The recruitment of Edvardas Stasys, a promising 6-foot-8 senior forward from Benet, is progressing as he recently received an offer from Illinois. This is his first offer from a Big Ten school.I’m super grateful for it, for sure,
Stasys expressed, acknowledging the significance of the opportunity.But I’m not making any decisions until probably a few months. I’m going to go out and visit some schools, then I’ll plan on making my decision.
Stasys plans to major in finance or business, and he is keen on evaluating a list of suitors. Other offers include Illinois State, Northern Illinois, Belmont, Central Michigan, Harvard, Holy Cross, Robert Morris, Western Michigan, and Yale. The addition of Illinois, a Final Four team under coach Brad Underwood, brings excitement to his recruitment process. The Illini have another connection with Stasys through sophomore point guard Blake Fagbemi, a former teammate who helped Benet secure their first Class 4A state championship in 2025.
Illinois is actively recruiting players from Chicago’s western suburbs. They have already secured a commitment from Mason Martin, a Neuqua Valley senior guard, and have extended an offer to his teammate, Cole Kelly. Benet coach Gene Heidkamp praised the Illinois program’s success in recruiting local talent.It’s great for all those individuals,
he stated.We have one of our players in their program right now. It’s wonderful to see them doing so well.
For Stasys, the offer from Illinois marks a significant achievement.He’s starting to see all his hard work pay off with the attention he’s garnered from multiple schools,
Heidkamp noted.To be offered by a Big Ten school is certainly a huge deal.
Next season, Stasys is expected to play a pivotal role for Benet after standing out in the previous year. As a third-year varsity player, he earned All-State third-team honors with averages of 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists as a junior.
Stasys took on a larger role last season as the Redwings returned to the state championship game but fell to Marist. With much expected from Stasys, especially offensively,He’s done a lot more handling the ball,
Heidkamp explained.He can play in the post, slash, is a great offensive rebounder, and runs the floor well.
Stasys embraces this challenge, emphasizing his focus on improving offensive skills, particularly shooting and playmaking.Sophomore year, I didn’t have the ball in my hands much,
he said,but now, my role has gotten bigger.
His main goal remains clear:We’re just trying to win the state championship,
Stasys said, aiming to lead Benet to success in multiple roles. Playing center,I’m the biggest guy,
he stated. Stasys also appreciates insights into the Illinois program through Fagbemi and values his connection to Yale, where his sister Gabby plays volleyball.I look for a program with high-level basketball and a great community,
Stasys said,Academics would be a bonus on top of all that.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
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