Illinois Basketball's Global Renaissance Under Brad Underwood
Since 2017, Brad Underwood has been the architect behind Illinois' basketball resurgence, transforming the Fighting Illini into a formidable force. A major part of his success? Looking beyond American borders to build a diverse and talented roster.
Underwood's international recruiting strategy has turned Illinois into a hub for global talent, and the 2026 squad is a testament to this vision. As the Illini set their sights on the Final Four, they lean heavily on their European players to lead the charge.
Illinois Basketball Roster Breakdown
Underwood's roster is a melting pot of talent from across the globe. Players hail from five countries and one U.S. territory, with a significant European presence. Here's a look at the diverse lineup:
- David Mirkovic: Freshman Forward from Niksic, Montenegro
- Brandon Lee: Freshman Guard from San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Andrej Stojakovic: Junior Guard from Thessaloniki, Greece
- Ben Humrichous: Graduate Forward from Tipton, Indiana
- Kylan Boswell: Senior Guard from Champaign, Illinois
- AJ Redd: Senior Guard from Chicago, Illinois
- Blake Fagbemi: Freshman Guard from Naperville, Illinois
- Toni Bilic: Sophomore Forward from Trogir, Croatia
- Tomislav Ivisic: Junior Center from Vodice, Croatia
- Zvonimir Ivisic: Junior Forward/Center from Vodice, Croatia
- Jake Davis: Junior Forward from McCordsville, Illinois
- Ty Rodgers: Junior Guard/Forward from Saginaw, Michigan
- Keaton Wagler: Freshman Guard from Shawnee, Kansas
- Jason Jakstys: Freshman Center from Yorkville, Illinois
- Mihalo Petreovic: Sophomore Guard from Prokuplje, Serbia
A Global Strategy
Underwood's approach to recruiting is clear and intentional. By embracing international talent, he aligns with a broader trend seen in the NBA, where European players are making significant impacts.
“It fits our university and what I like,” Underwood shares. His admiration for the European style-emphasizing dribbling, passing, and shooting-aligns perfectly with his coaching philosophy. He praises their passion and foundational skills, cultivated through excellent coaching from a young age.
The introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities has further enabled Illinois to attract top European prospects. This strategic move not only enhances the team's competitiveness but also reflects the evolving landscape of college basketball.
Past and Present Success
Underwood's international strategy isn't new. Previous stars like Kofi Cockburn from Jamaica and Giorgi Bezhanishvili from Georgia have set the stage for the current lineup. This year's team is anchored by the Ivisic brothers from Croatia, Mirkovic from Montenegro, and Stojakovic from Greece, forming a strong European core.
Out of the 15-player roster, seven hail from outside the U.S., including Puerto Rico. With five players from Illinois, only three come from other states, showcasing Underwood's commitment to a global approach.
In essence, Brad Underwood's strategy has not only revitalized Illinois basketball but also positioned it as a beacon for international talent. As the team gears up for another run at glory, the diverse roster stands as a testament to the power of looking beyond borders in the pursuit of excellence.