is keeping one of the state’s best Class of 2027 talents at home.
Composite four-star East Peoria junior forward Quinton Kitt committed to Illinois on Thursday, giving the Illini their first commitment in the Class of 2027. Kitt chose Illinois over high-major offers from Iowa, Michigan and Northwestern.
247Sports ranks the 6-foot-6, 205-pound forward as the No. 114 overall prospect in the Class of 2027 nationally and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Illinois.
As a sophomore, Kitt averaged 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists, leading the Raiders to their first 20-win season since 1997.
Kitt began to blow up after a big summer playing for the talented Meanstreets 16U squad that includes other high-profile in-state prospects Davion Thompson and Jaxson Davis. Kitt consistently stood out at some of the highest-profile events on the EYBL circuit, including an impressive showing at Peach Jam in July.
Illinois assistant coach Geoff Alexander has led the Illini’s pursuit of Kitt.
Why it matters: Despite its worldwide recruiting efforts, Illinois continues to prioritize in-state prospects who fit the mold of their scheme and program. Illinois has heavily recruited top-50 Warren Township 2027 guard Jaxson Davis, five-star 2028 Bolingbrook guard Brady Pettigrew and four-star Neuqua Valley wing Cole Kelly as well.
Why Illinois: “I feel like I fit pretty well,” Kitt said in September. “I feel like I can do whatever they need me to do. I can be pretty versatile and do many things on the court; scoring, defense. Any way they need me to play, I feel like I can play.
“They develop their players and get them to the next level. Having (Will Riley) and (Kasparas Jakucionis)…they build up their players and want to get them to the next level and still care for their guys.”
Scouting report: Kitt is a skilled wing with a big frame who is equipped with a wide-ranging offensive arsenal that allowed him to take a big leap in scoring last season. He’s a very good spot-up shooter with a smooth stroke, but he also uses his size to attack defenders inside and showcases some physicality as a driver. Kitt fits the mold of what Illinois is looking for with his positional size and versatile skillset. He’s an extremely strong and competitive rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass, and his physical tools make for plenty of two-way upside.