Inside Illini Basketball

Losing at home to Nebraska was not the end of the world for Illinois. It wasn't great, of course, particularly after starting Big Ten play with a road win at Ohio State, but there's plenty of season for Brad Underwood and Co. to accomplish what they intend to this season. Illinois will just need better defense and significantly more consistent production from Tomislav Ivisic. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Big Ten play started last week across the conference. Illinois will play its two early league games this week, with a road trip to Ohio State and a home game against Nebraska. Illinois will do so with some positive momentum following its double-digit win against Tennessee — a game that doubled as good prep for the physical Big Ten. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Was the Black Friday game against Connecticut a snapshot of Illinois at its best? No, but it's also no reason to start hitting the panic button. Opportunities await this month for a talented Illinois team to bolster its résumé — starting Saturday in Nashville, Tenn., against Tennessee. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more (including recruiting, of course) in this week's Inside Illini Basketball

How far can a high-powered offense take Illinois this season? It's a relevant question given how productive the offense has been and how competitive Illinois has looked because of it. A high-powered offense that might be necessary this week with a Black Friday showdown with Connecticut at Madison Square Garden. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The first two weeks of the college basketball season have proven two things our Scott Richey thought heading into the year — Illinois has a real depth of talent and is, in fact, one of the best teams in the country. Last week's win against Texas Tech reinforced both ideas and propelled Illinois up the AP Top 25 again ahead of another high-level showdown with Alabama in Chicago. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois cruised through the opening week of the college basketball season, dominating Jackson State and Florida Gulf Coast. The challenge increases dramatically with Tuesday's game against Texas Tech and two other high-profile games this month against Alabama and Connecticut. It's one thing to crush a mid-major opponent. It's another to go toe-to-toe with another top 15 team. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2025-25 college basketball season tipped off Monday morning with actual games played. Illinois was a 29 1/2-point favorite in its opener against Jackson State, so beat writer Scott Richey got in his weekly time in the podcast booth ahead of tipoff. Up for debate? How good this Illinois team might be — particularly when it's at as full strength as possible. Richey discussed that and more, including how he caught a stray from Brad Underwood, in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois will play its season opener in exactly one week — a Nov. 3 date with Jackson State at State Farm Center. College basketball is here! Beat writer Scott Richey discusses exhibition/scrimmage season (a perfect time for overreactions), Kylan Boswell as an All-Big Ten caliber player and recruiting (always) in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Did our Scott Richey call David Mirkovic the Montenegrin Draymond Green after his performance in the exhibition win against Illinois State? You bet. That's what you do during exhibition season. Overreact. Even if the Illinois freshman looked the part of a big time Big Ten contributor. Richey discusses Mirkovic's performance, what's next on the "secret scrimmage" front and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois will officially (but without consequence) tip off its 2025-26 season Sunday afternoon at State Farm Center with an exhibition game against Illinois State. Brad Underwood, Kylan Boswell and Co. will do so as the No. 17 team in the country and likely more than a bit short handed. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses the preseason ranking, the state of the roster and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

The Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll will come out next week. Our Scott Richey had to submit his ballot at the end of last week — the end result of an intensive process to narrow about 40 teams down to 25. Rosters were scoured. Opinions were formed. And Illinois wound up in the same spot they held on Richey's "too early" ballot this summer. He discusses that process and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The deadlines for preseason All-Big Ten ballots and the preseason Associated Press Top 25 ballot are this week, and Illinois beat writer Scott Richey is tinkering away to produce his best effort. Will someone — or some fan base — take offense? Without a doubt, but it's as difficult as ever to sort through an 18-team Big Ten that could resume its role as the top conference in the country (or at least the deepest). Narrowing 365 Division I teams down to 25 isn't any easier. Before he hits submit, Richey discusses his ballots and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2025-26 Illinois basketball season officially got underway Monday with the first practice of the season. A practice that didn't feature Ty Rodgers or Andrej Stojakovic as they continue to recover from their respective knee injuries. Stojakovic projects to return in a couple more weeks. Rodgers' timetable is less clear. Throw in Mihailo Petrovic's not yet receiving full eligibility clearance, and there are some question marks with the season on the horizon. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2025-26 college basketball season begins next week with the first official practices. The biggest sign hoops is here? Emails have gone out to beat writer Scott Richey to get his AP Top 25 ballot ready and to start thinking about how he'll rank the Big Ten teams from 1-18. Basketball in the fall also means visit season to Champaign, and Richey discusses it all in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois is two weeks out from the start of practice and will continue its fall workouts, for the time being, without Andrej Stojakovic. But the rest of the team is still preparing for the 2025-26 season, where expectations for the program remain as high as ever. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more — including recruiting — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

This week's special holiday edition of Inside Illini Basketball — a solo run by beat writer Scott Richey — touches on the program's past (the 2004-05 team's reunion), present (workouts back underway this week) and future (visitors on their way). Richey also throws down the gauntlet for inclusion in any future episodes of College Basketball Jeopardy from Basket Under Review.

Mihailo Petrovic arrived on campus over the weekend, officially putting the final piece to the Illinois puzzle in place ahead of the 2025-26. There's work to be done to get the 22-year-old Serbian point guard up to speed, but the fact he's here is seriously good news for a team that pursued another playmaker for a reason. Beat writer Scott Richey discussed that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

College basketball never really stops — it's truly 24/7/365 — but it does slow down occasionally. Like in mid-August when summer workouts have concluded and classes haven't started yet. That's the sweet spot Illinois has hit, with players left to their own devices before they return to campus and start prepping in earnest for the 2025-26 season. Beat writer Scott Richey tackles the basketball slow down with discussion about the season ahead and never-ending recruiting talk in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Our Scott Richey spent his Saturday night in Robinson where Illinois basketball and country music collided with Meyers Leonard's debut concert. Meanwhile, back in Champaign, summer workouts are coming to their conclusion with most of the team on campus. The wait for Mihailo Petrovic's arrival continues, which is a decidedly important for the 2025-26 season. Richey discusses all that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Last week was an eventful one for Illinois, with Mihailo Petrovic officially signing, David Mirkovic finally arriving in Champaign and Class of 2026 guard Ethan Brown committing. The confluence of events begs the question: How will Brad Underwood assemble rosters moving forward in an ever-changing college basketball landscape. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Summer workouts are nearing their conclusion at Illinois, with classes set to start for the fall semester in less than a month. Summer workouts that have, of course, not included the entire Illini team with David Mirkovic and Mihailo Petrovic still in Europe. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more — including recruiting and scheduling — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Big Ten football media days (and vacation) might have taken beat writer Scott Richey to Las Vegas, but there's always basketball to discuss. From NBA Summer League to Peach Jam to the fact Illinois still doesn't have its entire roster on campus as the end of July approaches. Richey discusses that and more in this week's on location version of Inside Illini Basketball.

There's never a day where there's not something going on at least tangentially related to college basketball. Dog days of summer? Not anymore. So that's why beat writer Scott Richey had plenty to discuss in this week's Inside Illini Basketball from NBA Summer League to FIBA events to getting the 2025-26 schedule in bits and pieces.

The 2025 NBA Draft is in the books. Summer League rosters are starting to fill out. Las Vegas in July is going to have a solid Illinois presence. Just like Europe does right now with the FIBA U19 World Cup underway in Switzerland. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses the draft, summer league, international basketball, recruiting and the return of EA Sports' college basketball video game in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois began its summer workouts Monday without its full complement of players and was notably without veteran wing Ty Rodgers, who suffered a knee injury that will require surgery. Not an ideal start to the summer. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois has operated in a peculiar space for a few weeks, with its roster set for the 2025-26 season but still waiting on summer workouts to begin. But there's always something happening like scheduling news (home-and-home with Texas Tech) and on the recruiting trail (some new 2026 offers). Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood has expressed a desire to play in New York as often as possible. The 2025-26 season will be the fourth straight the Illini get a game at Madison Square Garden, with news breaking Monday of a one-off, Black Friday game against Connecticut. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, having Illinois in his top preseason 10 and recruiting in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The Illinois coaching staff was on the road recruiting this past weekend... in the U.S. While international recruiting has become a point of emphasis for Brad Underwood and Co., they haven't given up on finding talent closer to home. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley will be in Chicago this week for the NBA draft combine. That both are projected first round picks means the Illinois duo won't be involved in every facet of the pre-draft process in the Windy City, but it's still another opportunity to impress NBA decision makers. Beat writer Scott Richey, who will also be in Chicago, discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Brad Underwood could add to his roster for the 2025-26 season if he wanted. There are spots available. But the Illinois coach is content with the group he has — at least for now — with no rush to make any moves. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses the roster being set (or mostly so), key NBA dates and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Monday came with good news for Illinois in the form of another addition to the 2025-26 roster. Not just any addition either. The one Brad Underwood and Co. have been waiting for in California transfer Andrej Stojakovic. The scorer on the wing that will fit nicely with the rest of the roster both from a fit perspective and in his Greek-Serbian heritage. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

This week might mark the closure of the transfer portal, but it won't slow down the madness that is the college basketball offseason. Illinois is right in the thick of it with spots to fill in its roster/rotation and, to date, not all that much to show for it. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Kasparas Jakucionis, as expected, declared for the 2025 NBA Draft on Monday. Notable news to start the week for Illinois — both in the fact it just produced a likely one-and-done lottery pick and for the necessity to replace him. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses Jakucionis, the Nike Hoop Summit and recruiting in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois has made a serious investment in recruiting Europe. It's not a new concept — international stars have made stops in college basketball before — but Illinois appears to be recruiting Europe harder than any other program at the moment. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The transfer portal has only been open one week, and more than 1,500 players have already decided the grass is greener elsewhere. That includes Illinois, which has seen multiple players depart (both surprising and expected). Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2024-25 Illinois basketball season came to an abrupt end Sunday night in Milwaukee. A second-round exit from the NCAA tournament. The shift in the college basketball landscape, though, means there's no time to dwell on that disappointment. The transfer portal is open, and focus has already shifted to 2025-26. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's "Inside Illini Basketball."

Did everything come up Illinois when the NCAA tournament bracket was revealed Sunday evening? There's an argument to be made that's exactly what happened. As far as No. 6 seeds go, Illinois shouldn't have too many complaints. How that potential path forward through the tournament plays out, of course, is the question. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's "Inside Illini Basketball."

Illinois made it through a an up-and-down January and more of the same in February to emerge in March looking more like the Final Four-caliber team so many national pundits said Brad Underwood's team could be. Now's the time to prove it, with momentum on Illinois' side heading into postseason play. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's "Inside Illini Basketball."

February was bleak for Illinois. More injuries and illnesses. More losses. Waning hope. But now it's March, and all is apparently well after a 2-0 week that saw Illinois beat up on Iowa at home and then do the same at Michigan five days later to generate the kind of momentum you need this time of year. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois just experienced its worst loss in program history — a 43-point thumping at the hands of then No. 3 Duke on basketball's biggest stage. That blowout was emblematic of the continued struggles Brad Underwood's team has experienced the past six weeks. Struggles that need fixed as the regular season winds to a close if Illinois still has aspirations at meaningful postseason basketball. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Beat writer Scott Richey recorded this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball before news broke of, well, Morez Johnson Jr.'s broken wrist. That only would have added to the discussion of the up-and-down (and up-and-down again) last two months for Illinois. A round of true/false with our beat writer shines a light on where the Illini stand with five games to play in the regular season.

Kofi Cockburn and Terrence Shannon Jr. will be back in town this week to see their jerseys raised to the State Farm Center rafters. A reason to celebrate. But the games themselves — against UCLA and Michigan State — can't be overlooked. It's a week for Illinois to prove its place among the Big Ten's best. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more, including a visit from a top-level European center, in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois got whole again with Tomislav Ivisic's return and showed, in its comeback win against Ohio State, what that group is capable of doing on the court. Now Illinois will take its full strength lineup on the road for key games at Rutgers and Minnesota. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The "Tomislav Ivisic has mono" experience created two distinct results last week for Illinois. A blowout home loss to Maryland followed by dominating 35 of 40 minutes against Northwestern for a win where the final score wasn't indicative of the gap between the two teams. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, recruiting and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois didn't lose Sunday's game at Michigan State because of the officials. Missed free throws (a lot of them) and missed three-pointers (even more) played a part. But ... so did Kasparas Jakucionis only playing 8 1/2 minutes after some iffy calls fouled the future lottery pick out of the game. But there were positives coming out of East Lansing — like Will Riley asserting himself — and Illinois isn't out of the Big Ten race just yet. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Lose a home game in the Big Ten (a Quad III loss no less)? Better make it up on the road. Illinois has a pair of opportunities this week at Indiana and Michigan State. Win both and a place atop the conference is secured for a while longer. Win one and stay competitive in the race. Lose both and the pressure increases on the remaining games on the schedule. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Are the Illini Final Four material? We turn to the dean of all Big Ten reporters — Hall of Famer Loren Tate – for his take on Brad Underwood's surging team, his favorite all-time Big Ten gyms and whether Illinois basketball — and football for that matter – are built for long-term success in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The resumption of Big Ten play won't be easy for Illinois, with a two-game road trip to the Pacific Northwest that begins with a top 10 team in Oregon. Momentum is on Illinois' side, at least, after an electric win against Missouri and zero letdown against Chicago State. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's Inside Illini Basketball

Brad Underwood will be in his element the next couple weeks. Winter break means extra time on the practice court for Illinois to go all in on getting better. Which Kasparas Jakucionis, Kylan Boswell and Co. will do after celebrating both the holiday season and a Braggin' Rights victory. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

There's no doubting Illinois' talent this season. It's arguably the tops in the Big Ten from a pure basketball standpoint. Getting the most from that talent — particularly late in games — is still a work in progress. Good thing it's only mid-December, and there's two-thirds of the season yet to play. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois has home court advantage this week in a pair of games that would be a serious résumé boost should Kasparas Jakucionis and Co. come away with a couple wins. That's especially true with No. 1 Tennessee in Champaign on Saturday. There's no bigger win to be had. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois will enter Big Ten play this week at Northwestern (and then early next week against Wisconsin) on solid ground as the No. 10 team in the country in the initial NET rankings of the season. A big win against Arkansas — both in margin and level of competition — didn't hurt. A couple conference wins would go a long way in boosting that ranking, too. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

It's still early in the 2024-25 season, but this Illinois team is sliding comfortably into roles on the court. That includes Kylan Boswell as a defensive stopper on the perimeter now finding his footing on the offensive end and Morez Johnson Jr. as a rebounding and defense focused big man. Those two and the rest of their teammates will have some high-level games to fine tune those roles in the next several weeks — both nonconference and in the Big Ten. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois made its 2024-25 debut in the Associated Press Top 25 on Monday at No. 25. Just in time for its biggest game of the season to date. This week's trip to Birmingham, Ala., to face now No. 8 Alabama will shine a bright light on exactly where this Illinois team stands in mid-November. A litmus test, if you will, for where the program needs to be headed with a couple early Big Ten games looming. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

There was only one real surprise for Illinois in the first week of the 2024-25 college basketball season, and it had nothing to do with the results on the court. While Ty Rodgers did make the decision to redshirt, Illinois still went 2-0, still blew the doors off teams they should dominate. Just in a different style than a year ago, as Will Riley, Ben Humrichous and Co. went "bombs away" from three-point range. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2024-25 college basketball season is here! That's a legitimate reason to get excited. Especially if you're an Illinois fan. There's no lacking for talent on this year's roster. How it all comes together — and if the results match up to the expectations and hype — will at least start to become clear this week. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois did not play well in its charity exhibition game against No. 24 Mississippi. Too many turnovers. Not enough defense. Plenty to work on before the 2024-25 college basketball seasons starts ... next week. Even so, it's too early to push the panic button. An almost entirely new team with several freshmen playing key roles was bound to have some struggles (and they did against the Rebels). Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2024-25 Illinois basketball season is just two weeks away, but there's still plenty we don't know about this team. Like who starts or who's in the rotation or who will be the go-to player in tense moments. That's what happens when you turn over essentially the entire roster. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses all that — plus any potential court storming opportunities in the wake of Illinois football field stormings — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2024-25 preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll dropped Monday, and Illinois didn't make the cut but was nominally the No. 26 team in the country. A surprising turn of events? Maybe so. The national perception apparently hasn't changed enough in Champaign for Brad Underwood and Co.to get the benefit of the doubt given past successes with new-look teams. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Big Ten media day was last week. Illinois' on-campus media day is this week. It's talking season in college basketball where everybody is enamored with roster depth and what could be in 2024-25. Illinois might have an actual claim on a deep, talented roster with lofty expectations. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois held its first official practice on Monday. Big Ten media days are also this week in Rosemont. The spin up to the 2024-25 college basketball season is truly here. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all — including his "controversial" preseason Big Ten ballots — in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois heads into the start of official practices for the 2024-25 season with Brad Underwood having to make a change on his coaching staff with Tim Anderson taking an indefinite leave and Kwa Jones getting elevated to assistant coach. There's also positive momentum on the recruiting trail this month in the Class of 2025. Never a dull day in college basketball. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The University of Illinois Board of Trustees will vote on several raises for Illinois basketball staffers and an extension for assistant coach Geoff Alexander this week. The investment in basketball in Champaign continues. So does building for the future. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses recruiting (as always) along with the biggest question currently facing Brad Underwood heading into the 2024-25 season in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois is still three weeks away from the official start of the 2024-25 season. Three weeks dedicated to small group and full team workouts at Ubben Basketball Complex that will make defense a priority. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Anticipation for the 2024-25 Illinois basketball season continues to grow. Season tickets wouldn't have sold out if that wasn't the case, and odds are single-game tickets will go like wildfire when they're available in late October. After 29 wins and an Elite Eight run last season, fans are counting on this new-look team to provide the same kind of success and entertainment. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois loaded up this offseason. A top 10 group of newcomers — half freshmen, half transfers. The talent level of Brad Underwood's latest team really isn't in question. How it all comes together in 2024-25? That's still to be determined. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

August remains the only slow, mostly non-newsworthy month on the college basketball schedule. So Illinois beat writer Scott Richey fielded his annual slate of true or false questions about the season to come on this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

With the 2024 Paris Olympics in the books, the world looks ahead to Los Angeles in 2028. Where there's at least a chance for some Illinois representation on the basketball court ... outside of Team USA. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, the coming season and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Kasparas Jakucionis proved during a week-plus in Finland for the FIBA U18 EuroBasket that he is, in fact, among Europe's best young guards. Which is obviously good news for Illinois heading into the 2024-25 season. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, recruiting and more.

Summer workouts are about to conclude in Champaign, but there's still plenty happening in the Illinois basketball-sphere. Like Kasparas Jakucionis playing for Lithuania in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket. And recruiting. Always recruiting. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Did Illinois have the best summer ever? The argument can be made the way Brad Underwood retooled his roster ahead of the 2024-25 season with a depth of talent he might not have had at his disposal thus far in his tenure as coach. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

The continuation of summer workouts is about the only thing about July that matters ahead of the 2024-25 college basketball season now that rosters are, for the most part, set. But there's plenty happening away from campus this month, including NBA Summer League (five former Illini are playing) and Peach Jam (future recruiting jumps in importance). Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

The biggest takeaway from not quite 2 minutes of video of Illinois' summer workouts shared on social media? Ty Rodgers is looking comfortable and confident with his jump shot. Potentially a major development for him and Illinois. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois landed its five-star wing, with Will Riley officially signing(and reclassifying) after Sunday's commitment. Now it's up to Brad Underwood and Co. to figure out a roster that has five times as many newcomers as returning players. Who starts? What does the rotation look like? How many different lineups are possible? All questions to answer before November. Before that, beat writer Scott Richey weighs in in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

The Illinois roster is nearly set for the 2024-25 season, and if Will Riley does, in fact, commit and reclassify newcomers will outnumber returning scholarship players nearly six-to-one. Brad Underwood has put the pieces of new-look groups together before, but how he mixes and matches a roster certainly not hurting for talent will be this offseason's final challenge. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Roughly a month ago Brad Underwood seemed content with adding just one more scholarship player. That 11 would be fine and that more can often be problematic. Kasparas Jakucionis was the 11th. But with Will Riley interested, Illinois would be happy to go to 12 if it meant landing the potentially reclassifying five-star prospect. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's episode of "Inside Illini Basketball."

Brad Underwood is still searching for the last piece to the 2024-25 roster — a wing scorer is the focus — while looking ahead to 2025, 2026 and 2027 recruits for future rosters. Coleman Hawkins is still searching for clarity with his NBA draft future. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

This week's milestone episode of "Inside Illini Basketball" features special guest Brad Underwood. Beat writer Scott Richey went 1-on-1 with the Illinois coach to discuss what last season's success means for the continued development of the program, staying nimble in the transfer portal era and much more.

Illinois' roster reconstruction continued Monday with the addition of 7-foot-1 center Tomislav Ivisic. The eighth newcomer ahead of the 2024-25 season. With three open scholarships still remaining. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses the Croatian big man, the potential impact of all the newcomers (with Kylan Boswell leading that group) and what next season's roster still needs in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

The transfer portal closes Wednesday, but that doesn't mean the near complete roster overhaul will be a finished product. That process will assuredly consume the month of May (and maybe beyond, although that can't be Brad Underwood's wish). What's clear, though, is there's still work to be done to field a roster to compete at the top of the Big Ten. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois now has just three scholarship players set to return from last year's 29-win team that reached the Elite Eight. Only one of them played a significant role in the rotation. Only Ty Rodgers' continued presence (so far) makes it a complete and total roster reload for Brad Underwood. Otherwise known as college basketball in 2024. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

If there's one truth about college basketball in 2024, it's that rosters are going to change. Maybe coaching staffs, too. Illinois is in the thick of another roster reload, which got a weekend boost with a commitment from Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell. But Brad Underwood still has more to do. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Jase Butler reopening his recruitment. Constant portal activity. Brad Underwood a candidate at Kentucky? This April is turning out to be even wilder than expected for an Illinois team that has plenty of work to do before the 2024-25 season. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The 2023-24 Illinois basketball season ended Saturday in Boston. The upside? It was in the Elite Eight. The downside? It was a brutal loss to UConn. But there's no time to dwell on that. The 2024-25 season is already underway, with a transfer commitment getting things started. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses it all in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois is back in the Sweet 16. For the first time since 2005. March success had evaded Illinois for nearly two decades. A spot in the Sweet 16 was all the fan base wanted. Now that it's been secured? Might as well win the whole thing. The challenge gets stiffer — Iowa State for sure, then probably reigning champions UConn — but Illinois has proven in the last two weeks it's also one of the best teams in the country. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois won three games in three days in Minneapolis to claim its second Big Ten tournament championship in four years. The next goal? Chasing down a national title in the NCAA tournament, which would be the program's first. It all starts Thursday with a first-round game against Morehead State. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois is down to two guaranteed games left this season, with the Big Ten tournament starting this week in Minneapolis and the NCAA tournament right around the corner. Brad Underwood talks about the "abruptness of the end" all the time, and the end of the last several Illinois seasons has qualified. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Ballots are due this week for All-Big Ten honors. It's not a question of if Illinois will be represented. It's more how many. Could Terrence Shannon Jr. be left off enough ballots to knock him off the First Team? It's not off the table. But Shannon, Marcus Domask and Coleman Hawkins should all be in consideration for some level or recognition. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, the end of the regular season and the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois ran out a true 10-man rotation in its win against Iowa. A clear departure from the tight group of seven Brad Underwood has used most of the season. So were the changes against the Hawkeyes a sign of something to come more consistently or a one-off for a frustrated coach? Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, the final two weeks of the regular season and more in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Our Scott Richey is peppered with questions about Illinois — from a chance at a Big Ten title to the NCAA tournament (and need for more success) to whether transfers will be a crucial part of next year's team, too — in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Episode 287: What's the level of concern? Illinois is still in second place in the Big Ten. Still trending positively toward the NCAA tournament. But that doesn't mean there aren't questions for Brad Underwood's team. Why isn't Ty Rodgers playing late in games? What's up with the defense? Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

It's early February and Illinois is both ranked in the top 10 nationally and a legitimate contender for the Big Ten title. A nice place to be. Also a place that can be easily vacated if Illinois doesn't take care of business the rest of this month. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, Ty Rodgers and All-Big Ten honors in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

The last full month of the regular season is upon us where the result of each game means just that much more. At least for teams that still have conference championship aspirations. Like Illinois in the Big Ten. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, Illinois' place in the AP Top 25 and the big swing Brad Underwood is taking on the recruiting trail in this week's episode of Inside Illini Basketball.

Terrence Shannon Jr. is back on the basketball court via judicial decree, and the early returns looked good with a top tier offense and a defense that could get back to its early-season form. What will it mean for Illinois moving forward? How much can the team help its long-term cause -- a top seed in the NCAA tournament — in a Big Ten not booming with all that many résumé-boosting opportunities. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois faces a stretch in the Big Ten to end January that could provide an opportunity to minimize Sunday's home loss to Maryland. The conference isn't exactly full of world beaters, and none that might be actually populate the schedule in the next couple weeks. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that prospect, recruiting and handshake lines in this week'sInside Illini Basketball.

The metrics say Illinois is a top 10 team. So does the AP Top 25. But purely from a "Who have you beaten?" perspective, Illinois could use a few more notable wins. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that, Marcus Domask's rise and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois answered its first test in the wake of Terrence Shannon Jr.'s suspension, but beating Fairleigh Dickinson is not handling the grind of the 19 remaining Big Ten games. Beat writer Scott Richey dives into where Illinois goes from here — who has to lead the way — in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois is trending in the right direction. At least when it comes to the AP Top 25. The 8-2 Illini moved up to No. 13 nationally this week ahead of a Friday Braggin' Rights showdown with Missouri. Can Illinois keep up its momentum through the holidays? Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Illinois' extended road trip yielded a 2-1 record, with a dominant Big Ten road win at Rutgers, a Top 25 victory against Florida Atlantic and a close road loss in another ranked matchup at Tennessee. Not perfect, but still positive. Beat writer Scott Richey discusses that and more in this week's Inside Illini Basketball.

Beat writer Scott Richey was live from New York City for this week's Inside Illini Basketball. How Illinois follows up its dominant Big Ten road win at Rutgers in a challenging week will go a long way in establishing just what kind of team Brad Underwood has. One thing that's clear? Terrence Shannon Jr. has played like one of the best players in the country.