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Quentin Coleman proves he is ready to take the Illinois basketball backcourt by storm

Illinois basketball didn't play a game on Saturday, but the program had a big night with one of their future stars showing out.
ByRees Woodcock|
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July 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK
July 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK | Katie Goodale / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

There is going to be somewhat of a transition period for the Illinois basketball team, as we lost our entire starting backcourt.

Kylan Boswell’s experience and toughness are going to be missed, but the Illini will also sorely miss the freshman sensation, Keaton Wagler. Wagler stepped onto the scene and was an instant success with the program, becoming an All-American and a future first round NBA Draft pick.

Transitioning from an All-American and a senior guard in the backcourt will be tough for Brad Underwood. Landing someone like Stefan Vaaks out of the transfer portal will give Illinois that experience. What we landed in freshman Quentin Coleman will give the Orange and Blue that much-needed young freshman spark that Wagler brought, and he proved that on Saturday night.

Coleman made the Team Loyalty roster for the 2026 Iverson Classic, which is one of the premier all-star games for high school players. He didn’t just fall back in the shadows and let the other elite players star. Coleman stole the show.

In just under 28 minutes of action, Coleman finished with a game-high 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the field and 4-of-7 from three-point range. He also produced 12 rebounds, two steals, and one assist to add to his huge night.

This performance wasn’t just eye-popping, but it also won Coleman the MVP of the 2026 Iverson Classic.

A projected Illinois basketball starting lineup with Quentin Coleman doesn’t look so crazy now

When Vaaks committed to Illinois back in mid-April, I produced a projected Illinois basketball starting lineup.

This lineup had Vaaks in the backcourt, and alongside the talented transfer, I had Coleman starting at the No. 2 guard spot.

It is going to be hard to replicate what Wagler did for Illinois last season. Coleman is not only showing that he can help the Illini in year one, but he is proving in these all-star games that he can be one of the leaders and stars on the team.

I have full confidence in my projected starting lineup now. Having Coleman as the traditional shooting guard is going to give Illinois a dangerous threat from all levels on the court.

Illinois isn’t rebuilding. At this point, we are reloading. The Final Four was a fun ride, but with the team we have suiting up this fall, I think we should be national title contenders.

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