There is a lot to be excited about here in the next few months when it comes to Illinois basketball.
The season doesn’t officially tip off until mid-October, but Brad Underwood has laced the Illini roster with a ton of talent.
Back in March, this program went to the Final Four. Most of those players are back, and we added a great transfer portal player and a five-star recruit. There are players who are going under the radar right now, though. One of those players is Lincoln Williams.
On Friday night, the Illinois men’s basketball social media account posted the first look at Williams and what he can do on the court.
🟠 Newcomer First Look 🔵
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) August 8, 2026
Lincoln Williams
No. 1
Kankakee, Ill. pic.twitter.com/H7GUE2mo3E
Obviously, the video doesn’t tell the whole story, but it does show the potential that Williams has for the Illini. The thing that sticks out to me the most is his athletic ability.
What makes Illinois so special is the depth on the roster. We need players who can come in and spell minutes for the starters. Williams can do that, and he can run the other team right out of the gym.
Having a high-energy guy like Williams come in later in games, when the other team’s legs are tired, will be so valuable. He likes to fly to the rim, too. The Illini point guards are going to love Williams, as he cuts and wants to play around the rim a lot.
Where does Lincoln Williams fit on the Illinois basketball roster at the end of the day
Hype videos are always fun, but they are just that, hype. Williams is a good player who can come into the Illinois program and get a few minutes a game in year one.
The obstacle he has in front of him is the fact that the Illini have so much talent this season. There aren’t a ton of minutes to go around, but if Williams holds on and comes back in 2027-28, that is when he could see some serious time.
My guess is that Williams would be the third option at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the court this season. He has the shooting ability to play the No. 2. He has the length to play the No. 3. And he has the athletic ability to play either role.
Illinois is spoiled. We have so much talent. In past regimes, Williams might have started for the Orange and Blue. This kid could easily be the future of the program, and the video the social media team posted is just a glimpse of what is to come.
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