Andrew Pace
The Illinois basketball team has a lot to prove in the upcoming 2025-26 season. With a mix of returning players and new additions, the team's success hinges on key players like Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivisic, who bring valuable experience, leadership, and scoring versatility to the court. The Illini's performance will also depend on their ability to secure top recruits, like Lucas Morillo, a highly sought-after 4-star talent. With a tough non-conference schedule ahead, Illinois basketball faces both challenges and opportunities in the new season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Illinois basketball team's X-factor for the 2025-26 season | Tomislav Ivisic |
| Ivisic's average points per game | 13.0 |
| Ivisic's height and weight | 7-foot-1, 230-pound |
| Ivisic's average defensive rebounds | 5.9 |
| Ivisic's average blocks per game | 1.2 |
| Illinois' head coach | Brad Underwood |
| Illinois' projected starter at one of the two main backcourt positions | Kylan Boswell |
| Boswell's average points per game | 12.3 |
| Boswell's average rebounds per game | 4.8 |
| Boswell's average assists | 3.4 |
| Boswell's average steals per game | 1.1 |
| Illinois' primary backup in the backcourt | Keaton Wagler |
| Elite recruit considering Illinois | Lucas Morillo |
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What You'll Learn
Illinois basketball's X-factor for the 2025-26 season
The Illinois basketball team has a lot of talent and potential for the 2025-26 season, but there are also a lot of unknowns. The team has many new faces, and some key players may be dealing with injuries. One of the most important factors for the team's success this season will be the performance of Tomislav Ivisic. Standing at 7 feet 1 inch and weighing 230 pounds, Ivisic is a dominant force in the paint, averaging 13.0 points per game with a 49.2% field goal percentage last season. His scoring versatility makes him one of the biggest producers for the Illini offense, as defenders must respect his shot from anywhere on the court. This will create more opportunities for his teammates and improve the overall offensive flow.
In addition to his offensive capabilities, Ivisic is also a strong defensive player, averaging 5.9 defensive rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season. His presence on the defensive end is crucial for the Illini, especially in the transition game. Ivisic's experience and leadership will be invaluable for a reshaped roster that includes incoming transfers and European players. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court and provide stability makes him the X-factor for Illinois basketball this season.
Another important player to watch this season is Kylan Boswell, who is projected to be one of the starting guards in the Illinois backcourt. Boswell was one of the leaders on the team last season, and his role is expected to grow even larger this year. His stats from last season, including 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, are impressive and he is expected to build on them this season. Boswell's performance will be especially crucial if the team has to play without Andrej Stojakovic due to injury.
While Illinois basketball has a strong core of returning players, the success of the 2025-26 season may depend on how well the new recruits perform. The team has already secured commitments from three-star recruits Ethan Brown and Landon Davis for the class of 2026. Additionally, Illinois is in the running for elite recruit Lucas Morillo, a 6-foot-6 point guard known for his versatility and ability to rebound. If Illinois can land Morillo, he could be a significant addition to the team's roster and further strengthen their chances of success this season.
In summary, the Illinois basketball team has the potential to be very competitive in the 2025-26 season. The X-factor for their success lies in the performance of key players like Tomislav Ivisic and Kylan Boswell, as well as the ability of their new recruits to step up and contribute. If the team can overcome injuries and gel well together, they have a good chance of performing well and improving upon their previous season's results.
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The team's talented roster
The Illinois basketball team has a talented roster with a mix of returning players and new additions. One of the key players to watch out for is Tomislav Ivisic, a 7-foot-1, 230-pound big man who is expected to be an important leader for the team. Ivisic's scoring versatility and defensive presence make him a key contributor to the team's success, especially in the transition game.
Another important player for the Illinois basketball team is Kylan Boswell, who is projected to be one of the starting guards in the backcourt. Boswell was already one of the leaders on the team last season, and his stats of 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game are expected to increase this season. Keaton Wagler, a four-star recruit and the best player in the state of Kansas, will also be a player to watch, as he is expected to see significant playing time early in his career.
The Illinois basketball team has also been active in recruiting and is in the running for elite recruits for the class of 2026. They already have commitments from three-star players Ethan Brown and Landon Davis. Additionally, Illinois is in the top six for the highly sought-after four-star recruit Lucas Morillo, a 6-foot-6 point guard known for his all-around game and rebounding abilities.
While the team has a talented roster, there are some unknowns and injury concerns. One of the new additions, Andrej Stojakovic, may miss some time due to an injury, which could impact the lineup. However, the team has depth and versatility, and with the mix of returning players and new talent, the Illinois basketball team is expected to have a successful season.
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The impact of Andrej Stojakovic's absence
The Illinois basketball team was projected to have a strong 2025-26 season with a talented roster that included newcomer Andrej Stojakovic, a junior transfer from Cal. However, Stojakovic's absence due to a knee injury has impacted the team's dynamics and led to several adjustments.
Stojakovic, a talented 6-foot-7 guard, was expected to be Illinois' leading scorer in the 2025-26 season, averaging 17.9 points per game at Cal. His injury, a knee sprain, has kept him out of team workouts and compromised the timeline for his debut with the Illini. While the injury is not severe, it has created uncertainty around his full range of abilities when he returns to the court.
The impact of Stojakovic's absence is felt in several ways. Firstly, it affects the team's depth and talent, especially with the loss of another injured player, Ty Rodgers. Stojakovic's height and skills as a guard/small forward were valuable assets to the team. His absence also impacts the team's chemistry and dynamics, as they have to adjust their lineup and strategy. Kylan Boswell, a returning player, is projected to take on a larger role in Stojakovic's absence, with expectations for increased points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Additionally, freshman Keaton Wagler, a highly touted recruit, may need to step up and contribute earlier than expected.
The Illinois team has several new faces, including European players and transfers, which makes the experience and leadership of remaining players crucial. Tomislav Ivisic, a 7-foot-1 big man, is expected to be an important cog in the team's success, contributing both offensively and defensively. His scoring versatility and defensive presence will be key factors in Illinois' performance.
Overall, Stojakovic's absence due to injury has created a ripple effect on the Illinois basketball team's lineup, strategy, and dynamics. While they have the talent and potential for a successful season, the impact of his absence will depend on how well the team can adapt and fill the void left by Stojakovic's skills and leadership.
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The importance of recruiting for the team's success
The Illinois basketball team has a lot of talent and is expected to perform well in the 2025-26 season. However, there are some unknowns, with a lot of new faces joining the squad. The team's success will depend on big man Tomislav Ivisic, who was one of Illinois' most consistent players last season. Ivisic's scoring versatility and defensive prowess make him a key contributor to the team's success. Additionally, Ivisic's experience and leadership will be crucial with so many new players joining the team.
The Illinois basketball team understands the importance of recruiting and is actively pursuing top talent to join their program. They have secured a spot in the top six for elite four-star recruit Lucas Morillo, a 6-foot-6 point guard known for his versatility and aggressive style of play. Brad Underwood, the head coach of the Illinois basketball team, has a history of recruiting players who can be aggressive out on the wing, and Morillo fits that mold perfectly.
Recruiting is essential for the success of any sports team, and Illinois basketball is no exception. By attracting top talent, the team can raise their level of play and compete with the best in the country. Recruiting also helps to replenish the roster with fresh talent, filling gaps left by graduating players or those who have moved on to professional careers.
Additionally, recruiting can bring in players with specific skill sets that the team needs. For example, the Illinois basketball team values players who can "slash to the basket and be aggressive out on the wing," and they have successfully recruited several players who fit this style of play. This strategic recruiting ensures that the team has the necessary skills and depth to execute their game plan effectively.
Furthermore, recruiting can also help to build a positive culture within the team. When talented players choose to join the Illinois basketball program, it validates the hard work and dedication of the current players and coaching staff. This sense of validation can boost morale and create a positive feedback loop, attracting even more talented recruits in the future.
In conclusion, recruiting is of paramount importance for the Illinois basketball team's success. By bringing in talented players like Lucas Morillo, the team can raise their level of play, fill roster gaps, acquire specific skill sets, and foster a positive team culture. The Illinois basketball team's commitment to recruiting top talent demonstrates their understanding of this critical aspect of building a successful athletic program.
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Illinois' head coach, Brad Underwood
Bradley Cole Underwood, born on December 14, 1963, is the current head coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team. He previously served as head coach at Oklahoma State, Stephen F. Austin, Dodge City Community College, and Daytona Beach Community College. He also served as an assistant coach at Western Illinois, Kansas State, and South Carolina.
Underwood played as a guard for Hardin-Simmons University during his freshman year from 1982 to 1983 and later transferred to Independence Community College. During his sophomore year, he averaged 17 points per game and led his team to a second-place finish in the 1984 NJCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship game.
Underwood began his coaching career as the head coach of Dodge City Community College, where he led the team to a 62–60 record from 1988 to 1993. He then joined Western Illinois as an assistant coach, where he spent ten years. From 2003 to 2006, he was the head coach at Daytona Beach Community College, leading the team to a 70–24 record and being named the Mid-Florida Conference Coach of the Year twice.
Underwood was hired as the head coach of Illinois in 2017, replacing John Groce. He signed a six-year contract worth $18 million, which was later extended until the 2026 season with a base salary of $3.4 million. During his time at Illinois, Underwood has led the team to multiple successful seasons, including winning the Big Ten Conference Tournament in 2021 and 2024, and capturing the Big Ten regular-season crown in 2021-22.
Underwood's son, Tyler, played for the Fighting Illini from 2017 to 2021 and is now on staff with his father at the University of Illinois. Underwood has received multiple contract extensions and has been recognised for his contributions to the team.
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Frequently asked questions
Illinois basketball is going through a period of adjustment with new players and injuries affecting the lineup for the 2025-26 season.
Kylan Boswell, Keaton Wagler, Ethan Brown, and Landon Davis are some of the new players expected to play a significant role in the 2025-26 season.
Tomislav Ivisic is expected to be the X-factor for Illinois basketball in the 2025-26 season due to his scoring versatility, defensive prowess, and leadership.
