Illinois’ 2026 Final Four run has paid dividends for the program. It likely played a large role in the Illini retaining their key eligible returners for the 2026-27 season. It obviously ignited an already hoops-crazed fanbase.

And it certainly is playing a role in recruiting. Although it’s impossible to quantify how extensive the impact of Illinois' recent success has been in its recruiting endeavors, the results more or less speak for themselves.

Five-star guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. (2027) recently lined up a visit. Five-star prospect Dylan Betts (2028) followed suit days later (although his visit will be unofficial). Then fellow 2028 recruit Brady Pettigrew, the top player in the state of Illinois, set an official visit to Champaign.

Five-star big man Darius Wabbington (2027) also put an Illinois visit on the docket, seemingly slipping the Illini into his narrow list after cutting it to six earlier this summer. All of those scheduled visits have been announced within the past month.

Top-5 2027 small forward Moussa Kamissoko schedules visit to Illinois

But Illinois coach Brad Underwood and his coaching staff seemingly aren’t even close to being done. On Friday, it was reported that the Illini lined up yet another official visit. This time, it’s Moussa Kamissoko, a five-star prospect from the class of 2027.

According to 247Sports’ Dushawn London, Kamissoko has scheduled nine official visits, headlined by Illinois, UConn and Louisville. The Illini offered Kamissoko back in May, when he was in the midst of a strong AAU season.

Playing for the PSA Cardinals on the Nike EYBL Circuit, Kamissoko averaged 16.3 points on a stellar 51.2 percent shooting from the field. He also connected on 1.0 three per game (shooting a solid 35.3 percent from deep).

Kamissoko is a lengthy 6-foot-7 wing who impacts the game in a variety of ways. He is a legitimate three-level scorer (although he doesn't have off-the-charts ability in any specific facet).

He doesn’t shy away from contact around the rim (4.9 free-throw attempts per game) but does have a notably slim frame (just 180 pounds). Kamissoko can finish with either hand and has a relatively deep layup package for a wing. He gets to the rack with his combination of herky-jerky change of pace and long steps.

On the other end, he is a high-upside defender given his size, length (a reported 6-foot-11 wingspan) and mobility. He’ll have to bulk up to survive high-major hoops – especially if he winds up in the Big Ten – but Kamissoko has all the tools to be very successful on that end.

And his motor, which is evident in his production on the boards (7.2 rebounds per game in EYBL play), points to Kamissoko realizing that defensive potential in the future. Of course, he’ll be a valuable asset on the glass, too.

Also worth noting: He’s an underrated facilitator capable of being a connective passer or even creating out of some ball-screen action (or driving dump-offs).

What Moussa Kamissoko's scheduled visit signals for Illinois' future

The key takeaway, though: Illinois is on the precipice of reaching a new level. For the Illini to ascend to powerhouse status, they need to build on their recent success – not just sustain it. 

And if Underwood and Co. are able to consistently land a five-star recruit in each class – or even two on occasion – Illinois will soon put itself in discussions about college basketball's top acquirers of talent. Remember: Save for Will Riley (2024) and Quentin Coleman (2026), the Illini had previously made a living off landing – and developing – high-level four-star recruits.

We know as well as anyone that there isn’t a 1:1 correlation between the number of stars next to a player’s name and their eventual prowess at the college level. But there is some correlation – five-stars are five-stars for a reason – and the recruits themselves pay attention to this stuff. Talent attracts talent.

And the Illini have lately been one of the nation’s most talented squads despite landing marquee recruits only once in a while. If they begin making a habit of it – a feasible scenario considering all those upcoming visits – then Champaign is going to enjoy a lot of winning basketball in the foreseeable future.