Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Expect Big Things From Illinois’ Youthful Backcourt

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

May 5th, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Anoke Deitg-Blanchard)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Expectations are once again soaring for the Illinois men’s basketball program, as the Illini enter the upcoming season positioned among the nation’s elite. According to CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Illinois is ranked No. 2 in the country in the preseason, trailing only Florida, reinforcing the belief that Brad Underwood’s program remains firmly in the national spotlight.

The 2025-26 season featured several standout players, headlined by freshman Keaton Wagler, who emerged as an All-American and is . . .

 

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Podcasts

595 Why Illinois is #1 with the Athletic's CJ Moore

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5.29.26 - Illini Hoops Roster Update - He's Back ... Again!

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594 Talking Illini 4-Star Hoops Commit Quinton Kitt

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593 - Logan Wagler (Keaton's Dad) Talks to the IlliniGuys

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5.22.26 - Illini in the NBA Draft & Illini Golf & Baseball Updates

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592 Illini Football & Basketball Updates (& Pizza, too)

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5.15.26 Illini Hoops & Football Recruiting Update

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591 - NBA Draft Talk Wagler, Andrej & Bam

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5.8.26 - Illini Hoops, Golf, Tennis & Softball

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590 Tom Michael Returns, Softball Coaching Change & What's Next for Illini Golf

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5.1.26 - Ayo & TSJ Dump the Nuggets, Illini Hoops Recruiting Update & Mike Small

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589 IlliniGuys Subscriber Mailbag Episode

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588 Illini Football & Hoops Update with Ayo, Andrej & the NFL Draft

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4.24.26 - Illini Hoops Update & Illini in the NFL Draft

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Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Divine & Family

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