The start of college basketball season is still about four months away. But for coaches, the recruiting season never stops.

Especially during the summer.

During summer, college basketball recruiting is in full swing, especially in the month of July. The break from class means high school players play in tournaments with their schools and AAU teams, giving coaches the chance to salivate from the sideline over their top targets.

So, who are the Illini and head coach John Groce recruiting in the class of 2015? Guards Aaron Jordan and DJ Williams out of Chicago have already committed to the Illini, but Groce is aiming to bring more players into the mix for 2015. Below are five Illini targets to keep an eye on before the early signing period in mid-November.

1. Jalen Brunson — Stevenson (IL) High School

Brunson is probably the best point guard in the country in the class of 2015, and he plays just a couple of hours away at Stevenson High. He’s a high-priority target for the Illini, who could use an elite point guard to fuel Groce’s style of offense. To get an idea of Brunson’s dominance, consider the fact that he scored 56 of his team’s 68 points in last season’s 4A state semifinal loss—as a junior. He listed the Illini in his final eight schools in May on Twitter. However, Temple recently hired Brunson’s dad Rick as an assistant coach, fueling speculation that Jalen might follow in his dad’s footsteps and commit to the Owls.

2. Elijah Thomas — Lancaster (TX) High School

Thomas is ranked as the No. 1 player in Texas by ESPN.com, and the 6-foot-9 power forward is one of the top big men in the country. It’s certainly encouraging that Groce has been able to expand his recruiting reach far outside the Midwest, and he definitely has Thomas’ attention. Thomas has been seen wearing Illini gear and has listed Illinois in his top ten schools. He’ll likely be a McDonald’s All-American next winter and is rumored to be planning a visit to Illinois’ campus before deciding on a school.

3. Jawun Evans — Kimball (TX) High School

Evans joins Thomas as an Illini target from Texas, and they’re teammates on the AAU circuit with Team Texas Elite. Evans is a four-star prospect out of Dallas and is another point guard that could fit nicely in Groce’s fast-paced system. If Evans were to commit to the Groce, he would inevitably draw comparisons to the last Illini point guard from Texas—Deron Williams.

4. Doral Moore — Luella (GA) High School

Moore is another highly-ranked out-of-state big man that the Illini are pursuing. The four-star power forward listed Illinois as one of his top five schools, and Derek Piper of 247sports.com reported that the Illini will likely fall in Moore’s top three. The Illini will have to compete with Ohio State, Florida, Kentucky and Wake Forest to land the highly-coveted Moore.

5. Carlton Bragg—Villa — Angela St. Joseph (OH) High School

Bragg might be the best all-around player on this list, as the 6-foot-8 swingman has guard skills in a big man’s body. He’s ranked as the No. 8 player in the country overall by 247sports.com and has offers from nearly every college basketball powerhouse. Bragg recently indicated he would list his top six or seven schools in September, naming the Illini (alongside Kansas and Kentucky) as a lock to make the list. The Illini have to like their chances with Bragg, who cbssports.com quoted as saying, “Coach Groce is my man.”

Landing even one of these recruits to join current commits Jordan and Williams would give the Illini a stellar class. An elite recruit committing to Groce would re-establish Illinois on the national recruiting scene. Given Groce’s reputation as a tireless recruiter and his track record as an assistant at Ohio State, it may only be a matter of time before he lands five-star talent.

Alex is a junior in AHS. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @aroux94.