Sturdy: Final Four Notebook

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

April 3, 2026

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Illini took to the court in front of thousands of Illinois fans for their open practice on Friday morning from Lucas Oil Stadium, and they put on a show for the fans and created lifelong memories for those fans and for themselves as well. We got a chance to catch up with the Illinois players and get some feedback on the experience

-Nobody is having more fun than David Mirkovic. The 6’9 freshman forward continues to display that child . . .

 

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Podcasts

4.3.26 - Final Four Show

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583 - Jay Price & Brian Barnhart Talk Illini Final Four

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582 - Illini Assistant Coach Geoff Alexander

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581 Illini Legend Eddie Johnson Talks Illini Final Four

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580 Illini Getting Ready for Final Four

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579 Illini are Final Four Bound

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578 Illini vs Iowa Preview

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3.27.26 - Illini 2nd EE in 3 Years & IlliniGal CeCe Parchment

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576 - Illini Earn 2nd Elite 8 Appearance in 3 Years

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575 Sweet 16 - Illini Bust Up VCU 76-55

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3.20.26 March Madness and Matt Brown on NIL

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574 Mirk & the Illini Roll Over Penn 105-70

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573 The 2026 NCAA Tournament Show

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572 Illini Lose Big Lead vs Badgers

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3.13.26 Wagler All-B1G & All-American & Sturdy Fires Up Underwood

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