The Illinois basketball team has undergone significant changes as they prepare for the upcoming season, yet they have not made ESPN’s list of top ten national title contenders. Following a disappointing 2023-24 season that concluded with a 12-8 record in the Big Ten and an early exit from the NCAA Tournament, head coach Brad Underwood has focused on revitalizing the roster with experienced players.
Last season, the Illini relied heavily on three first-year players: Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley, and Tomislav Ivisic. With an eye toward improvement, the coaching staff has prioritized adding talent and experience. The team retains Ivisic, alongside senior guard Kylan Boswell, and welcomes forward Ben Humrichous, who is 23 years old.
In a strategic move to enhance their roster, Illinois has tapped into the transfer portal, acquiring highly regarded transfer Andrej Stojakovic and 7-foot-1 forward Zvonimir Ivisic. Both players bring two seasons of experience from high-level competition. Additionally, the Illini have recruited Mihailo Petrovic, an experienced lead guard who has played professionally overseas, further diversifying their lineup.
Despite these promising additions, Illinois was not included in the top ten national title contenders identified by ESPN experts Myron Medcalf and Jeff Borzello. The list features teams such as Purdue, Florida, Houston, UConn, St. John’s, BYU, Louisville, Michigan, Kentucky, and Duke—all of which are recognized as formidable championship contenders.
The exclusion of Illinois raises questions about the team’s readiness to compete at the highest level. Despite having a seasoned head coach and a roster filled with skilled, veteran players, including three projected NBA prospects, the Illini still need to prove themselves. Their reliance on international talent and a perimeter-oriented strategy may require more time to materialize into success.
For now, the Illini must demonstrate their capability on the court in the upcoming season to sway the opinions of analysts and fans alike. With a renewed focus on experience and talent, they could still emerge as serious contenders if they can translate their potential into performance.