Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Recruits Take Notice of Illinois Professional NBA Alums

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

February 18, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Sunday’s game against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center carried significance well beyond the final score.

Illinois snapped a two-game losing streak with a decisive 71-51 victory, powered by freshman David Mirkovic’s 25 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Yet the Illini’s dominant performance on a nationally televised CBS broadcast was only part of the story. The arena also served as a reunion point for former Illinois standouts now in the NBA and a showcase moment . . .

 

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566 Illini Slay Trojans

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565 Illini Defeat Hoosiers 71-51 in Boswell’s Return

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564 Illini Lead Evaporates in 92-90 OT Loss to Wisconsin

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563 Inside Scoop on New Illini DC Bobby Hauck

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562 Illini Fall 85-82 to MSU in OT

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2.6.26 - Illini Hoops Update, Ayo Traded & Football Coaching Openings

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561 Illini Smash Northwestern Push Win Streak to 12

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560 Illini Defensive Coordinator Search

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559 - #9 Illini Cruise Over #5 Nebraska 78-69

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1.30.26 - Keaton Wagler's Historic Season & More

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558 Illini Win Lifts the Streak to 10

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557 Sturdy & Stevens on the Keaton Wagler Game

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556 Illini Defeat Purdue 88-82 in the Keaton Wagler Game

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1.23.26 - Illinois vs Purdue - Top 15 Showdown

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