No. 5 Forward/Center
- Starter: Tomislav Ivisic (SR)
Here is another example of someone I am not sure will make it to the 2026-27 season. Tomislav Ivisic has tremendous size at over seven feet tall, and he can knock down three-pointers at a high rate. He is someone NBA scouts will be drooling over eventually.
Moving forward, as long as Ivisic is on the roster, he will start at the No. 5 spot. This kid might be the most talented big man in the history of the Illinois program. We have had physically dominating players at center, but none of them have the top-to-bottom skillset that Ivisic has. He is a special player.
- Backup: Zvonimir Ivisic (SR)
Tomislav’s brother, Zvonimir, is on the roster this season for the Illini. He looked great in the exhibition game, and I fully expect both Ivisic brothers to dominate the paint for the Orange and Blue.
I have Zvonimir as the backup to Tomislav in 2026-27. That will be the case this season, too. Both players will see time on the court together, though. They are interchangeable, and they can both play the No. 4 spot as well.
- Backup: Jason Jakstys (SO)
It was nice seeing Jason Jakstys on the court in the exhibition game against Illinois State. He got bigger and stronger, and Illinois needs that depth. I think Jakstys will likely be a deep rotational piece for the Illini for most of his career. He has talent, and his development is fun to watch.