News Summary

Matthew Szafoni from Chicago Lane Tech College Prep has committed to playing basketball at Illinois State University. The 6-foot-8 senior showcases impressive skills and versatility on the court, having transitioned from a baseball background. He aims to embrace a leadership role in his senior season while contributing to the Redbirds program. Szafoni’s development over the summer and his connections with teammates have positioned him as a rising star in the basketball community.

Chicago Lane Tech’s Matthew Szafoni Dunks into College Basketball at Illinois State

Exciting news is brewing in the Windy City! Chicago Lane Tech College Prep’s own Matthew Szafoni has officially committed to Illinois State University to play basketball. This 6-foot-8 senior has had quite the journey, navigating from a deep love for baseball to making a name for himself on the basketball court.

A Passion for Two Sports

For much of his high school career, Szafoni was all about baseball. The diamond was where he felt most at home. However, during his sophomore year, he decided to make the leap to basketball. This was no casual switch; Szafoni threw himself wholeheartedly into the sport, dedicating countless hours to practice and game time that ultimately paid off.

In his previous season with Lane Tech, Szafoni made quite an impression on the court, averaging 8.5 points per game with his team boasting a solid record of 20-12. It’s clear that hard work has transformed him into a player to watch. With his impressive perimeter shooting and remarkable versatility, Szafoni’s strengths shine brightly, and he’s not stopping there.

Embracing Leadership

As he gears up for his senior season, Szafoni is preparing to step into a leadership role, guiding a fairly young team. He acknowledges the importance of being more assertive and displaying leadership skills. At Illinois State, he aims to take his growth as a player to the next level while helping his teammates do the same.

Szafoni’s decision to join the Illinois State Redbirds came after a memorable official visit to their campus. He felt an undeniable connection to the community atmosphere at ISU, alongside a strong rapport with the coaching staff, led by coach Ryan Pedon. Szafoni sees real potential in the program and believes he can contribute significantly to the team’s success.

Making the Choice

Although Szafoni had attractive scholarship offers from other schools like Illinois-Chicago and North Dakota State, he felt the draw of Illinois State was too strong to ignore. After weighing his options, his heart ultimately led him to join the Redbirds.

He will join fellow recruit Jordan Williams, a 6-6 forward from Palatine Fremd, who is also an AAU teammate with Szafoni through their club, Elevate. Szafoni is excited not just about becoming a student-athlete but also about the chance to bond with Jordan as they make their way through their college journey together.

Rising Star

Szafoni’s development over the summer has not gone unnoticed. Playing with both Lane Tech and Elevate has allowed him to showcase rapid growth, culminating in him standing at nearly 6-9. This newfound height, combined with his work ethic, positions him as one of the top players in the Public League as he approaches the 2025-26 season.

Last season, his former team focused heavily on big man Dalton Scantlebury, who is now making his own waves as a freshman at Penn. This change in focus allows Szafoni to step into the spotlight and showcase his talents on a larger scale.

On another note, the basketball community recently bid farewell to Scott Trost, a veteran coach who left behind an incredible legacy after over 40 years on the sidelines. His impact on Illinois basketball is immeasurable, and Szafoni stands to further the recruiting success initiated by coaches like Trost.

As the November signing period approaches, Matthew Szafoni’s bright future with the Illinois State Redbirds is just kicking off, and the buzz is palpable. His transition from baseball to basketball has proven to be a game-changer, and fans are eager to see what this dynamic player will bring to the court.

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