Illini Tribute | Hoops

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Welcome to Illini Tribute — independent coverage of Illinois Men’s Basketball.

Recruiting | Portal news | Roster updates | Game analysis | NBA Illini

Not affiliated with the University of Illinois or Illinois Athletics. #Illini

[Bentley Lusakueno @BentleyLus28]

Illini Nation??
#officialvisit #notcommitted
Grateful for the hospitality of @IlliniMBB

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

@ILLBoardRoom EvanMiya having Mirkovic, Tomislav and Big Z all inside the top 25 nationally says a lot about Illinois’ frontcourt talent. The #Illini have multiple high-level contributors, and if Coleman and Vaaks outperform their individual ratings, this team’s ceiling gets even higher.

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@CBBToday Putting Illinois at #1 makes sense after returning so much of a Final Four roster. The continuity, scoring and frontcourt versatility give them a strong foundation. The big question is how quickly the new backcourt settles into its roles.

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

The biggest question facing Illinois entering the season:

Can the backcourt replace Keaton Wagler's creation without sacrificing the offensive efficiency that made the #Illini so dangerous last season?

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@RobbyNardini I get why Torvik has Texas Tech favored on the road, but Illinois has the returning production and continuity to make that a very winnable game. Even potentially without Toppin, Tech is a serious early test. That matchup should tell us a lot about the #Illini.

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

@JonRothstein UConn has had Illinois’ number in these recent matchups, but this is a different Illini team with so much returning scoring. December 4 is a great early measuring stick to see how far that continuity can take them.

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@BeyondTheArcCBB @jack92364 @Return_Of_RB @BennyBoondocks @toga_party_ @MistaHooHoo @SeanConsidine60 @bigbluekodakk @BigBlueDude_ 11th feels a little low for Stojakovic. His scoring versatility and ability to create his own shot make him a tough matchup. If he builds on last season and improves his 3 point shooting, I think he has a real case as a top-10 wing.

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The official schedule for the #Illini this upcoming season! Predict their record below ⬇️

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@JWerner247 Exactly. Illinois doesn’t necessarily need a traditional, pass-first point guard. They’ve already shown they can run an offense through bigger, skilled players. The question is whether Coleman, Vaaks and the rest of the backcourt can keep that ball movement and creation going.

[Carson Gourdie @GourdieReport]

#illini basketball payouts to scheduled mid-majors, per FOIA request:

Penn: $100,000
Fairleigh Dickinson: $115,000
Winthrop: $100,000
Eastern Illinois: $95,000
Sam Houston St.: $95,000
Western Kentucky: $100,000
Seattle: $100,000

7 games. $705,000 in payments by Illinois.

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

@JonRothstein Mirkovic feels like a no-brainer for this list. He already showed flashes of being one of the most skilled bigs in the country as a freshman. If he takes another step as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker, the #Illini could have a legitimate national star on their hands.

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

@CBKReport Two Ivisic brothers in the preseason top 21 is a pretty strong statement. Tomislav at 15 makes sense after his offseason development, while Big Z gives Illinois another elite interior option. Having both available could be a major advantage.

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@BeyondTheArcCBB @a4143cb935cc444 @WilliamMcCall_ @Norsk2u @HogdorHogdor @cbrsx15 @rss35UCLA @Isaac6946 Coleman is the obvious swing piece for Illinois.

If he can handle the lead guard responsibilities and provide consistent playmaking as a freshman, it changes this team's ceiling. Illinois has plenty of talent around him, the question is how quickly he can make that role his own.

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#Illini conference schedule comes out this Wednesday!

[Sam Federman @Sam_Federman]

Big Ten schedule coming Wednesday

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@TheFieldOf68 Love the confidence!

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Updates from Brad Underwood according to @glenn_kinley

Tomislav Ivisic is back at Illinois after visa issues in Croatia

David Mirkovic is out of boot a boot, still working his way back

Zvonimir Ivisic is not practicing as he hurt his hand while back at home

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

The season is getting closer.

What's one question about the 2026-27 #Illini that you think we still don't have an answer to?

I'll start: How good can this team's defense actually be? 👀

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

Rank these #Illini factors from MOST important to LEAST important for this team's ceiling:

⭐ Star power
🏀 Shooting
🧠 Playmaking
🛡️ Defense
💪 Frontcourt size

[Illini Tribute | Hoops @IlliniTribute]

Which part of Illinois' game do you think will translate BEST to March?

Their size
Their shooting
Their depth
Their versatility
Their experience