The point guard position is a key piece for Illinois basketball, and the program is working hard to turn it into a major strength. Head coach Brad Underwood has embraced change and aggressively used the transfer portal to improve the roster. He’s also kept Illinois competitive in the NIL space, which plays a big role in attracting top talent.
Securing commitments from elite prospects like Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley—both projected first-round NBA Draft picks—is no small feat, and Underwood pulled it off with the 2024 recruiting class. That kind of success on the recruiting trail is likely to pay off in a big way for the Illini.
Recently, Underwood made another strong move by offering a scholarship to highly regarded guard Anderson Diaz. The 6-foot, 155-pound point guard from Lawrence Woodmere Academy in New York is a four-star prospect, ranked No. 45 overall in the 2027 class. He’s considered the No. 10 point guard nationally and the second-best player in New York.
Illinois is among the first programs to show serious interest in Diaz, who currently holds about six offers. Notable programs in the mix include Cincinnati, St. John’s, and UCLA.
Anderson Diaz’s recruitment took off after a big summer of AAU basketball
I’m really impressed by Diaz’s mindset on the floor. He’s a high-IQ player who clearly thinks the game through and knows what he wants to do when the ball is in his hands. His ability to slice through defenses and create scoring opportunities is impressive, and he finishes with great touch around the rim.
Watching him play, he reminds me a lot of Jalen Brunson. He dissects defenses with his intelligence more than just raw athleticism—that’s exactly the kind of floor general I’d love to see leading the Illini.
Diaz’s recruitment has been gaining serious traction this offseason. He suits up for NY Ren on the AAU circuit and, despite being just a rising junior, he’s already competing at the highest level of the EYBL. That speaks volumes about his talent and maturity.
This AAU season, NY Ren went 10-1, and Diaz held his own against older competition, averaging 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.8 assists per game. Those are standout numbers for someone his age.
Illinois showing interest in an East Coast guard like Diaz is a smart move. Assistant coach Orlando Antigua has a proven track record of landing top talent from that region. Now the question is whether Illinois can make a strong enough push to become a real contender in his recruitment.
