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Wisconsin Lutheran's Zavier Zens (23) breaks around Madison Memorial's Cole Slack (5) during the WIAA Division 1 boys state championship basketball game on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.

Zens – a rugged, sharpshooting forward from the class of 2026 – picked the Illini over Iowa and Nebraska, among others

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Zens – a rugged, sharpshooting forward from the class of 2026 – picked the Illini over Iowa and Nebraska, among others

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Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots against the Connecticut Huskies in the second half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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Stojakovic, the last of the Illini holdouts among potential returnees, made his official announcement Friday: "I'm back"

Feb 4, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) reacts after a 87-84 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The Illini are losing a cherished member in Ty Rodgers, who has entered the transfer portal. Here are three ideal fits for Rodgers.

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) controls the ball against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kael Combs (11) in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Illini freshman phenom Wagler, who has entered the 2026 NBA Draft, seems to have strongly considered a return to Champaign

Mar 10, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) walks off the court after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

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The last connection to Illinois' 2023-24 Elite Eight team and a figure beloved by Illini Nation, Rodgers elected to enter the portal Thursday

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) warms up before a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the UConn Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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The Illini wing has yet to announce his intentions for an immediate basketball future. Will Stojakovic return to Champaign?

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) dribbles the ball against the Houston Cougars in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

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Boswell is taking the next step in his hoops journey, and he is off to a quick start with a spectacular performance at the Portsmouth Invitational

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and teammate Jake Davis (15) react during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The Illini got some big news Wednesday as Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, as well as Davis, announced they will return in 2026-27

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini center Tomislav Ivisic (13) reacts after a play during the second half against the VCU Rams during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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The Illini's twin towers announced their return for 2026-27 on Wednesday, securing the club's size, frontcourt depth and experienced core

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) reacts in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

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The Illini have continued their successful retention efforts, securing the talents of Jake Davis for another year

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half of a semifinal of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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Alex Constanza, a versatile 2026 wing, is back on the market. Should Illinois pursue him again?

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts against the Houston Cougars in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

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Mirkovic declared Wednesday that he will return to Champaign for his sophomore season, and Illini fans wasted no time celebrating across social media

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) looks on in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

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The player who may be most integral to a follow-up Final Four run announced Wednesday that he will be back with the Illini next season

Feb 10, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives the ball past Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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Three top contenders have seemingly emerged for the sought-after Wisconsin transfer Blackwell. Which team has the edge?

Jan 7, 2026; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) reacts to game action during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

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The Illini added Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks via the portal on Sunday. What position does he slot into – and why is it so important?

Nov 14, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood greets the crowd before the tip of the game with the Colgate Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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The Illini were already expected to be one of the best teams in the country, but Vaaks' pledge only elevates their status

Dec 9, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call during the first half against the Ohio State Buckeyes Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

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The Illini have officially lost six players from last year's squad. Here is what's next.

Iona Prep's Lucas Morillo (11, red) tries to drive past St. Francis Prep's Nigel Moore (11, white) during the CHSAA AA city quarterfinals at Fordham University on March 5, 2023.

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Morillo impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit, flashing size, shot-making and poise in his strong showing on Saturday

Wisconsin guard John Blackwell moves the ball up the court as the Oregon Ducks host the Wisconsin Badgers on Feb. 25, 2026, at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon.

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Will the Illini still be involved in John Blackwell's recruitment after landing Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks?

Mar 12, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) controls the ball against St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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The Illini received their first commitment in the transfer portal on Sunday, landing a stud guard – and social media was abuzz over it

Feb 11, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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The Illini have once again reaped the benefits of the portal, adding uber-talented wing Stefan Vaaks on Sunday

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) shoots a free throw in the second half during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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The Illini lead guard is off to the next level. Here's everything to know about his future.

Jan 24, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Mihailo Petrovic (77) looks for an open teammate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

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The Illini officially lost their first player to the portal on Saturday when Mihailo Petrovic announced he would be leaving Champaign.

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Toni Bilic (9) shoots the ball during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

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The Illini lost their second player to the portal on Saturday, with Bilic set to depart from Champaign.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Braeden Carrington (0) and guard John Blackwell (25) react during the second half of a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament against the High Point Panthers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

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The highly coveted transfer Blackwell is reportedly down to six schools. Which program makes the most sense?