The Illinois Fighting Illini enter the 2025–26 college basketball season as one of the most intriguing programs in the nation—a true dark horse with the potential to shake up the Big Ten Conference. Under the direction of head coach Brad Underwood, Illinois has made a bold statement: this season will not be built on tradition alone. Instead, the Illini are going all-in on the international route, surrounding their roster with players who bring professional experience, proven skill sets, and a different competitive mindset that could catch much of college basketball off guard.
For Underwood, this is not uncharted territory. Throughout his tenure, he has shown a willingness to adapt and reinvent, never shying away from change when it means keeping Illinois at the top of the Big Ten. His latest adjustment comes on the defensive side of the floor, where tweaks are being implemented to maximize the size, length, and versatility of this retooled roster. The strategy reflects Underwood’s proven ability to rebuild on the fly—an ability that has delivered six consecutive 20-win regular seasons and kept the Illini relevant on the national stage despite constant roster turnover.
What makes this season different is the international infusion. While many fans may not recognize these new names, evaluators and scouts understand their value. These are not raw prospects—they are players who arrive in Champaign as veterans of international basketball, already accustomed to high-pressure environments and physical competition. Their experience, paired with Underwood’s structure and discipline, creates a unique blend that very few Big Ten opponents will be ready to counter.
Illinois will enter this season as a team that looks different, plays different, and most importantly, thinks different. The rest of the league may see a roster in transition, but those inside the game understand that this program is quietly assembling a roster with the depth, versatility, and upside to not just compete, but to surprise in March.
🎯Brad Underwood on His Team
- On Andrej Stojaković: “Andrej is a veteran, proven scorer who does it in all three facets.”
- On Zvonimir Ivišić: “Zvonimir is an exciting, impactful player on both ends of the floor.”
- On Mihailo Petrović: “Mihailo is the consummate point guard.”
- On David Mirković: “David is a talented forward with a tremendous skill set who plays with great effort and physicality.”
- On Tomislav Ivišić: “Tomislav is the modern-day 5-man… a big who can space the floor.”
📋 Illinois Full Scouting Report — Player by Player 2025-26
Kylan Boswell — G, 6’2” Sr.
2024–25: 12.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.4 APG
- Strengths: 🎯 Midrange shot, 🧠 Poise, 🚀 Burst, ⭐ Veteran presence
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs 3PT consistency, ▼ Turnovers vs. pressure
Andrej Stojaković — G/F, 6’7” Jr. (Cal → Illinois)
2024–25 (Cal): 17.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.8 APG
- Strengths: 🎯 Three-level scorer, 🧱 Size advantage, 🧠 Off-ball IQ, ⭐ Primary scorer
- Weaknesses: ▲ Physicality vs. Big Ten wings, ▼ Shot selection
Mihailo Petrović — G, 6’3” RS (Serbia)
2024–25 (ABA): 14.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 2.8 RPG
- Strengths: 🧠 PnR orchestrator, 🎯 Reliable midrange, 🧱 Strong frame, ⭐ Floor general
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs 3PT growth, ▼ Lateral quickness
Ben Humrichous — F, 6’9” Gr.
2024–25: 7.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG; 62 made 3s
- Strengths: 🎯 Stretch-4 shooter, 🧠 Smart veteran, 🔁 Positional flexibility
- Weaknesses: ▲ Struggles vs. athletic wings, ▼ Limited rebounding ceiling
Jake Davis — F, 6’6” Jr.
2023–24 (Mercer): 9.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 38.7% 3P
2024–25 (Illinois): 3.0 PPG, 1.4 RPG
- Strengths: 🎯 Catch-and-shoot threat, 🧠 Spacing IQ
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs more strength, ▼ Limited athleticism
Ty Rodgers — G/F, 6’6” R-Jr.
2023–24: 6.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.0 APG
- Strengths: ⚔️ Switch defender, 🧠 Glue guy, 🚀 Transition finisher, 🔁 Versatile, ⭐ Defensive anchor
- Weaknesses: ▲ Outside jumper, ▼ Half-court scoring
AJ Redd — G, 6’3” Sr.
2024–25: 0.2 PPG, 0.6 RPG (14 GP)
- Strengths: ⚔️ Defensive energy, 🧠 Locker room leader
- Weaknesses: ▲ Scoring limitations, ▼ Minimal creation
Brandon Lee — G, 6’4” Fr.
2024–25 HS: 22.0 PPG (Patrick School)
- Strengths: 🚀 Quick first step, 🎯 Midrange scorer, 🧠 Natural scoring instincts
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs physical strength, ▼ Defensive reads
Keaton Wagler — G, 6’6” Fr.
2024–25 HS: 18.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 44.8% 3P (Kansas POY)
- Strengths: 🎯 Shooting, 🧠 Passing IQ, 🔁 Versatility, ⭐ High-upside freshman
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs weight/strength, ▼ Perimeter defense
Blake Fagbemi — G, 6’0” Fr.
2024–25 HS: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 APG (Benet Academy)
- Strengths: 🧠 Tempo guard, ⚔️ Pesty defender
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs size/strength, ▼ 3PT consistency
Tomislav Ivišić — C, 7’1” Jr.
2024–25: 13.0 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 BPG
- Strengths: 🧱 Post scorer, ⚔️ Rim protector, 🧠 Passing from high post, ⭐ Anchor center
- Weaknesses: ▲ Foul management, ▼ Mobility vs. spread lineups
Zvonimir Ivišić — C, 7’2” Jr. (Arkansas → Illinois)
2024–25: 8.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 BPG
- Strengths: 🧱 Size/length, ⚔️ Shot-blocking, 🎯 Stretch-5 ability
- Weaknesses: ▲ Consistency on glass, ▼ Offensive polish
David Mirković — F, 6’9” Fr. (Montenegro)
2024–25 (ABA): 8.6 PPG, 6.4 RPG
- Strengths: 🧱 Physical rebounder, ⚔️ Defensive anchor, 🧠 IQ beyond age
- Weaknesses: ▲ Foul discipline, ▼ Adjusting to Big Ten pace
Jason Jakstys — F, 6’10” R-Fr.
2023–24 HS: 16.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG
- Strengths: 🧱 Frame, 🎯 Developing shot
- Weaknesses: ▲ Needs strength, ▼ Defensive positioning
📊 Illinois Outlook (2025–26)
Illinois combines international veterans (Petrović, Mirković, the Ivišić twins), proven high-major players (Boswell, Stojaković, Rodgers), and shooting depth (Humrichous, Wagler, Davis) into a roster built for versatility and toughness.
With six straight 20-win seasons under Brad Underwood, this group has the potential to be the Big Ten’s dark horse Sweet 16 team—a matchup nightmare with size, shooting, and defensive length across the board.
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