Five-Star Recruit Bentley Lusakueno Weighs Iowa Visit Amid Illinois Interest
Bentley Lusakueno, a five-star forward in the Class of 2028, is wrapping up a busy month of official visits that includes a stop at Iowa this weekend. The 6-foot-10 prospect from IMG Academy in Florida has already visited Illinois, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt, and his interest in the Illini has grown after seeing how the program uses its big men.
During his official visit to Champaign last weekend, Lusakueno wore the No. 0 jersey for a photoshoot, the same number he wore in Georgia. The number carries extra meaning because it is currently worn by Illinois forward David Mirkovic, whose role in the Illini offense caught Lusakueno's attention.
“I think David was the second highest dude in ball screens behind Keaton Wagler, actually coming off the ball screen,” Lusakueno said. “That's something you want to be a part of.”
Why Illinois fits Lusakueno's goals
Lusakueno is focused on two things in his recruitment: a winning program and a coaching staff that can develop him for the NBA. Illinois checks both boxes after last season's Final Four run and another first-round draft pick.
“You want to surround yourself with great people that can push you and all that, but you can also trust that they're going to have your back,” Lusakueno said. “You look at potentially another top 10 team in the country this year. They've also shown they can develop dudes at the NBA level.”
The Illini's pitch is strong, and Lusakueno has built a solid relationship with the coaching staff. He sees Champaign as a place where he can compete late into March and beyond.
IMG Academy prepares Lusakueno for the next level
Before college, Lusakueno will spend his junior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. The school's roster is loaded with talent, including 7-foot-4 center Dylan Betts and several other top-ranked players.
“It's like a little basketball Disneyland,” Lusakueno said of IMG. “A bunch of like-minded dudes on the team. We're going to go to a place where we're going to push each other in practice, and then we're going to go out in the games and compete as a team and a family.”
He knows he needs to get stronger and improve his ball handling before making the jump to college. That is why he is considering reclassifying into the Class of 2027, though he has not made a final decision.
What will Lusakueno consider before choosing a school?
Lusakueno has more than a dozen high major offers and is weighing two main factors in his decision.
“First off, it's the program,” Lusakueno said. “Does the program fit? Does it make sense I feel confident going early. Then my personal development. Am I ready to go into a college and compete or do I need another year?”
His visit to Iowa this weekend will give him another chance to evaluate a program. The Hawkeyes are among the schools vying for his commitment, and Lusakueno's decision could come before the spring.
For Iowa fans, landing a player of Lusakueno's caliber would be a major win. His combination of size, skill, and upside makes him one of the most sought-after prospects in the country.
“That's what you want,” Lusakueno said. “You want to be in competition late into March and into early April. Then you want to hear your name called. That's what I've dreamed about since I was 5, and I think Illinois has the pieces to make that happen.”
Will Iowa make the cut for Lusakueno?
The Hawkeyes have a chance to impress Lusakueno this weekend. With his focus on player development and winning, Iowa will need to show how it can help him reach his goals.
Lusakueno's recruitment is far from over, but his upcoming visit to Iowa could shape the next phase of his decision. Fans in Iowa City will be watching closely.