Basketball

Former All-Big Ten Conference guard Kasparas Jakucionis amongst the […]

By Zeno Jo - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 21, 2026

After successful years in both football and men’s basketball, this offseason feels longer than most. As a way to try and make it go by smoother, IlliniGuys is looking to the past to reflect, pile up some nostalgia, and ask the question: “Where are they now?”

For the first iteration, we’re going back to 2017. It’s head coach Brad Underwood’s first year in Champaign, fresh off a 20-13 season that ended with a trip to the NCAA Tournament with Oklahoma State. Underwood’s first Illini squad that year had ten players averaging more than 10 minutes per game, which contrasts with eight players playing double-digit minutes in the past three seasons.

In the 2017-18 season, the Illini went 14-18, finishing tied for 11th in the Big Ten – the lowest- ever finish with Underwood at the helm. With the table set, here’s a look at where four of the most notable Illini from nine years ago are now.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 19, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy player's Hudl page)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Summer workouts often provide a glimpse into the future of a college basketball program, but this week they also offered a glimpse into a potential future recruit. The Illinois men's basketball team hosted a workout session; among those in attendance was one of the nation's emerging young prospects, 2028 guard Carter Smith of Philadelphia.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 160-pound guard, visited Illinois earlier this week as a guest of assistant coach Camryn Crocker. While on campus, he had the opportunity to meet the rest of the coaching staff, tour the facilities, and get a firsthand look at the direction of the Illini program.

The standout guard left Champaign with a positive impression of both the university and the basketball program.

The Athletic's CJ Moore makes the case for the Illini as college basketball's top team heading into next season, citing rare roster continuity and a Final Four foundation.​

Mike Cagley, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular Co-Host

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — For the first time in decades, Illinois basketball enters a season with genuine national championship expectations. And according to The Athletic's CJ Moore, who covers college hoops for the Athletic, that hype is earned.

In a May 30 rankings column, Moore placed Illinois atop his post-NBA draft top 25, edging out Florida in what he called "kind of a coin flip." His reasoning? Retention, talent, and momentum — three things that rarely align in the modern transfer portal era.

"Illinois and Florida are the best two from a retention standpoint," Moore said on the I on the Illini podcast. "They were neck and neck on KenPom. Illinois ended up just slightly ahead. You're looking at teams that basically returned four starters."

But Moore didn't stop there. He pointed to Illinois' late-season surge — a Final Four run that built chemistry and confidence — as the tiebreaker.

"That run they had... the confidence and the chemistry that created will really go a long way this next season," Moore said.

Why Illinois Over Florida?​

Both programs return elite rosters. Both had excellent seasons in 2025-26. So, what separates them?

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 15, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy MaxPreps)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois assistant coach Camryn Crocker has quickly established himself as a valuable member of the Fighting Illini staff. After helping elevate Illinois' defensive play during the latter stages of last season, Crocker has also become increasingly active on the recruiting trail.

One player who caught Crocker's attention on the Nike EYBL circuit is 2028 combo guard Carter Smith, who will be on campus Tuesday for an unofficial visit.

Smith, a 6-foot-3, 160-pound guard from Philadelphia, is making Illinois one of the first programs to receive an in-depth look at his recruitment.

Late Monday evening, shortly before boarding his flight to Illinois, Smith spoke with IlliniGuys

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 14, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Kedric Prince/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Two of Illinois' top basketball prospects in the Class of 2027 are taking a similar path in pursuit of their long-term development.

Kansas City Monarch Academy (Mo.) has landed commitments from two of the state's top players. Illinois commit Quinton Kitt, a four-star prospect in the 2027 class, made his announcement official late Friday.

Shortly afterward, four-star Illinois target Jaxson Davis announced he would also attend Kansas City Monarch Academy, joining Kitt at the prep school program.

The move marks a significant step for both prospects as they seek higher levels of competition and additional preparation for college basketball.

Kitt recently told IlliniGuys he was leaving East Peoria to further develop his game and prepare for the next level. Now, Davis has reached a similar conclusion.

IlliniGuys caught up with Brian Davis, Jaxson's father, to learn more about the decision

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 12, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Kankakee Basketball)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois men’s basketball program received a commitment Monday from Lincoln Williams, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound wing from Kankakee High School.

Since his commitment, there has been considerable discussion among fans, observers, and even some national analysts suggesting Williams is simply a late addition to fill a roster spot. The facts tell a different story.

Williams arrives in Champaign as one of the most highly regarded prospects in Illinois.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 11, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois forward Cearah Parchment arrived in Champaign with major expectations and quickly proved why she was considered one of the top players in her recruiting class in 2025.

The 6-foot-3 wing entered Illinois ranked No. 40 nationally by ESPN. She was also a two-time Canadian Game Team MVP and a Future Top 60 invitee.

By the end of her freshman season, Parchment had already established herself as one of the building blocks for coach Shauna Green’s program. Parchment led Illinois freshmen in points, rebounds, and 3-point field goals. She also recorded 12 double-doubles during an impressive debut season for the Illini.

IlliniGuys recently caught up with her father, Kevin Parchment, to reflect on Cearah’s freshman year and discuss what could be ahead for both his daughter and the Illinois women’s basketball program.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 8, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Kedric Prince/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – For Lincoln Williams, the dream has finally become reality. The Kankakee High School standout announced his commitment to Illinois this morning, giving the Fighting Illini another talented wing to their future roster.

Williams, a 6-foot-5, 185-pound wing, is rated as a three-star recruit by On3 and Rivals. According to Illinois Prep Bulls-Eye, he is ranked as the No. 1 senior in the state of Illinois' Class of 2026.

Illinois assistant coach Zach Hamer served as the lead recruiter and played a significant role in securing Williams’ commitment. The Illini beat out Virginia Tech, DePaul, Arizona and Arizona State for his services. For Williams, the decision was about more than basketball. Illinois had long been his dream school.

Throughout his recruitment, Williams made it clear that playing for the Fighting Illini was his ultimate goal.

Illinois signee Quentin Coleman experiences up-and-down championship game loss […]

By IlliniGuys Staff June 6, 2026 (Cover photo courtesy […]

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 5, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy NBA Academy/Instagram)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – While Illinois appears positioned to compete for a national championship during the 2026-27 season, the Illini coaching staff is already laying the groundwork for future success.

Illinois enters next season with sky-high expectations after The Athletic recently ranked the Illini as the nation's No. 1 team heading into the 2026-27 campaign. The roster is loaded with talent, experience and size, giving coach Brad Underwood's program one of the most complete teams in college basketball.

As Illinois prepares for what could be a special season, the coaching staff also understands the importance of planning ahead. That process included extending an offer to one of the top young centers in the country, four-star 2027 prospect Lewis Uvwo.

Illinois five-star signee Quentin Coleman has third double-digit rebound […]

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Sr. Recruiting Analyst

June 4, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy player's Hudl page)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – After spending much of the past year focused on retaining the core of her roster, Illinois women's basketball coach Shauna Green has returned to the recruiting trail in pursuit of some of the nation's top talent. One of the biggest targets on the Illini's board is now one step closer to making a college decision.

Sydney Mobley, a 6-foot-1 forward from Big Walnut High School in Ohio and one of the top players in the Class of 2027, has narrowed her list of schools to three finalists: Ohio State, Illinois and Virginia Tech.

Illinois has been recruiting Mobley for a long time, and that persistence appears to be paying off. The ESPN Girls Top 60 prospect is ranked No. 22 nationally in the Class of 2027. After receiving more than 25 Division I scholarship offers, Mobley has cut her list to just three programs according to Dushawn London of 247.

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

June 3, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Clark/IlliniGuys)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A year ago, Keaton Wagler arrived at the University of Illinois as an under recruited freshman with something to prove. Now, after one unforgettable season in Champaign, the former Illinois star guard is preparing for the NBA Draft and could hear his name called as a potential lottery pick on June 23.

Wagler’s rise from overlooked recruit to national star became one of college basketball’s biggest stories last season. Whether it was his scoring ability, confidence in big moments, or breakout performances on national television, Wagler quickly became a household name across the sport.

The staff at IlliniGuys recently caught up with Keaton’s father, Logan Wagler, who reflected on his son’s incredible freshman season, the family’s experience at Illinois, and what lies ahead as the NBA becomes reality.

The Wagler family always believed in Keaton’s talent, but even they did not envision such a rapid rise.