The Illini on Saturday offered Reese Alston, a top-50 Class of 2027 prospect and the son of Rafer “Skip” Alston
Remaining engaged in high school recruiting, Coach Brad Underwood and his Illinois staff have extended another offer to a guard prospect, who happens to be the son of a basketball icon.
Reese Alston, a Class of 2027 recruit and son of Rafer “Skip” Alston, revealed on his X account that the Illini have offered him on Saturday.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Alston is a point guard from Houston, attending Second Baptist School and playing for Cooz Elite in the AAU circuit.\
I am truly blessed and honored to say i have received an offer from THE Illinois University @IlliniMBB . Thank you Coach Antigua for giving me this opportunity. #offered #fightingillini pic.twitter.com/cTJpk7ZEgF
— Reese (lilskip) Alston (@lilskip08) May 25, 2025
The elder Alston had an 11-year NBA career, often playing as a starter, during which he averaged 10.1 points and 4.8 assists.
While any NBA career is a significant achievement, Alston also established his legacy beyond the league. Famously known as “Skip 2 My Lou,” he is regarded as one of the greatest streetball players ever. Alston played a crucial role in the And-1 movement, helping to popularize modern streetball, and is among the few players in the 21st century who successfully transitioned his skills from the streets to the professional level.
Skip To My Lou at Fresno State 🔥 🔥
(Via @ThrowbackHoops 🎥)
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) February 9, 2024
At the same time, Rafer’s son Reese has integrated many aspects of his father’s playing style into his own. A nimble and skilled driver, Reese possesses a wide range of dribble moves and can easily drive to the basket. He’s also a reliable long-range shooter and, like his dad, is a versatile scorer.
Real ones remember Rafer “Skip 2 My Lou” Alston 🫡
His son, Reese, is a 2027 PG out of Texas.
(via @theovisuals9, @Ballislife) pic.twitter.com/8tOyZOk9B8
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) April 15, 2025
Rated as the 39th overall prospect in the Class of 2027 by 247 Sports and the 8th best point guard in the nation, Alston is attracting attention from elite programs like Houston, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M, among others.
While the Illini face stiff competition from well-regarded programs for Alston’s skills, it’s a positive indicator that Illinois has entered the race early in his recruitment.
Leave a Reply