Illinois basketball could see a historic 2027 NBA Draft for the program

The 2027 NBA Draft may be one to keep an eye on for an Illinois basketball fan.

Since the start of the decade, the Illini have been well represented in the NBA Draft, with five total selections, four of which were in the first round. 

Next summer's draft looks to build upon the legacy that is being created by Brad Underwood and his staff. Given the lofty expectations of this season’s team and the national attention they are due to receive, the draft could be littered with Illini throughout it. 

Likely Illinois 2027 NBA Draft picks

Regardless of team success, Illinois likely will have at least two players go to the draft in Andrej Stojakovic and Stefan Vaaks. 

Both players are already garnering some hype in ESPN's way-too-early mock drafts, with strong performances in this season's campaign likely to boost them into the first round. 

Stojakovic took the early part of this offseason to participate in the NBA Draft Combine, work out for NBA teams, and learn more about the draft process. After being regarded as a likely second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, he seems to be a surefire pick for next summer. 

Likewise, Vaaks possesses a lot of talent that NBA scouts will be tantalized by. His incredible shotmaking ability, which will be prominently on display at Illinois, paired with his strong 6-foot-7 frame and young age, makes him the type of prospect teams will be eager to get their hands on. 

Illinois 2027 NBA Draft decisions to be made

Despite the roster's overall older age and experience, some of the younger pieces on the Illinois basketball team could hear their names called on draft night. 

David Mirkovic was exceptional for Illinois last season, with the team often going as he went. At 6-foot-9 and 255 pounds, the shot-making ability he possesses from beyond the three-point arc and from mid-range will generate a lot of attention from scouts. 

Mirkovic could be in the same situation Stojakovic saw himself this offseason with his draft positioning. Another good year could see him become a first-rounder, which he undoubtedly has the talent for, but as it stands currently, he is projected to be a mid-second-round pick. 

This leaves him with the decision to go to the NBA and develop there or stay at Illinois and hope to rise into the first round in the 2028 draft. As a rising sophomore, Mirkovic will still have plenty of eligibility at Illinois to develop his skills and rise on draft boards.

Moreover, incoming freshman Quentin Coleman acts as one of the biggest wildcards on this roster in terms of draft positioning. 

The five-star recruit will likely be given the keys to succeed early in the season, and his skill set perfectly aligns with the Illinois system. Given his off-ball fluidity, strong basketball IQ, and ability to shoot from range at such a young age, he could rise similarly to how Keaton Wagler did. 

Much like Mirkovic, Coleman’s age will give him the ability to stay and develop for a few years at Illinois. However, if he generates enough buzz and hype throughout the season, he could be a sneaky riser. 

Mock drafts have Coleman in a large range of positions, from potential top 10 to second round to not even being drafted. If he takes the next step on a winning Illinois roster, he could be faced with the tough decision to stay or go. 

Potential Illinois 2027 NBA Draft risers

Although their names are not yet appearing in mock drafts, the Ivisic twins, Tomislav and Zvonimir, could be risers among draft boards.

The athleticism and strong three-point shooting both possess at the monstrous size they are could be enough for some scouts to take a chance on them in the last few picks of the draft. 

Given that Zvonimir will be coming off the bench throughout the season, his chances of being selected are extremely slim. 

However, a good season out of Tomislav, similar to his production in the 2024-2025 season, could be enough for him to rise onto draft boards. 

With a clean bill of health to start the season this fall, Tomislav should be able to get into a rhythm much quicker than he did last season after his start was derailed by injury. 

As the starting center on a team with national championship aspirations, he will have to be a very impactful player if the Illini are to reach their goal. 

This could give Tomislav enough of a stage to gain some notoriety to hear his name called. 

What Underwood has done at Illinois in terms of player development is incredible. With the amount of star power on this season's roster, everything seems to be culminating in an NBA Draft that will be painted Orange and Blue.

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