The honeymoon is over, as the Illinois basketball program has fully transitioned into the 2026-27 season.
Illinois’ run to the Final Four is now in the memory bank, and we can always look back and reminisce about the great team from last season. 2026-27 has a chance to be even better with so much returning talent and important pieces added.
Brad Underwood took to the podium on Monday for the big announcement that Illinois was putting Busey Bank on every uniform and jersey across the University as the prime sponsor of Illinois sports.
In this press conference, Underwood talked a little bit about what Illinois has going on this summer. He also mentioned the biggest challenge for the program thus far.
“Probably the biggest challenge has been getting (Stefan) Vaaks back up to speed. He was gone a good bit with his national team.”
Vaaks has been playing a lot of basketball this summer. He suited up for Estonia in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, where he averaged 19.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game.
Underwood is spot on, though. Getting Vaaks up to speed is crucial for the Illinois basketball program and the success of the team this fall and winter.
Vaaks isn’t just another player who is transferring into the program. He is likely going to be our starting point guard, giving Illinois another big point guard coming off the year we had with Keaton Wagler.
With Vaaks likely playing the No. 1 spot, team chemistry will be huge for the Orange and Blue. The more time he spends with the team, the more chemistry that is built.
Underwood also touches on how Strength and Conditioning Coach Adam Fletcher has been working with the guys. Getting Vaaks into the building more and getting him physically ready for how Illinois plays is important, too.
Illinois basketball might have at least one more first round NBA Draft pick coming in 2027
It has been an incredible run for Illinois with getting players selected in the NBA Draft. The Underwood era has seen four first round picks, and that includes three straight years of having a first rounder.
That streak has a chance to continue in 2027. Illinois has a few options who could go in the first round of next year’s draft.
The obvious one is five-star guard Quentin Coleman. He should be starting at the No. 2 spot for the Illini, and his ability to light up the scoreboard gives him a leg up.
Don’t sleep on Vaaks, though. The fact that he can transition so quickly and go drop 19.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game against some of the best competition in the world is intriguing. Not to mention, he can light it up from three-point range.
Illinois has a ton of firepower, but Underwood knows that Vaaks needs to get up to speed for us to see success. This could be a special season in Champaign.
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