While there is some great talent and depth atop the Illinois 2026 rankings, BJ Powell ranks among the best of them. Between his play at Lincoln-Way East High School and Meanstreets, Powell has shown he’s one of the top point guards across the region and his recruitment has shown this. Over the course of his sophomore season, he averaged 18 points and 5 assists per game.
Even while just in his sophomore year, Powell already has three division one offers in addition to plenty interest from other programs. Howard, Radford, and South Carolina State are his current offers. A wide range of other programs are showing interest as well from high majors to Ivy League programs. The list includes Central Florida, College of Charleston, Michigan, Purdue, UAB, UW-Milwaukee, Wake Forest, Yale, and others.
Most recently in his recruitment, Powell took a visit to one of these schools in UW-Milwaukee back in December. “Milwaukee visit was great. They have a good program and a free-flowing offense. Also, a brand-new facility. I had a good experience,” he said about the visit.
As well, he had previously taken a visit to Howard back in October. “I think Coach Blakeney is an excellent coach to learn from,” he said about Howard. Next up for Powell, he is looking to take a visit to Michigan.
“I can do it all as a guard,” Powell said describing his own game. “I finished the season scoring 35 points and 5 assists. I could always score, but I’m naturally a pass first player. So, playing a pure point guard and running an offense is no problem.”