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Brewster (N.H) power forward Alex Illikainen has made it known through his high school coach that he is down to his final two teams -- Wisconsin and Iowa. Minnesota had been recruiting Illikainen heavily throughout the entire process, but when Jarvis Johnson committed to Minnesota on September 12, they used up their final scholarship for the 2015-2016 season. Oregon had also been in on the big man, but they (somewhat surprisingly) landed Trevor Manuel on September 11.
Illikainen would become the highest-ranked player in 247Sports' top 247 in Iowa's Class of 2015 if he chooses the Hawkeyes, if he chooses the Badgers, he would be second best behind their lone commit thus far, shooting guard Brevin Pritzi. Illikainen took an official visit to Iowa in July, and has one scheduled for September 19 with Wisconsin, so it is likely a decision should come shortly after that visit.
As the video shows, Illikainen is very good in the low post. He also seems to be blossoming into a three-point shooter as well, according to an interview with Gopher Hole, he only made 11 threes his junior season, but over the summer he has developed more confidence in the shot. He is also able to drive into the lane and create his own shot, which you do not often see from a six-foot-nine player. Although the video does not really show his defensive skills, Illkainen is a prolific rebounder, as expected given his size. He grabbed 17 rebounds per game last season and has over 1000 in his high school career