Summer workouts have been underway for Illinois for quite some time now, and there is already a feeling that this team is different from last season. Head coach Brad Underwood was able to retain a good portion of his roster, bringing in one player, Stefan Vaaks, from the transfer portal, and a Top 10 recruiting class.
Illinois made it to the Final Four for the first time since 2005 last season, and while there was a lot to celebrate, it wasn't enough for the Illini. They fell one game short of a National Championship, and it has put a chip on the shoulder of every Illinois player returning. Underwood has been clear that a championship is what he wants, and he has the players to get there.
The recruiting class Underwood has brought in is littered with talent, starting with five-star point guard Quentin Coleman, but there is one recruit making an impression that not many people may know about.
3-star commit Lincoln Williams could secret weapon for Brad Underwood next season
Underwood brought in six players in the Class of 2026, and all have impressed thus far in summer workouts, but one guy is really making an impression on the Illinois coaching staff. Three-star shooting guard Lincoln Williams, the last commit in the 2026 recruiting class, has shown up and shown out in Champaign this summer.
After a long recruitment that began back in 2024, Williams didn't end up making his commitment and signing with Illinois late in the 2026 cycle, but that was due to some academic issues, according to Underwood. Once he cleaned those up in his senior year, there was nothing Williams wanted more than to be in an Illinois uniform.
"He’s been great here early," Underwood told Scott Richey with The News-Gazette. "His attitude is terrific. His desire and want to be in the Illinois uniform is a big, big factor in him being here, but I love his talent and love his ability."
Williams brings everything that Underwood wants in his players: the ability to play with a chip on his shoulder, and, as the Illinois head coach has said, he is potentially one of the most athletically gifted young guys the Illini have. That is some high praise, especially with a five-star recruit in the class.
The Illinois native will have a lot to prove, especially coming in as the No. 199 player in the 2026 class and the No. 58 shooting guard. Underwood has done well recruiting in-state, though, and Williams is another great example. Underwood has proven to have an eye for diamonds in the rough with his recruitment of Wagler, who was also a three-star recruit out of high school.
Underwood was impressed by Williams' all-around ability, excelling in all phases of the game offensively and defensively. Granted, this is just summer workouts, but clearly, something is clicking to this point.
There is still a lot of time between summer workouts and the start of the season, and Illinois has players for days when it comes to depth on the bench. Williams may not be a star right away, but if he sticks with Underwood at Illinois, he could have a very bright future in Champaign.
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