Good Morning, Illini Nation: Illinois offers 2026 guard Jaidyn Coon

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Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:

Illinois interspersed some recruiting this week along with its official start to the 2024-25 season. Along with the first official practice Monday, the Illini staff also hit the road to get eyes on future talent. A group that now includes Storm Lake (Iowa) guard Jaidyn Coon.

Coon, who checks in at 6-foot-6 and 180 pounds, is considered a three-star prospect in the Class of 2026 by both On3 and 247Sports. But he's also the top-ranked recruit in the state of Iowa, so it's now surprise his list of offers includes both Iowa and Iowa State in addition to Creighton, Nebraska, TCU and Northern Iowa.

Storm Lake finished the 2023-24 season with a 12-9 record. Coon was the Tornadoes' leading scorer, putting up 19.8 points per game while shooting 54 percent overall, 32 percent from three-point range and 79 percent at the free throw line. He also averaged 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.1 steals.