McCoy played his high school basketball in Chicago at Robert Lindblom Math & Science Academy before beginning his college career at Arizona State. He appeared in just nine games and logged six total minutes for the Sun Devils over his two-year career.

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The Chicago native will now return to his home state, where he is expected to be a bench piece and provide additional depth for Illinois. McCoy is the cousin of program legend Ayo Dosunmu and previously played for the Chicago-based AAU program Mac Irvin Fire. He graduated from high school in 2024 after earning All-State Honorable Mention honors.

McCoy is a last-minute addition for Brad Underwood and is not expected to see much playing time this season. The Illini have a plethora of guards, making it difficult for him to crack the rotation. However, he gives Illinois another guard at the end of the bench who can provide the scout team with a different look during practice.

Stefan Vaaks, Quentin Coleman, Andrej Stojakovic, Ethan Brown, Lincoln Williams and Lucas Morillo will all likely be ahead of McCoy in the rotation, but he can still provide value to the program.

The addition of McCoy also continues a growing trend of in-state talent prioritizing Illinois over other schools, which is another sign of how healthy the program has become. His cousin, Ayo Dosunmu, helped start the trend of making Illinois basketball cool again after a period when top in-state recruits were choosing other programs. Now, the Illini have two more in-state recruits, Mason Martin and Quinton Kitt, committed to join the program next season.

https://armchairillini.com/illinois-basketball-adds-arizona-state-transfer-guard-quentin-mccoy/

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Illinois currently has five Illinois-born players on its roster with the addition of McCoy and could have as many as eight next season. Martin and Kitt are already committed, while 2028 (soon to be 2027) high school recruit Brady Pettigrew is a major priority for the coaching staff.

Blake Fagbemi, Jason Jakstys, Quentin Coleman, Lincoln Williams and McCoy are all Illinois natives. With the additions of Martin, Kitt and potentially Pettigrew, the Illini could have eight Illinois-born players on their roster for the 2027-28 season.

Pettigrew is expected to visit Illinois this fall, along with numerous other five-star recruits in the 2027 class.

Underwood continues to add talent while filling his roster with players who are committed to the Illini culture. McCoy is another example of the program adding a player who can provide value, contribute behind the scenes and help Illinois continue to reach new heights.

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The official Illinois basketball X account released the schedule on Friday, with Andrej Stojakovic featured in the graphic.

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Illinois will play three exhibition games in October before the regular season officially begins in November. Cincinnati will host Illinois on Saturday, October 17, while the Illini will host Baylor and UIC on October 23 and October 28, respectively. Fans will have an opportunity to watch Illinois take on a high-major team like Baylor on Friday before attending the football game against No. 2 Oregon the following day.

It is unclear if David Mirkovic will be able to play in any of the preseason games, but the Illini should be fine without him for the first two games against Fairleigh Dickinson and Penn.

The Illini will open the 2026-27 season on Monday, November 2, against Fairleigh Dickinson. It should not be much of a game in the season opener, as Fairleigh Dickinson is projected to be one of the worst teams in the Northeast Conference and the country.

Penn should be a fun game to watch as Brad Underwood coaches against his friend and former Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery. It will be a rematch of the NCAA Tournament first-round game in which Illinois cruised to a 105-70 victory. A similar result is likely inside the State Farm Center on November 5.

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The first real test comes in Lubbock, as the Illini will travel to Texas Tech for a road game on November 10. David Mirkovic is questionable for the matchup, while Texas Tech continues to add fifth-year players following the new five-for-five rulings. The Red Raiders added Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell to their roster, so they should be one of the best teams in the country if they are eligible to play this season.

The Texas Tech and Duke road games headline an impressive non-conference slate, but UConn, Missouri and North Carolina will provide great matchups as well. Illinois will play five high-major opponents and seven buy games across its 12 non-conference matchups.

The Illini were looking to add another high-major game on Black Friday but were unable to get the deal done. Instead, they will host Western Kentucky that day before heading to the United Center to play UConn.

Illinois has a tough schedule, and it is one that fans should be looking forward to. I wish the Illini had been able to add one more high-level game, but this schedule should give them a great opportunity to stack Quadrant 1 wins.

My prediction is that Illinois loses its two true road games but wins the rest, finishing the non-conference slate with a 10-2 record.

The Big Ten schedule should be released in the middle or toward the end of September, meaning the full schedule will be complete soon.

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The Illini staff has been successful on the recruiting trail and in the transfer portal over the last few seasons, and they will look to carry that momentum into the 2027 class. They already have two commits in Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin, but adding a highly ranked prospect would go a long way toward rounding out an impressive class.

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Underwood has done a great job finding diamonds in the rough like Keaton Wagler and other players who fit the system, but five-star talent will likely be needed to take the next step and compete for a national championship.

Illinois landed its first-ever five-star prospect, according to 247Sports, in Will Riley and will welcome its second in Quentin Coleman this upcoming season. Consistently landing five-star prospects could elevate the Illinois program to heights it has never reached before. Underwood has consistently brought talent to Champaign, but landing one of the three five-star prospects visiting campus this fall could take the Illini to the next level.

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The Illini will have a trio of five-star prospects visit Champaign this fall: NaVorro Bowman Jr., Darius Wabbington and Brady Pettigrew.

Bowman Jr. will be the first of the three to visit campus on September 10. He is a combo guard who is ranked as the No. 1 player in California and No. 11 overall in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports. It will not be easy to land Bowman Jr., as he is also scheduled to visit UConn, Texas and Arizona in September.

In-state guard Brady Pettigrew will be the next five-star prospect to visit Champaign this fall. He is technically in the 2028 class, but it is rumored that he will reclassify to 2027 and enroll in college a year early. Pettigrew is from Bolingbrook, Illinois, and is the No. 1 player in the state.

Pettigrew is a five-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings and will visit Michigan, Florida, Ohio State and Arkansas in addition to Illinois, where he is scheduled to visit on October 2. The Illini have made the Illinois native a top priority on the recruiting trail.

Darius Wabbington is the latest five-star prospect scheduled to visit campus this fall. Bowman Jr. and Pettigrew are both guards, making Wabbington perhaps the most important visit of the three because of his position. The Illini could have significant frontcourt talent to replace after this season, with the Ivisic twins and potentially David Mirkovic moving on.

Wabbington is 6-foot-11 and ranked as the No. 3 center in the 2027 class. He is a skilled big man who can pass, dribble and shoot well for a player his size. Wabbington will visit Champaign on October 23 after visiting Indiana, Louisville, Arizona and Texas.

It is unlikely that Illinois will land all three five-star prospects visiting campus, but landing even one would be a major success for the coaching staff. The Illini could have a lot to replace following this season, and adding one of these highly touted recruits would help ease some of that pressure while keeping the program on an upward trajectory.

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There are numerous elite matchups on the docket for the 2026-27 season, and I have ranked them below.

1. Duke

Duke should be one of the hardest games on Illinois’ schedule. The Illini will travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium just one week after playing Texas Tech in Lubbock. The Blue Devils should be one of the best teams in the nation next season and one of the favorites to win the national championship.

Illinois went into Cameron Indoor Stadium and picked up a win in 2020, but Duke got its revenge at Madison Square Garden in 2025. Duke is the No. 1 team in the country in Bart Torvik’s 2027 predictions, so I will give the Blue Devils the edge in this one. However, this game should be one of the best matchups of the entire college basketball season.

2. UConn

Illinois will try to finally beat Dan Hurley and UConn after three straight losses over the last three seasons. The Illini have lost five straight to the Huskies, including last season’s Final Four loss in Indianapolis.

The Huskies should be one of the best teams in the country, just like Duke and Illinois, with star guard Braylon Mullins returning for another season. Solo Ball will be out for the season for UConn, so I like Illinois to finally get it done in front of a pro-Illinois crowd at the United Center.

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3. Texas Tech

The return game of a home-and-home series could be played without JT Toppin for Texas Tech and David Mirkovic for Illinois. It is unclear if either player will be available, so the playing field could be relatively even for this high-major showdown.

Illinois won last season’s game in Champaign by four points, and the Illini should be favored to earn a second straight victory. The Red Raiders are No. 15 in Bart Torvik’s preseason rankings, but the health of Toppin and the eligibility of Darrion Williams will have a major effect on their expectations.

Former Illini Dra-Gibbs Lawhorn will get his chance at revenge, but I like Illinois to pick up a road win early in the season.

4. Missouri

The annual Braggin’ Rights game in St. Louis is always one of the best games on the college basketball calendar. The series has been played every year since 1976 and dates all the way back to 1932.

Long-lasting rivalries are disappearing in college sports because of conference realignment, so I am happy to see this one still alive. The Illini have dominated the Tigers over the past few seasons, winning three straight games, but Missouri should be better than it has been since its 2023 team won an NCAA Tournament game.

Five-star freshman Jason Crowe Jr. will look to lead Missouri to its first win against Illinois since the 2022-23 season, but I still like the Illini to get it done. Crowe should be an elite player, as he is ranked No. 5 overall in the 2026 class, but Illinois is the better team.

I expect a close game inside Enterprise Center, with Illinois taking the trophy home for a fourth straight year.

5. North Carolina

Brad Underwood and his staff know how to schedule. Illinois and North Carolina will face off in Nashville on the first Saturday without football.

Nashville is a great destination for Illinois fans to travel to and enjoy themselves on Broadway. The Tar Heels are a blue blood program, but I don’t see them having much of a chance against the Illini in front of what will likely be an orange-dominant crowd.

North Carolina is rebuilding under first-year head coach Michael Malone, so I have Illinois winning its third straight game against the Tar Heels since the national championship game loss in 2005.

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Fairleigh Dickinson, Penn, Sam Houston State, Eastern Illinois, Winthrop, Western Kentucky and Seattle are all buy games that I expect Illinois to win. Underwood schedules well every year, but he also understands the value of blowing out Quad 4 opponents from an analytical standpoint.

These should be seven free wins during the non-conference slate.

If there are no slip-ups in the buy games next season, I expect the Illini to do very well in non-conference play. My prediction is that Illinois will go 11-1 during the non-conference schedule, with 10-2 being the floor.

If Illinois can pull off just one road win against Texas Tech or Duke, the Illini should be ranked near, if not at, No. 1 overall for much of November and December.

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Below are three areas Illinois must improve to bring home the program’s first national title.

1. Defensive Turnover Percentage

The Illini have taken a major step backward in defensive pressure since Brad Underwood took over the program in 2017. Early in his coaching career, Underwood’s defenses thrived by applying ball pressure and jumping passing lanes. That aggressive style worked at Stephen F. Austin but proved much more difficult to sustain in the Big Ten.

Underwood’s teams ranked in the top seven nationally in defensive turnover percentage during each of his three seasons at Stephen F. Austin. In his first season at Illinois, the Illini ranked No. 4 nationally in the category, according to KenPom.

The last few years have been a completely different story. Illinois has ranked near the bottom of the country in both defensive turnover percentage and steal percentage. The Illini have finished No. 360 or worse in turnover percentage in each of the past three seasons, including dead last a year ago.

Underwood has shifted to a defensive approach that has been good enough to produce deep NCAA Tournament runs, but forcing more turnovers is the next step. Illinois doesn’t need to become one of the nation’s most aggressive defenses, but even a modest improvement in this area would make the Illini significantly more dangerous.

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2. Free Throw Rate

Free throw rate is another area where Illinois can improve next season. The Illini had one of the best offenses in the country last year, but they did not get to the free throw line consistently enough. Illinois ranked No. 232 nationally in free throw rate at KenPom, the worst mark for a Brad Underwood-coached Illinois team since 2019.

The Illini often won the free throw battle because they were one of the best teams in the country at avoiding fouls defensively, but that is difficult to sustain from year to year. Drawing more fouls on the offensive end and creating easy points at the charity stripe will be essential if Illinois wants to win a national championship.

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3. Adjusted Defensive Efficiency

Adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, as measured by KenPom, has become one of the best ways to evaluate a team’s true strength. National championship teams almost always feature elite play on both ends of the floor, demonstrating the balance needed to win six consecutive NCAA Tournament games.

Illinois has consistently fielded elite offenses, but its defense has not quite reached championship level. Following last season’s NCAA Tournament, the Illini finished No. 20 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. Matching that ranking next season would still be a successful season defensively and would likely put Illinois in position for another deep March run.

However, history suggests a top-20 defense alone probably isn’t enough to win a national championship.

A realistic goal for Brad Underwood and defensive coordinator Camryn Crocker should be building a top-15 defense. Illinois is expected to be one of the tallest teams in the country once again, and the Illini should be able to use that length to disrupt opponents, contest shots, and create more difficult offensive possessions.

If Illinois can improve in those three areas while maintaining the elite offensive firepower it displayed last season, the Illini will have a legitimate opportunity to win the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

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Illinois already has two commitments in the 2027 class with Mason Martin and Quinton Kitt, but the staff is still searching for additional talent as the roster is expected to undergo significant changes after this season. Martin and Kitt have impressed on the AAU circuit, but they are viewed more as long-term development players who could spend multiple years in the program. The Illini still need to add more high-end talent, especially in the frontcourt, where they are expected to lose Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and potentially David Mirkovic.

The coaching staff stayed in-state for one potential frontcourt addition by offering Benet Academy forward Ed Stasys. Stasys is a 6-foot-7 power forward from Lisle in the class of 2027. He is ranked as the No. 2 player in Illinois and the No. 176 player nationally. Stasys should continue to develop, but Illinois and DePaul are currently the only high-major programs to offer him.

Five-star prospect Dylan Betts is another player who could make an immediate impact at the college level. Betts is in the 2028 class, but he will take an unofficial visit to Illinois in September. The IMG Academy standout is ranked as the No. 11 player in the class by 247Sports and stands 7-foot-3, making him one of the biggest prospects in the country. Betts recently received an offer from North Carolina and is expected to be one of the most heavily recruited big men in his class.

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Guard Play

Replacing the frontcourt will be a major focus for the Illini next offseason, but the staff is also pursuing elite guards. The No. 1 player in Illinois for the class of 2027, Jaxon Davis, recently cut his list to six schools, and Illinois did not make the cut. Davis transferred from Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Illinois, to Monarch Academy in Kansas City for his senior season. He will choose between Michigan State, Iowa, Marquette, Ohio State, Creighton and Minnesota.

While it would have been ideal to keep an elite in-state prospect home, Davis is just 6 feet tall and doesn’t perfectly fit Brad Underwood’s preference for positional size. Michigan State feels like a natural fit, where he could learn behind Jeremy Fears Jr. before eventually taking over the point guard position.

Another in-state guard Illinois is heavily pursuing is Brady Pettigrew. Pettigrew is currently in the class of 2028 but has the option to reclassify to 2027 and enroll for the 2027-28 season. The Bolingbrook native has been outstanding on the 16U EYBL circuit and has the talent to compete for minutes immediately. Pettigrew is a five-star prospect and the No. 15 player nationally in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He recently took an unofficial visit to Illinois and has emerged as one of the staff’s top priorities.

Lastly, five-star point guard NaVorro Bowman Jr. is also scheduled to take an unofficial visit to Champaign in September. Bowman Jr. is a 6-foot-3 point guard from California in the class of 2027 and is ranked as the No. 1 player in the state and the No. 10 overall prospect nationally by 247Sports. Illinois will face stiff competition from programs such as Arizona, Texas and UConn, among others, but Bowman Jr. would have the opportunity to play alongside Quentin Coleman from day one if he chose the Illini.

The coaching staff has put in plenty of work this offseason evaluating the next generation of talent, and they have done an excellent job getting top prospects to campus. Brad Underwood and his staff have consistently identified players who fit their system, and Illinois is now attracting legitimate five-star, NBA-caliber recruits. With a Final Four appearance and one of the nation’s premier programs to sell, Illinois is in a strong position to land several of its top recruiting targets over the next two classes.

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Can they make another Final Four?

Illinois must replace a top-five NBA Draft pick in Keaton Wagler along with two key role players in Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous. Brad Underwood reloaded the roster with Stefan Vaaks, Quentin Coleman, and Lucas Morillo, but three major questions will determine the Illini’s ceiling.

1. Defense

Defense has been an issue for Illinois over the past few seasons as Brad Underwood has prioritized offensive talent in recruiting. Offense wins games in March, but no national champion has cut down the nets with a poor defense. The 2024 Elite Eight team and last season’s Final Four team were simply not good enough defensively to win a national championship.

Illinois ranked No. 28 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency on KenPom before the NCAA Tournament. The Illini improved throughout the tournament and finished No. 20. In 2024, Illinois finished No. 80 in adjusted defensive efficiency, nowhere near championship caliber.

Seventy-five percent of national champions have entered the NCAA Tournament ranked 25th or better in adjusted defensive efficiency. That should be Illinois’ minimum goal. The last three national champions finished the season ranked inside the top 10, so the Illini should aim to be closer to 10 than 20 if they want a realistic shot at a title.

Defensively, the 2026-27 roster could take a step back with the departures of Boswell and Humrichous. Andrej Stojakovic will need to become Illinois’ primary perimeter stopper. He flashed that ability at times last season, but he’ll need to bring that intensity every night if the Illini want another Final Four run.

Illinois will also be one of the biggest teams in the country and must use its size and length to disrupt opponents. Zvonimir Ivisic ranked fourth nationally in block percentage last season and could be the nation’s best shot blocker. Illinois will need to lean into that strength while continuing to rebound at a high level. Defensive coordinator Cam Crocker enters his second season in the role, and that continuity should help elevate the defense.

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2. Point Guard Play

Point guard play has been a strength during Illinois’ recent postseason success despite not having a true point guard. The Elite Eight team started forward Ty Rodgers at point guard while Marcus Domask and Terrence Shannon Jr. shared playmaking responsibilities.

Similarly, Keaton Wagler arrived as a shooting guard before transitioning to point guard. Illinois relied heavily on him as a freshman, and he quickly became one of the nation’s best players at the position.

Despite that recent success with unconventional point guards, Illinois still needs someone to emerge early this season. Andrej Stojakovic and Jake Davis are not natural point guards, leaving Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks or freshman Quentin Coleman as the most likely options. Lucas Morillo and David Mirkovic could also handle secondary playmaking duties.

Vaaks and Coleman appear to be the favorites to start at point guard, but how that battle unfolds remains uncertain. Relying on a freshman to run the offense can be risky, as Illinois experienced with Kasparas Jakucionis during the 2024-25 season. He showed flashes of brilliance but also had stretches of inconsistency that hurt the Illini’s chances of making a deeper NCAA Tournament run.

The coaching staff must identify the right floor general and build another elite offense. Fortunately, Illinois has plenty of offensive talent and multiple players capable of creating opportunities.

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3. Role Identification

Role identification has become more important than ever in college basketball because of the transfer portal and NIL. With thousands of players changing schools every year, getting everyone to embrace their role is critical. Every player wants to be the leading scorer, but that’s simply not realistic.

NIL has only made that challenge greater. Players often expect a certain role based on their opportunities, making buy-in even more important. Last season’s Final Four team embraced its roles and thrived because of it. Andrej Stojakovic was arguably Illinois’ most talented and highest-paid player, yet he accepted a bench role late in the season because it gave the team the best chance to win.

Just like the point guard competition, the coaching staff must establish who the go-to scorer will be, who provides offense off the bench, and everything in between. Ben Humrichous was the perfect example of embracing a role, averaging just 22.5 minutes per game while focusing on defense, rebounding, and doing the little things that helped Illinois win.

Who will fill that role this season?

Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, and Stefan Vaaks all have legitimate All-Big Ten potential. Mirkovic and Vaaks also enter the season among the early Wooden Award contenders alongside Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr., a sign that expectations are high for both players.

Illinois has more than enough offensive firepower, but there is only one basketball. The coaching staff must define roles, and the players must embrace them if the Illini want to compete for a national championship.

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Keaton Wagler was the highest-drafted former Illini this year, but he struggled in his debut with the Los Angeles Clippers. He finished with just seven points on 1-of-7 shooting from the field in 27 minutes, knocking down only one three-pointer in a 91-85 loss to the Sacramento Kings. Wagler bounced back in his second game on Sunday night, scoring 23 points while adding four assists in 28 minutes.

Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley, who were both selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, are competing in their second NBA Summer League. Jakucionis appeared in two games for the Milwaukee Bucks over the weekend but struggled to find his shooting touch. He went 2-for-10 from the field in Milwaukee’s blowout loss to the Miami Heat on Friday night. Riley also got off to a slow start in his Summer League opener but helped lead the Washington Wizards to a 92-88 victory over the Utah Jazz. He followed that performance with an impressive 32-point, six-rebound outing in a 104-85 win in his second game.

Kylan Boswell went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft but signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. Through three games in Las Vegas, Boswell is averaging 13.2 minutes and 4.0 points per game while shooting an efficient 62.5% from the field. He will continue battling for minutes as he looks to earn a permanent spot on the Hornets’ roster.

Ben Humrichous has been one of the biggest surprises of Summer League. After signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets, he has given himself a legitimate chance to earn a spot with the organization’s G League affiliate. Humrichous followed up his 15-point performance against the Bucks in the California Classic by knocking down three three-pointers and scoring nine points in Brooklyn’s Las Vegas opener. At 6-foot-9, Humrichous brings versatility as a shooter, passer, ball-handler, rebounder, and defender, making him an intriguing developmental prospect.

It is also interesting to see which former players the Illinois program continues to claim as its own. Several players who finished their collegiate careers elsewhere were still featured on the Illinois men’s basketball social media graphic highlighting the program’s Summer League participants.

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Former players Luke Goode, Coleman Hawkins, Dain Dainja, and Justin Harmon were all included on the “Summer League Illini” graphic. Although Goode, Hawkins, and Dainja finished their careers at other schools, each earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Meanwhile, RJ Melendez, Tre White, and Morez Johnson Jr. were not included despite spending part of their college careers in Champaign.

Goode, Hawkins, Dainja, and Harmon were all key contributors on Illinois’ 2024 team that reached the program’s first Elite Eight since 2005. Dainja is playing with the Nets alongside Humrichous, Goode is with the Lakers, Hawkins is with the Nuggets, and Harmon is with the Jazz.

It has been exciting to watch so many former Illini continue their basketball careers at the professional level. NBA Summer League action continues throughout the week before concluding with the championship game on Sunday.

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The Warriors, Lakers, Kings, Jazz, Thunder, Hawks, Grizzlies, Spurs, Heat, and Bucks have already played at least one summer league game, while the rest of the league will make its debut in Las Vegas.

Keaton Wagler, who was selected No. 5 overall by the Los Angeles Clippers, will make his summer league debut Thursday against the Kings. He’ll face No. 7 overall pick Darius Acuff in a matchup of two highly touted rookies looking to make an immediate impact. The Clippers and Kings will tip off at 10:00 p.m. CST on ESPN from the Thomas & Mack Center.

Wagler will play his second game Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. CST against the Jazz. He’ll then face former Illini Justin Harmon in that matchup before taking on former Illini Luke Goode and the Lakers on Tuesday, July 14, at 9:00 p.m. CST. The Clippers will wrap up their scheduled games against the Wizards on Wednesday, July 15, at 9:30 p.m. CST.

Wednesday night’s game will air on ESPN and gives Illini fans a chance to watch Wagler go head-to-head with former Illinois standout Will Riley.

Riley was selected No. 21 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Washington Wizards on draft night. He finished his rookie season on a strong note and will look to continue that momentum in his second NBA Summer League. Riley opens play against the Jazz on Thursday, July 9, at 8:00 p.m. CST on ESPN.

Other former Illini making their NBA Summer League debuts include recent graduates Ben Humrichous and Kylan Boswell. Humrichous signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets and already has two games under his belt.

The Nets are 1-1 in the California Classic, and the former Illini forward scored six points in his debut against the Kings on July 4. Humrichous is also playing alongside former Illini Dain Dainja, who recorded 10 points and seven rebounds in Brooklyn’s most recent game against the Bucks. The Nets will play one final game in California on Monday at 7:00 p.m. CST on NBA TV and Prime Video before opening play in Las Vegas on Friday.

@nbaWhat a great hustle play by Ben Humrichous 👏 #NBA #NBASummerLeague #BenHumrichous #BrooklynNets

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Boswell is the newest NBA player to come out of Brad Underwood’s program after signing a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. He’ll make his Summer League debut Thursday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. CST on Prime Video and will conclude the schedule on Wednesday, July 15, against the Bucks at the same time. That game could feature a fun backcourt matchup against former Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis.

Jakucionis has been playing for Lithuania during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers but is could join his new team in Las Vegas. He was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks before the NBA Draft and should see an increased role during his second professional season. Milwaukee opens Summer League play against the Heat on Friday, July 10, at 3:00 p.m. CST. Former Illini wing Tre White is playing for the Heat and scored 11 points in Miami’s California Classic matchup against the Lakers.

Coleman Hawkins, Morez Johnson Jr., and RJ Melendez are additional former Illini who will participate in this year’s NBA Summer League. Below is the full list of former Illinois players to watch this summer:

· Luke Goode — Lakers

· Justin Harmon — Jazz

· Coleman Hawkins — Nuggets

· Dain Dainja — Nets

· Kasparas Jakucionis — Bucks

· Will Riley — Wizards

· Kylan Boswell — Hornets

· Ben Humrichous — Nets

· Keaton Wagler — Clippers

· Morez Johnson Jr. — Mavericks

· RJ Melendez — Spurs

· Tre White — Heat

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Wagler was selected ahead of several highly regarded guard prospects, including Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., and Kingston Flemings. He will join Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and Will Riley in the NBA, continuing Illinois’ growing presence in the league under Brad Underwood.

Multiple former Illini players will also participate in NBA Summer League in Las Vegas this July. Ben Humrichous signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets shortly after the second round concluded and will have an opportunity to earn a spot on an NBA roster.

Likewise, Kylan Boswell signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets and will play alongside former Big Ten center Hannes Steinbach during Summer League. Boswell is still just 21 years old and has an opportunity to earn NBA playing time over the next few seasons while developing in the G League.

Former Illini big man Morez Johnson Jr. was the surprise of the draft, sneaking into the top 10. He was projected to be a lottery pick, but the Dallas Mavericks selected him with the No. 9 overall pick over teammates Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara. It’s unfortunate that Johnson Jr. transferred to Michigan after just one season at Illinois, but he undeniably has a great chance to enjoy a long NBA career.

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Another Marquee Non-Conference Matchup Added

A rematch of the 2005 national championship game will take place in Nashville on Saturday, Jan. 30, inside Bridgestone Arena. It was announced last week that North Carolina and Illinois will meet in Music City for a marquee non-conference showdown.

North Carolina and Illinois have not faced each other since the 2010-11 season, when the Illini won by 12 points inside Assembly Hall. The two programs are tied 4-4 in the all-time series, so the winner will take the series lead.

Illinois traveled to Nashville last season for a non-conference matchup against Tennessee and came away with a 75-62 victory. Illini Nation traveled in full force for that game, and a similar turnout is expected this season.

The Illini now have Texas Tech, Duke, UConn, Missouri, and North Carolina on their non-conference schedule, and it is expected that one more high-major opponent will be added.

https://armchairillini.com/illinois-basketball-to-face-north-carolina-nashville-non-conference-clash/

The non-conference schedule is beginning to take shape with just a few games still pending. Illinois is expected to announce one more marquee opponent, with the remaining openings likely to be home buy games in addition to Fairleigh Dickinson, Penn, and Eastern Illinois.

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Recruiting News

UI Zone (@Recruit2Illinis) announced on X that 2028 five-star prospect Brady Pettigrew will make an unofficial visit to Illinois today. Pettigrew, an in-state product, has quickly become a high-priority target for the Illini coaching staff.

Pettigrew is a 6-foot-3 guard from Bolingbrook and is currently ranked as the top player in the state of Illinois. He also checks in as the No. 14 overall prospect in the 2028 class according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

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It will also mark the third straight season that an Illini has been selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, following Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley last year and Terrence Shannon Jr. in 2024. Illinois has become a pipeline for guards making the leap to the NBA following their time in Champaign.

Wagler is projected to be selected anywhere between No. 5 and No. 9 on Tuesday night in Brooklyn, but he may not be the only Illinois guard drafted this week. We’ll have to wait until the second round on Wednesday, but Kylan Boswell has a chance to hear his name called as well.

If Boswell is selected, it would give Brad Underwood five guards drafted into the NBA and provide as strong of a recruiting pitch as any program in the country for highly ranked guards making their college decision.

Other Big Ten players likely to be selected in the first round include Morez Johnson Jr., Yaxel Lendeborg, Aday Mara, and Bennett Stirtz. Johnson spent just one season at Michigan before impressing at the NBA Draft Combine and deciding to remain in the draft.

The former Illini big man has a chance to become a lottery pick following his national championship season at Michigan.

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Schedule News

The non-conference schedule for the 2026-27 season is slowly coming together and should be finalized by the end of the summer. The road games against Duke and Texas Tech have been confirmed for back-to-back Tuesdays in November.

Illinois will travel to Lubbock to face Texas Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 10, before heading to Durham to take on Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

The Illini will also play UConn on Dec. 4 at the United Center in Chicago as part of a return game from last year’s matchup at Madison Square Garden. Brad Underwood has said he would like to bring his team to the Garden every season, so it would not be surprising to see another high-profile matchup scheduled there against a new opponent.

Rocco Miller (@RoccoMiller8) confirmed on X that Illinois will host Fairleigh Dickinson on Monday, Nov. 2 for opening night. The Illini will also host Penn on Thursday, Nov. 5 in a rematch of their NCAA Tournament Round of 64 matchup, as well as Eastern Illinois on Friday, Nov. 20.

The annual Braggin’ Rights game against Missouri will be held on Sunday, Dec. 20 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Seven of Illinois’ 12 non-conference games have now been reported, leaving five still to be announced.

I would expect at least two more marquee matchups against high-major opponents, along with a few additional home games against low-major programs to round out the non-conference slate.

Illinois is expected to host its own MTE (multi-team event) at State Farm Center and is not expected to participate in a traditional neutral-site MTE such as the Maui Invitational, Battle 4 Atlantis, or Players Era Festival.

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Williams attended Kankakee High School and was ranked as the No. 1 player in Illinois in the Class of 2026. He averaged 26 points, six rebounds, and three assists per game during his senior season while finishing third in Illinois Mr. Basketball voting. Williams also left Kankakee as the school’s all-time leading scorer but surprisingly did not receive significant late interest from many high-major programs.

https://armchairillini.com/illinois-basketball-lincoln-williams-kankakee/

He held high-major offers from Arizona State, TCU, and Virginia Tech but only took official visits to Southern Illinois and North Texas during his recruitment.

“He was a tremendous scorer at a great program, Kankakee High School, and he is a special athlete with the ability to play all the perimeter positions,” Illinois head coach Brad Underwood said.

The Illinois coaching staff has emphasized size, shooting, and versatility over the past several offseasons. At 6-foot-5, Williams is somewhat undersized for a traditional small forward role but fits the mold of a bigger guard who can develop into a versatile perimeter player. He is an excellent athlete with the potential to become an elite defender, though his outside shooting remains a work in progress.

Illinois will bring in six freshmen next season, and several of them will likely spend time developing in smaller roles before earning significant minutes. Williams is not expected to play a major role as a freshman in Champaign, but he has the potential to develop into a valuable piece of the program over time.

Illinois Men’s Basketball also announced jersey numbers for its new players on June 12. Williams will wear No. 1, while Stefan Vaaks will wear No. 7, Quentin Coleman No. 11, Zavier Zens No. 22, Lucas Morillo No. 23, Landon Davis No. 27, and Ethan Brown No. 34.

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More In-State Recruits Leaving Illinois for Prep School

It was announced Friday that highly ranked 2027 recruits Quinton Kitt and Jaxson Davis will leave Illinois and transfer to Monarch Academy. Prep schools have become increasingly prominent in recent years, and Illinois has struggled to keep some of its top basketball talent within the state.

Kitt is already committed to Illinois for the 2027-28 season, while the Illini remain heavily involved in Davis’s recruitment. Davis previously attended Warren Township High School, where he won back-to-back Illinois Mr. Basketball awards as a sophomore and junior.

Davis was ranked as the No. 1 player in Illinois before transferring and is now considered the top player in Kansas. According to 247Sports, Davis and Kitt are ranked as the No. 1 and No. 2 players in Kansas following their move to Monarch Academy.

Both players will suit up for Monarch Academy next season, and Illinois fans will hope Kitt can help convince Davis to join him in Champaign.

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Canada, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela made up Group B. Canada faced little resistance throughout the tournament before earning a two-point victory over the United States in the gold medal game. Team USA dominated much of the competition but ultimately fell to Canada, 67-65, in the championship contest.

The United States entered the tournament as the favorite to win gold but came up just short on Sunday night. The roster featured some of the top Division I talent in the country, and Illini commit Quentin Coleman performed as well as anyone in the field. Coleman averaged the second-most minutes on the team at 21.8 per game and led the squad in efficiency with a 17.2 rating.

https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-u18-americup-2026/teams/usa#overview

Coleman showed that he is one of the best basketball players in the world age 18 and under. He averaged 11.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His rebounding was especially impressive, as the 6-foot-4 guard led Team USA with 11.4 rebounds per game despite being one of the smallest players on the roster.

The St. Louis native has continued to rise in the recruiting rankings, currently sitting as the No. 13 prospect in the 2026 class according to 247Sports, but that ranking may still be too low. Illinois has produced several NBA-caliber guards over the past six years, and Coleman has the potential to become the program’s fourth one-and-done NBA Draft pick in the last three seasons.

Players will begin arriving on campus this month for summer workouts and classes. Coleman will head to Champaign carrying a silver medal and lofty expectations for his freshman season.

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Summer Workouts Beginning in Mid-June

Players across college basketball will report to campus over the next two weeks and begin summer workouts with most of their teammates. Illinois is expected to have nearly its entire roster on campus this summer, which could provide a significant advantage heading into next season. Summer workouts are a valuable opportunity for teams to build chemistry, both on and off the court, while continuing individual development.

Stefan Vaaks and David Mirkovic will likely spend part of the summer overseas representing their respective countries, but both should still have time on campus to participate in team activities.

David Mirkovic did not have much of a summer last year due to NCAA eligibility and visa issues, but expectations are high for a productive offseason this time around. Mirkovic recently spoke about how important this summer will be for both his individual growth and the team’s development.

https://armchairillini.com/illini-forward-david-mirkovic-announces-return-for-2026-season/

Similarly, Andrej Stojakovic suffered a knee injury early last summer and will have considerably more time to develop this offseason. Summer workouts typically consist of shooting drills, pickup games, strength training, and individual skill development. Veteran returners will also have the opportunity to mentor the five freshmen and help them adjust to the college game.

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This marks the second time Stojakovic has announced his return to Champaign. In April, both Stojakovic and Illinois Basketball shared a video on social media featuring the junior guard declaring that he would be back for one more season.

Stojakovic was one of numerous college basketball players who announced their return to school on Wednesday, the deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft. His decision came as little surprise to Illinois fans. The former McDonald’s All-American was projected as a second-round pick and has the opportunity to significantly improve his draft stock with a strong senior season.

NIL has given many college basketball players the chance to earn more money in college than they would as second-round NBA Draft picks, allowing the sport to retain more high-level talent. Potential All-Americans such as Jeremy Fears Jr., Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Braylon Mullins, Milan Momcilovic, and others will return to school largely because of the opportunities provided through Name, Image, and Likeness.

Stojakovic’s return gives Illinois one of the most talented rosters in college basketball heading into the 2026-27 season. He averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game during his first season in Champaign and is expected to be one of the top players in the country next year. Stojakovic has the potential to earn All-American honors while leading the Illini on another Final Four run.

The Athletic recently ranked Illinois as the No. 1 team in the country in its preseason rankings. The Illini also sit at No. 4 in both Bart Torvik’s rankings and On3’s preseason projections.

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Recruiting News

Illinois offered 2027 five-star recruit DeMarcus Henry on May 29. Henry announced the scholarship offer on his X account.

The Illini already hold two commitments in the 2027 recruiting class but continue to pursue additional talent. Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin are currently committed to Illinois, but the program will have significant production to replace by 2027, as Jake Davis, Andrej Stojakovic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Tomislav Ivisic are all expected to graduate.

Henry is a five-star forward from Santa Ana, California. The 6-foot-7 prospect currently attends Compass Prep and plays for Vegas Elite on the EYBL circuit. Compass Prep is also the same high school that former Illinois guard Kylan Boswell attended before reclassifying.

Henry has established himself as one of the premier rebounders in the EYBL. He currently ranks second in the league with 9.7 rebounds per game. Rebounding has been a major point of emphasis for Brad Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff in recent seasons.

According to 247Sports, Henry is ranked as the No. 11 overall player in the country and the No. 3 player in Arizona in the 2027 class. He already holds offers from blue-blood programs such as Kansas, North Carolina, and UConn.

If Underwood can land Henry, he would become the highest-rated recruit in Illinois basketball history during the 247Sports era.

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As a result, fans have been on the edge of their seats awaiting a clear decision from the two-way wing. If he does return, the Illini will maintain its status as one of the top teams in the entire country. If Stojakovic chooses to stay in the NBA draft, the Illini have a major hole on the wing on both sides of the ball. Last week, Andrej Stojakovic, along with Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell, participated in the NBA Draft Combine.

Though Stojakovic put up an impressive 41.5 inch vertical and measured with a 6 foot 8 inch wingspan, he shot just 9/25 in a spot-up shooting drill. For reference, that was worse than Michigan’s Morez Johnson and Aday Mara, Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr., and Kentucky’s Otega Oweh.

From everything that Armchair Illini is hearing from sources who were at the NBA Draft Combine, the buzz is that Stojakovic is likely returning to college basketball. With less than 10 days until the withdrawal deadline, Illini fans will anxiously await further confirmation.

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Keaton Wagler was a participant in the Draft Combine. Wagler is always going to be scrutinized for his ordinary measurements and average athleticism. However, it is a well known fact that Wagler’s IQ, processing skills and ability to run an offense is second to none. The comparisons to NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are running strong and Wagler should be picked between picks 5 and 10 in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Wagler, like Stojakovic, did not participate in the 5-on-5 scrimmage of the Combine.

Kylan Boswell did participate in the 5-on-5 portion of the Combine. He shot 3 of 9 from the three point line and averaged 3.0 assists over two games. Overall, Boswell did not do much to hurt or help his current draft status as he essentially did not wow anyone with his measurements nor did he hurt himself with his play.

As of now, Kylan Boswell is expected to be a late second round pick or an undrafted free agent.

Boise State and James Madison are a step down from Illinois and the high-major level, but both programs likely fit their skill sets better at this stage of their careers. Brandon Lee was a four-star recruit in the class of 2025 according to 247Sports, but he rarely saw the court during his freshman season in Champaign. Lee averaged just 4.2 minutes and 1.7 points per game in his first collegiate season. His decision to transfer does not come as much of a surprise, and he should have the opportunity to play significant minutes in the Coastal Athletic Association.

Ty Rodgers entering the portal stung for many Illinois fans, as he spent four years on campus as a student-athlete. Rodgers only played in two of those four seasons due to a redshirt year and an injury, but he still became a fan favorite. He started at point guard for Illinois during the program’s 2023-24 Elite Eight run, but he was not expected to play major minutes this upcoming season because of the talent Illinois has added to the roster.

Rodgers has not appeared in a game in two years and is rated as a three-star transfer prospect by 247Sports, but he should still provide value for Boise State at the mid-major level. The former No. 1 player in Illinois is somewhat limited offensively, but he should be able to carve out a significant role for the Broncos.

Toni Bilic and Mihailo Petrovic also entered the transfer portal alongside Rodgers and Lee, but neither has announced a commitment yet. Neither player saw much playing time at Illinois, so it would not be surprising to see them either transfer down a level like Rodgers and Lee or return to Europe to continue their professional careers overseas.

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NBA Lottery Complete, Giving Clarity on Wagler’s Draft Outlook

The NBA Draft Lottery wrapped up in Chicago, and all eyes are now on Keaton Wagler ahead of June’s NBA Draft. Wagler is projected to be selected in the top 10 and could potentially crack the top five.

Jonathan Givony of Draft Express currently projects Wagler to go No. 5 overall to the Clippers following the lottery results. His latest mock draft has Darryn Peterson going No. 1 to the Wizards, AJ Dybantsa No. 2 to the Jazz, Cam Boozer No. 3 to the Grizzlies, and Caleb Wilson No. 4 to the Bulls.

The full NBA Draft Lottery order is as follows:

1. Clippers

2. Jazz

3. Grizzlies

4. Bulls

5. Clippers

6. Nets

7. Kings

8. Hawks

9. Mavericks

10. Bucks

11. Warriors

12. Thunder

13. Heat

14. Hornets

The lottery results give a much clearer picture of where Wagler could land in this year’s draft. There is a strong possibility he is selected somewhere between No. 5 and No. 8 overall, which would put teams like the Clippers, Nets, Kings, or Hawks in play.

Wagler is also on track to become the highest Illinois draft pick since Deron Williams was selected No. 3 overall in the 2005 NBA Draft.

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With roster construction essentially complete, Illinois fans have shifted their attention to the NBA Playoffs and the upcoming NBA Draft.

This year’s NBA Playoffs have especially captured the attention of Illini fans, as Terrence Shannon Jr. and Ayo Dosunmu played key roles in helping the Minnesota Timberwolves pull off an upset over the third-seeded Denver Nuggets.

With Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo sidelined due to injuries, Shannon Jr. and Dosunmu stepped up in a major way.

Shannon Jr., who saw limited action during the regular season, played 35 minutes in the Timberwolves’ series-clinching win. He finished with 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting and added six rebounds. Dosunmu missed Game 6 but contributed 18 points in Game 5, coming off a career-high 43-point performance earlier in the series.

The Timberwolves now head to San Antonio to face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the second round. Minnesota enters the series as a heavy underdog without Edwards, but they’ve already proven they can defy expectations after knocking off Denver.

Shannon Jr. and Dosunmu are expected to continue seeing significant minutes as they try to lead the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals. Game 1 of the second round will tip off at 8:30 p.m. CST on Monday night, airing on NBCSN and Peacock.

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NBA Draft

While the NBA Draft won’t take place until mid-June, the NBA Combine is just around the corner and it will feature three Illini players.

Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, and Andrej Stojakovic were all invited to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. They are among 73 players who will participate in the event, which runs from May 10–17 at Wintrust Arena and the Marriott Marquis.

Wagler is aiming to become the third Illini first-round pick in the last two seasons. He is currently projected as a top-10 selection, with the potential to climb even higher. His name is expected to be called on draft night.

Boswell is working to solidify his position as a draft pick. He is currently projected to go No. 52 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers in ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo’s mock draft. Boswell has benefited from several college players opting to return to school for NIL opportunities rather than enter the draft. With no remaining college eligibility, he is likely to play in NBA Summer League in Las Vegas regardless of whether he is drafted.

Stojakovic has entered the draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He will participate in the Combine and has until May 27 to withdraw his name from the draft. The junior guard is seeking feedback from NBA decision-makers but is widely expected to return to Illinois for his senior season.

The NBA Draft Lottery will take place on May 10 at 2:00 p.m. CST in Chicago, offering a clearer picture of where Wagler could land.

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Quentin Coleman Wins MVP at Iverson Classic

Five-star freshman Quentin Coleman continues to build momentum heading into his college career. His latest accomplishment: MVP honors at the 2026 Iverson Classic.

Coleman put on a dominant performance, finishing with 31 points and 12 rebounds while shooting an efficient 11-of-16 from the field. He led his team to a 142–138 victory.

The future Illini guard continues to prove why he’s rated as a five-star prospect by 247Sports. Against a roster full of Division I talent, Coleman stood out as the best player on the floor and is poised to bring another high-level presence to Illinois’ backcourt next season.

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The EYBL and Adidas 3SSB AAU circuits tipped off this past weekend, and two Illini 2027 recruits were in action. The 2027 Illinois recruiting class already includes two talented in-state players - Quinton Kitt from Peoria and Mason Martin from Naperville.

https://armchairillini.com/2027-in-state-forward-quinton-kitt-commits-to-illinois-basketball/

Quinton Kitt plays for Meanstreets in the Nike EYBL circuit and had one of the best weekends of any player. He averaged 23.3 points per game through his first three games, ranking No. 7 in the league. The Peoria native poured in 31 points in a 69–68 win over NY Lightning in their first game on Friday night.

Meanstreets’ starting guard is Jaxson Davis from Warren High School, who won Illinois Mr. Basketball two years in a row and is being heavily recruited by the Illini to potentially join Kitt in the 2027 class. Davis is leading the EYBL in assists per game at 7.7, though he struggled with efficiency from three-point range, going 1-for-9 over the weekend. Meanstreets is a fun team to follow, featuring several in-state players on the roster.

Breakaway Basketball is another team to watch on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, as 2027 Illini commit Mason Martin and 2028 recruit Cole Kelly impressed in California last weekend. Martin and Kelly are teammates at Neuqua Valley High School and also play together for Breakaway on the AAU circuit.

Mason Martin committed to Illinois in January and is one of the best pure shooters in the 2027 class, despite currently being unranked at 247 Sports. He leads the Adidas 3SSB in three-point field goals made per game at 5.8 through four games.

https://armchairillini.com/illinois-basketball-offers-in-state-sharpshooter-mason-martin/

The Naperville native knocked down 10 threes in a 20-point win over Garner Road Basketball on Saturday, helping lead Breakaway to a 3–1 weekend. Martin is averaging 22.8 points per game, while his teammate Cole Kelly is averaging 18.8 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game.

Kelly is the No. 38 ranked recruit in the class of 2028 and is graded as a four-star prospect. He currently holds offers from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, and others.

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Ayo Dosunmu

Ayo Dosunmu led the resurgence of Illinois basketball in 2017 when he committed to an Illini program that was near the bottom of the Big Ten. He placed his trust in Brad Underwood when very few recruits would, ultimately helping lead Illinois to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2012–13 season.

Dosunmu led Illinois to a Big Ten Tournament championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament during his junior season. He was a consensus First-Team All-American, a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection by the media, and a Big Ten All-Freshman Team selection in 2019.

The Chicago native is one of the greatest Illini basketball players of all time, and his jersey is honored inside the State Farm Center. That success in college is now translating to the NBA, as he delivered one of the best playoff performances in recent history on Saturday night.

Dosunmu scored 43 points off the bench, leading the Timberwolves to a 112–96 win over the Nuggets and a 3–1 series lead. He shot an impressive 13-of-17 from the field, 5-of-5 from three-point range, and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. He now holds the record for the most points scored off the bench in an NBA playoff game in the last 50 years.

The former Illini is expected to see an increased role for the remainder of the playoffs, especially with Timberwolves guards Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards dealing with injuries. Illini fans have long known how special Ayo is, but the rest of the basketball world is now taking notice. He could be in line for a massive contract following the season.

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Andrej Stojakovic Declares for the NBA Draft

ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello reported on Sunday that Andrej Stojakovic has entered his name into the NBA Draft while maintaining the option to return to Illinois.

Stojakovic had previously announced on April 17 that he would return to Illinois for his senior season. He is expected to be one of the top players on the Illini roster next year and has a strong chance to take a major leap in his second season in Champaign following an outstanding NCAA Tournament performance.

https://armchairillini.com/illini-wing-andrej-stojakovic-enters-2026-nba-draft/

The news of Stojakovic testing the NBA Draft process surprised many Illini fans, but it does not indicate he will leave. College players are allowed to go through the pre-draft process and return to school before the withdrawal deadline of May 27. This rule, implemented in 2016, allows players to participate in workouts, receive feedback from NBA teams, and better understand what they need to improve to reach the next level.

Stojakovic is not currently projected on NBA mock drafts, so a return to Illinois for his final season remains the most likely outcome. With NIL opportunities, many players can now earn more in college than they would as a second-round or undrafted NBA prospect.

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Five of Illinois’ eight rotation players will be back next season, and the group will likely be ranked in the preseason top 10. The Illini also added Stefan Vaaks from Providence and bring in a strong freshman class led by guards Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo. Those three additions, combined with the five returners, should make up Illinois’ eight-man rotation. Coleman, Morillo, and Vaaks are expected to replace Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, and Ben Humrichous.

Illinois is likely done making major additions this offseason. Just four players have entered the transfer portal, as the coaching staff made retention the top priority. Ty Rodgers, Brandon Lee, Mihailo Petrovic, and Toni Bilic have entered the portal, while Jason Jakstys’ decision remains up in the air.

The Illini have five freshmen coming in and one roster spot potentially open if Jakstys returns for his junior season. Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Ethan Brown, Landon Davis, and Zavier Zens are all incoming freshmen who could make an immediate impact.

Quentin Coleman officially signed with Illinois yesterday and is expected to be the starting point guard come November. He recently moved up to a five-star prospect in the 247Sports Composite rankings, now sitting as the No. 26 player in the class of 2026. Coleman played in the Jordan Classic over the weekend, finishing with 12 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes.

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Zavier Zens Commits to Illinois

Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Zavier Zens committed to Illinois on Friday and is expected to be the final freshman addition for the Illini. Zens originally committed to Ben Jacobson at Northern Iowa, but reopened his recruitment after Jacobson accepted the Utah State head coaching job. Wisconsin and Illinois quickly extended offers, marking his first two high-major opportunities.

Zens, a Milwaukee native, won his third state title with Wisconsin Lutheran this past season. Though rated as a three-star recruit, he put together a standout year, averaging 23.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting 40% from three and 61.1% from the field.

The Wisconsin native ultimately chose Illinois over following Jacobson to Utah State and over staying in-state. He cited his desire to win and develop into the best player he can be. We spoke with Zavier on our most recent podcast, where he shared that he leaned on former Illini standout Marcus Domask and his cousin Kon Knueppel for advice during the decision-making process.

Domask and Knueppel were both Wisconsin Mr. Basketball winners like Zens and have gone on to build strong professional careers. Zens fits the mold of a Brad Underwood player and has the potential to develop into a very impactful piece for Illinois.

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Vaaks is a 6’7” freshman from Estonia who averaged 15.8 points per game in his first season of college basketball. He fits the Eastern European pipeline Brad Underwood has leaned into and should blend seamlessly with the rest of the international core - several of whom are expected to announce their returns soon.

The Estonian-born guard brings excellent positional size and the ability to shoot it at a high level from the perimeter. The Illini staff has consistently developed guards well, and Vaaks looks like the next in line. He earned Big East All-Freshman honors and will likely step right into Illinois’ starting five.

Vaaks is ranked as a top 15 transfer and was one of the most gifted offensive players in the portal. His defense and rebounding will need to improve for him to take the next step, but he has all the tools for a breakout sophomore season.

Illinois got its guy, but the staff remains in pursuit of another high-level guard. John Blackwell is the top target, though his recruitment may take time as he goes through the NBA Draft process. Currently, Illinois has Stefan Vaaks, Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, and Ethan Brown at guard, with Andrej Stojakovic and Brandon Lee still pending decisions. Even so, the Illini are expected to push for one more impact addition in the backcourt.

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#TheRetention

Retention was a major focus last offseason and should be again following a Final Four appearance. While the transfer portal allows teams to rebuild quickly, most national champions in the portal era still return a significant portion of their production.

Illinois brought back over 40% of its minutes last season with the returns of Ben Humrichous, Jake Davis, Tomislav Ivisic, and Kylan Boswell. Replicating that formula could once again position the Illini for a deep run.

Key rotational players David Mirkovic, Jake Davis, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, and Andrej Stojakovic could all return to Champaign next season. That would give Illinois five of its eight primary rotation players back, creating a veteran-heavy roster. Davis, Tomi, Z, and Andrej would all be seniors aiming for a second straight Final Four appearance.

So far, Mihailo Petrovic and Toni Bilic are the only Illini to enter the transfer portal, with several other decisions still pending.

Retention should remain a priority every offseason, and it appears the Illinois staff is emphasizing it once again. With the portal closing on April 21, announcements should start rolling in soon, giving a clearer picture of the 2026–27 roster.

Illinois is in an outstanding position and will likely be a preseason top 10 team if it can bring back those key pieces to pair with additions like Stefan Vaaks, Lucas Morillo, and Quentin Coleman.

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