Illinois Basketball Reloads with Top Talent

0:00On April 20th, the transfer portal swung open right after Illinois's final four confetti dropped in Indianapolis, kicking off the Wild College. Basketball offseason. Coach Brad Underwood squad loses just three seniors. Kylin Boswell, Ben Hummerches, and AJ Redd. But they're keeping core pieces like Andrej. Stojakovic, David Merkovic, the Avisic Brothers, Thomas Lav and Zvonomir and Jake Davis all announcing returns mid-April. Stojakovic got more efficient inside and on D last year. Merkovic nearly hit 500 points as a freshman beast. And Thomas Lav, Avisic, balled out. In the turnie, averaging 12.8 and 6 rebounds. They joined Jake Davis, who's a 41% 3-point shooter now, with barely any turnovers. Meanwhile, Providence transfer Stefan Box slides in as a 20-year-old score, averaging 15.8 points on solid splits. Keaton Wagler, the Big Ten freshman of the year and second team All-American, declared for the 2026 NBA draft after one of the best.

1:03Elini Freshman seasons ever. Highs already in pre-draft workouts, eyeing lottery spot. Fans are buzzing about as exit, opening the back court. But Underwood's tight big guards who score and pass, Vax perfect. A few departures hit the portal too. Brandon Lee, Ty Rogers, Tony Billick and Mihailo Petrovic, clearing minutes amid new competition. Possible returners like Blake Vagmimi and Jason Jackstice faced tough calls on roles. Incoming freshman Pack Heat, Quentin Coleman, with 50 in a state title game, Lucas Marillo from a national prep champ averaging 17 and 9. Bords, Ethan Brown with 24A game, Landon Davis double-double threat, and Wisconsin. Mr. Basketball Xavier Zenz shooting 42 from deep. On a perfect 30 and 0 squad, Underwood's reloading fast for another Big Ten run.