Illinois is only at the start of practice, but the first read on this roster is hard to miss: this group looks bigger, longer and more athletic than the one before it.
That’s the picture emerging in Champaign as Brad Underwood’s team gets rolling, and it begins with the bodies that are already inching back toward full strength. Forward David Mirkovic is out of the boot and walking around.
He still hasn’t been cleared for full-contact work, but he has been shooting on his own. Zvonimir Ivisic, meanwhile, is out of his wrist cast and continuing to progress.
The bigger story, though, is the shape of the roster itself. Illinois has spent the Underwood era recruiting to a clear formula: shooters, size across the lineup, defenders, and enough ball movement to keep the offense humming.
This year’s group still fits that mold, but there’s a chance it looks different in one important way. It may run harder and live more in transition.
Last season’s team had plenty of the traits Illinois wants, but pushing the pace wasn’t really its calling card. This group could be built differently, especially with the added length in the projected starting five.
The Illini are replacing senior guard Kylan Boswell, listed at 6-foot-2, and 6-foot-6 Keaton Wagler, who is now with the Los Angeles Clippers. In their place, Illinois could lean on 6-foot-5 Quentin Coleman and 6-foot-7 transfer point guard Stefan Vaaks.
That size jump is one reason people around the program think this team may be tough to compare with last year’s version.
“This team can’t, and probably shouldn’t, be compared to last year’s team,” a source told IlliniGuys. “Even though some players returned, there are a lot of new pieces.
This team has more size and is much more athletic. At times, it looks scary because they’re so big; can't wait to see it all come together, but they have to get and stay healthy.”
Health is part of the equation, but so is the grind of the non conference schedule, which will give Illinois a real early test. Wins and losses are never promised, but the talent level, size and athletic upside give this roster a chance to be one of Underwood’s most intriguing groups at Illinois.
The freshman class is already adding to that feeling.
“This freshman class is deep and gives them a lot of options,” the source said. “There’s going to be healthy competition for playing time, including with some of the returning players.
The cat’s out of the bag on Lincoln Williams. He gives Illinois something it hasn’t had in recent years.
All of the young guys are competing and learning how things are done.”
Vaaks is another key piece getting settled in. The transfer point guard is still learning the demands of his new role, but the staff believes the fit is strong.
“Vaaks is learning more and more every day,” the source said. “Illinois didn’t have to go into the portal looking for a lot, but for what they needed, they hit a grand slam.
He’s big, can catch and shoot, handle the basketball, and is working hard on the defensive end. Illinois will put him in a great position to be effective for both the team and himself.”
It’s still very early, and practice has only just started. But the first theme is obvious: Illinois has a big, athletic, talented roster, and the competition is already sharpening everybody in the building. That pressure is reaching the returners and the newcomers alike, and nobody can coast through a possession.
For Underwood and his staff, that’s the kind of problem they want.
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