The Illinois basketball program faces significant changes as it prepares for the future amidst the departures and potential additions to its roster.
Fans are anxious as star freshmen Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley are projected to leave for the NBA draft, posing a challenge for coach Brad Underwood and his team. Both players have showcased impressive stats throughout their freshman seasons, making them attractive first-round picks. With Illinois' established reputation in the NCAA tournament — the team has made five consecutive appearances — the pressure is on to maintain a competitive edge.
What's at Stake with Jakucionis and Riley?
Getting two standout players through the draft will undoubtedly impact Illinois’ roster depth and strategy for the 2025-26 season.
- Kasparas Jakucionis: Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 205 pounds, Jakucionis has averaged 15.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Mock drafts have projected him as a top-6 pick, with teams like New Orleans and Brooklyn showing strong interest.
- Will Riley: At 6-foot-8 and 195 pounds, Riley has also drawn considerable attention, averaging 12.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His projections place him around the 17th to 25th pick in a variety of mock drafts.
Without these two talents, the Illini will need to navigate a crucial roster reconstruction phase heading into the next season.
The International Recruiting Focus
With the expected departures of Jakucionis and Riley, Illinois is now turning its attention to international basketball recruiting. Coach Underwood has been keen to add players from overseas, identifying stars like Serbian 7-footer Aleksa Dimitrijevic and Israeli guard Or Ashkenazi as potential prospects. These efforts align with Illinois' diverse student body, enhancing recruiting at a global level.
- Underwood stated, "It's a small world that way... our staff is always in Europe. Our university’s diversity is a significant factor in this recruitment strategy."
This emphasis on international players provides Illinois with a broader scope in attracting talent while increasing the program's exposure on a global stage. The integration of the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities further incentivizes these prospects, allowing for a more lucrative college experience.
Utilizing the NCAA Transfer Portal
As the opening of the NCAA transfer portal approaches, Illinois isn’t expected to sit idly. Recent seasons have proven profitable for the program as it successfully integrated valuable players like Kylan Boswell from Arizona and Ben Humrichous from Evansville into its rotation.
Names like Nick Davidson of Nevada and Jacari White of North Dakota State are already drawing interest from Illinois, and Underwood’s recruiting strategy remains aggressive.
- Previous additions through the portal included key contributors during the 2024-25 season, ensuring that important roles were filled effectively.
- The transfer portal's recent workings have benefited Illinois immensely, and this forthcoming round of recruitment promises more opportunities to strengthen the team.
Retaining Key Players
Amid these changes, retaining players is a top priority. Kylan Boswell and Tre White have publicly expressed their intentions to return for another season, which can serve as the backbone of Illinois for the next year. A significant boost would come from keeping Croatian sophomore Tomislav Ivisic, who is also an NBA prospect but is still weighing his options.
Several promising returnees, including freshman standout Morez Johnson Jr., keep hope alive for Illini fans. Adding the likes of Ty Rodgers and Jason Jakstys, redshirt players from the previous season, could provide invaluable depth.
Underwood indicated the importance of retention, stating, "It's always about (retention). Unfortunately, we don't have much control over that." The transition into maintaining talent is pivotal for a team coming off a 22-win season.
Exciting Times for Future Recruits
Looking ahead to future talent, Illinois has secured two four-star recruits for the Class of 2025, Keaton Wagler and Brandon Lee. Wagler, a passer and scorer at 6-foot-6, exhibits exceptional potential, while Lee, a 6-foot-3 guard, adds versatility to the roster.
With a dozen more offers out to high school players, and potential picks emerging, Illinois' recruitment strategy appears to be flourishing, emphasizing a blend of domestic and international talent. The infusion of this new talent, coupled with the retention of critical players, means the future is bright for Illinois basketball.
The Road Ahead
As the Illinois basketball program tackles these changes, a focus on smart recruitment—both through the transfer portal and overseas—will be essential for maintaining competitiveness. Balancing the potential losses to the NBA with fresh talent is a tightrope walk that Brad Underwood appears poised to navigate with strategic finesse.
The coming offseason will be crucial for Illinois. With a reputation for success and an adaptable approach, the Illini look set to turn challenges into opportunities as they strive for yet another successful season in the NCAA tournament.