Illini Hoops

Between KenPom (#6) and Bart Torvik (#7), Illinois projects to be a much better team by the metrics than most media outlets are giving credit for. Illinois was picked 4th in the pre-season Big Ten poll, and I’d be shocked if they’re featured in the top 10 in the first iteration of the AP Poll

My preseason Top 101 won't publish for a week-plus, but I'll semi-spoil just a few things b/w my ranx and Ken's:

—Thought I would be the highest out there on Illinois, but nope
—Only two teams with identical rankings in the top 40
—Notable disagreements: Zona, Oklahoma, Kansas, USC, Marq, UVa

🚨 KENPOM PRESEASON 🚨

Illinois ranks #6 in @kenpom.com’s pre-season rankings, 2nd in the Big Ten behind only Purdue. Projected 14-6 finish in the Big Ten as well

Buzz builds, expectations rise for Illini freshman Keaton Wagler: 'He's more ready to play than I anticipated' While Keaton Wagler didn't arrive at Illinois with high expectations, the freshman guard has built big buzz this offseason

Some serious buzz building around #illini freshman Keaton Wagler. If he can be even serviceable as a rotation player, Illinois’ floor gets elevated.

But the hype is making it sound like his ceiling may be much higher…

Only 1️⃣3️⃣ days until we get to see Illinois basketball in action against Illinois St. in an exhibition match — then an absolutely loaded slate awaits us this winter. Almost that time…

Pain.

Don’t worry, 7 weeks from now, Kylan Boswell will be hitting his 6th three against a directional Illinois state school, and we’ll all be wondering whether Brandon Lee can be Big Ten freshman of the year

… Is it basketball season yet…? 😕

Illini impress 2026 top-30 wing Cameron Holmes on official visit: ‘This one is definitely setting a high bar’ 2026 small forward Cameron Holmes recaps his official visit to Illinois and looks ahead to what's next in his recruitment

Top-30 wing Cameron Holmes recaps #illini official visit with @ktausk13.

"This one is definitely setting a high bar getting closer to commitment time," Holmes said.

College Football = BACK! I-L-L

Illinois officially announces its non-conference schedule. No major surprises beyond what we already knew, but a very strong set of 5 games:

- Texas Tech
- Alabama
- UConn
- Tennessee
- Missouri

Illinois Adds Petrovic - University of Illinois Athletics Serbian point guard Mihailo Petrovic has signed a Big Ten Athletics Aid Agreement with Illinois.

Illinois officially announces the signing of Mihailo Petrovic, a good sign for the PG who has yet to come overseas — still hoping to get Petrovic and Mirkovic to Champaign ASAP to maximize practice time as a team.

Underwood adds former UNLV head coach Kevin Kruger to Illini basketball staff: 'It was a no-brainer' The former UNLV coach played at Champaign Centennial while his father was the Illini head coach

NEWS: #illini Brad Underwood hires former UNLV head coach Kevin Kruger as assistant to the head coach

Kruger, the son of former Illini coach Lon Kruger, returns to Champaign after four years as UNLV's head coach.

"It was a no-brainer," Underwood said.

247sports.com/colleg...

Kasparas Jakucionis withy the nifty bounce pass for a Vlad Golden dunk.

#CaliforniaClassic

INI!

BACK TO BACK!

Will Riley goes #21 to the Washington Wizards. Both #illini off the board in R1!

KJ to the Heat at pick #20!

I-L-L

Illinois has never had a one-and-done. That will change tonight with 2 first round draft picks. Good luck to Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley tonight! Make us proud 🧡💙

Ty Rodgers out indefinitely with knee injury, will require surgery A big blow to the Illini to begin the summer.

Awful news for Illinois, as Ty Rodgers suffered a knee injury during a pickup game that will require him to get surgery. Rodgers is out “indefinitely” with no clear timeline for return. Hoping for a speedy recovery, but have to imagine this could mean missing at least part of the season

Lee 'excited to go learn' from veteran Illini Freshman guard has a busy week incoming with graduation Monday and moving to Champaign Tuesday

Good article on #illini incoming freshman Brandon Lee

Illinois is building yet another awesome non-con schedule. Here’s what we know so far:

vs. Texas Tech in Champaign
vs. Alabama at United Center
vs. UConn at MSG
vs. Tennessee in Nashville
vs. Missouri (Braggin’ Rights)

HUGE! Love that we got another marquee game on the calendar.

Now time to win one of these…

Big news for Michigan — Wolverines will be the team to beat with Purdue next season.

Can’t wait for their trip to Champaign + Morez homecoming

Former #illini Terrence Shannon Jr. with a breakout game in the Western Conference Finals?

Yes please 😤

15 points
4/5 2p
1/3 3p
4/4 ft

RANK EM #NBADraft Fans

— Kasparas Jakucionis
— Egor Demin
— Jeremiah Fears

(Quote or reply) 🤝

Illini expected to hire Colgate assistant Camryn Crocker Brad Underwood is filling the assistant coach spot previously held by Tim Anderson.

Illinois brings Colgate assistant Camryn Crocker on staff, filling the void left by Tim Anderson 2 seasons ago — solid hire for an up-and-coming coach who was on staff for a very strong mid-major. #illini

The transfer portal has been busy 👀

#B1GMBBall