College Basketball
Illinois at Risk of Losing Top 2025 Target Aleks Alston to New Mexico State
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Get to know David Evans betterPublished06 May 2025
Aleks Alston’s recruitment has taken an unexpected turn. The 6’9” forward from Kenwood Academy in Chicago has long been linked with Big Ten schools, particularly Illinois. But according to multiple sources, New Mexico State is making a serious push for the 4-star recruit—and it’s working.
New Mexico State Gaining Ground
NMSU was initially seen as a longshot. But recent changes in the program have shifted perceptions. The school’s rebuild under head coach Jason Hooten is drawing attention. Alston and his camp are said to be intrigued by the idea of being the centerpiece of a rising mid-major. Unlike Illinois or Michigan State, where he’d likely fight for rotation minutes early on, New Mexico State is offering a chance to lead right away.
The Aggies went 17–15 this past season and shown signs of improvement over the past few season. With a young core and added transfer experience, Alston would step into a forward-heavy offense that needs shooting and length—his exact skill set. There’s also talk that the program’s investment in player development and NIL structure has improved behind the scenes.
Illinois Still in the Picture—For Now
Illinois hasn’t dropped out. Brad Underwood and staff have been recruiting Alston for over a year and hosted him on an unofficial visit back in October. But there’s growing concern inside the program that they’ve lost ground. Alston’s decision timeline has shifted, and he’s been quieter in recent weeks.
Other schools still involved include Indiana, Michigan State, and Kansas State. Xavier and Tennessee have also kept , but neither appears to be pushing hard at this stage.
What’s Next?
Sources close to the recruitment say he’s eyeing a trip to Las Cruces this summer. If that happens, it could be the tipping point. Illinois remains the most high-profile offer, but momentum is moving fast in NMSU’s direction.
Don’t be surprised if the Aggies close this out before the fall.
