Neuqua Valley shooting guard Mason Martin announced his commitment to Illinois on Friday, joining Peoria native Quinton Kitt as the second commit of Illinois’ 2027 recruiting class. Martin officially committed a month after the offer was extended, choosing Illinois over St. Louis and Holy Cross.
So far in his junior season at Neuqua Valley, Martin is averaging about 19 points per game and shooting an impressive 42% from three. The 6-foot-5 guard also recorded a 41-point performance in Neuqua Valley’s first win of the 2025-26 season over West Aurora, 88-60. His team is reaping the benefits of his talent, too, as Neuqua Valley is 16-1 overall so far this season and tied for No. 8 in the IHSA 4A AP poll this week.
High-volume, efficient 3-point shooters are an asset to the Illinois offense year after year, and Martin fits the bill to a tee. Ball movement, along with driving the paint and kicking out for threes, is a staple of the Illini offense. Martin’s ability to be a knock-down 3-point shooter will only make that offensive scheme more dangerous after he arrives in Champaign. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood developed strong, high-scoring guards and wings in the past, and Martin may be next in line.
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