Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread

Second place is 1st loser · Apr 3, 2026

LvilleILL1 said:
There's some real confidence they can get most if not all of the rotation players outside of Wagler/Ben and Kylan back, we will see. Also, The bench will look better than this and they will get someone a lot better than Johnson to start with Coleman.

If this comes true, it's preseason top 10.

DB11Headband · Apr 3, 2026

LvilleILL1 said:
There's some real confidence they can get most if not all of the rotation players outside of Wagler/Ben and Kylan back, we will see. Also, The bench will look better than this and they will get someone a lot better than Johnson to start with Coleman.

The lead guard will be a big big $ player.

The beloved should be preseason Top 5 next year, and don’t think they’ll be #5

WolfpackIllini · Apr 3, 2026

How is Ty Rodgers' recovery going?
Didn't he have off season surgery then re-injure his knee in pre-season practice?
I thought it was serious enough for another surgery, but they opted against that.
So, I wonder how well his knee could have recovered, all by itself.
Anyone know more about this?

Fly Illini Fly! · Apr 3, 2026

IlliniWu said:
Saying this lineup thinking Stojakovic is going pro (Not portal, but if he returns to college IMO it's Illinois):

Coleman
Johnson
Rodgers
Mirk
Tomi or Z either or because one is going pro IMO

Petro
Lee
Morillo
J.Davis
Jak
L.Davis
Brown

That is a heck of a team/nucleus as is. Think you need another impact to solid C/post unless both Tomi and Z return. If one or two or are gone/leave, you have 1-3 spots to add even more impact guys.

Lots of wrong things here to be quite honest.

With the money now available to these guys, makes very little sense for any of Stoj / Tomi / Zvonimir to go pro... let alone 2 or 3 of them.

Coming off of a final four, we're likely primed to do a lot better.

Kendall Gill’s Uncle · Apr 3, 2026

IlliniWu said:
No. You keep Rodgers for sure. I'm not sure of the impact of injury, but if he comes back with at least the same type of athleticism, he should have mastered this offense by now. This style is now hitting it's stride but remember Rodgers was starting and running the point for a while before he settled into his role as a still ascending sophomore on that Elite 8 team. I'm still very high on Rodgers in this program personally (As I'm sure everyone is rooting for him).

I think everyone is rooting for him….but I agree with DICK, he doesn’t fit in this offense and his best bet is a role as a D and rebound guy off the bench

IlliniWu · Apr 3, 2026

LvilleILL1 said:
There's some real confidence they can get most if not all of the rotation players outside of Wagler/Ben and Kylan back, we will see. Also, The bench will look better than this and they will get someone a lot better than Johnson to start with Coleman.

I was just throwing a baseline out there. I'm not really into speculating who will and won't be here that is already here unless they can potentially go pro (AS, TI, ZI). Otherwise I assume they will be here. I just feel like I can say with confidence that this will be another very good Illini team.

Fly Illini Fly! · Apr 3, 2026

https://twitter.com/x/status/2040142088969281927

New Creation · Apr 4, 2026

Who was the kid we recruited like this but he went to Louisville. Maybe during the groce area

https://twitter.com/x/status/2040096020873265502

robjilla · Apr 4, 2026

IllinifaninIL said:
didn't they also make a strong push for Ayo towards the end?

They sure did.

Fly Illini Fly! · Apr 4, 2026

Highlights:

HailtotheChief · Apr 4, 2026

I wonder if Josh Hubbard from Miss St enters the portal. He can shoot, score and get to the line and is ab athletic guy.
Id be xsurprised if he is making the big $$ at Miss St.. it would be interesting to see what he coukd do on a loaded team.

Kernal12 · Apr 4, 2026

DB11Headband said:
The lead guard will be a big big $ player.

The beloved should be preseason Top 5 next year, and don’t think they’ll be #5

Blackwell-level player?

STLflyinIllini · Apr 4, 2026

Name is posted on here that ends in -ic: I think about which jersey I want to buy.
Name is posted on here that does not end in -ic: I don't waste my time yet.

Steelyunk · Apr 4, 2026

DICKnaggie said:
Have no idea how the staff negotiates a possible Ty return after two years off and our turn regarding offense to spacing and shooting. What will he want or even command on the market?

Tough to say but he can guard and rebound and he’s been a part of this for years so I hope he is welcome, stays, and plays a productive role on this team. So many of us just love to root for this kid.

Indy Illini Fan · Apr 4, 2026

DB11Headband said:
The lead guard will be a big big $ player.

The beloved should be preseason Top 5 next year, and don’t think they’ll be #5

Agree with everything here …

therealmiket86 · Apr 4, 2026

IlliniWu said:
No. You keep Rodgers for sure. I'm not sure of the impact of injury, but if he comes back with at least the same type of athleticism, he should have mastered this offense by now. This style is now hitting it's stride but remember Rodgers was starting and running the point for a while before he settled into his role as a still ascending sophomore on that Elite 8 team. I'm still very high on Rodgers in this program personally (As I'm sure everyone is rooting for him).

He hasn’t played in 2 years and the offense is different now. He also won’t attempt a shot that’s not within a couple feet of the basket. I love having TY on the team because he’s a dog. But unless his offensive game has improved a ton I don’t see him starting.

Joel Goodson · Apr 4, 2026

DB11Headband said:
The lead guard will be a big big $ player.

The beloved should be preseason Top 5 next year, and don’t think they’ll be #5

sure sounds like we're gunning for much bigger game than Cox. anyone want to speculate? (cue uncontrolled braying)

Illini in Indiana · Apr 4, 2026

IlliniWu said:
He started inconsistent initially but was definitely developing into that role quickly. Then he changed roles and did well in that role as a rebounder/defensive threat who can guard 1-4. With his experience pretty sure he has the offense in and out. Jumper more than likely improved (I'm giving the benefit of the doubt). Was already a plus rebounder and post threat due to those rebounds (O and D).

I don't know how serious the injury is but I'm saying I think he'll still be a major contributor with the belief he'll be as good an athlete (If not better due to S&C). I'm keeping Rodgers regardless. You have to keep Illinois loyalty in O&B.

With Kylan leaving, we will need a defensive stopper.
IMO, TY is that guy and gets you 6 rebounds a game.
If he can add in a few point off rebounds great.

IlliniUnited · Apr 4, 2026

Illini in Indiana said:
With Kylan leaving, we will need a defensive stopper.
IMO, TY is that guy and gets you 6 rebounds a game.
If he can add in a few point off rebounds great.

Not if he allows the other team to play 5 on 4 on defense.

NarrowJ · Apr 4, 2026

Joel Goodson said:
sure sounds like we're gunning for much bigger game than Cox. anyone want to speculate? (cue uncontrolled braying)

Haggerty has been floated many times
Fears is said to be headed to the portal
Christian Anderson was floated last week

Those are the only guys I’d be able to confidently say are “elite” guards, maybe Blackwell but he’s a level below those three and is strictly a 2 imo. Anderson is probably going in the draft and the other two haven’t announced yet.

So I can’t imagine who it’d be, honestly.

Kendall Gill’s Uncle · Apr 4, 2026

Illini in Indiana said:
With Kylan leaving, we will need a defensive stopper.
IMO, TY is that guy and gets you 6 rebounds a game.
If he can add in a few point off rebounds great.

Ty wasn’t exactly great defensively against quick guards the last time he played. I’ll be interested to see what his defense looks like coming off lower body injuries.

Troop44 · Apr 4, 2026

If we bring back the guys we want from this year, integrate the incoming freshman, and then add someone like Blackwell.... the sky is the limit for next year's roster.
Wow would that team be talented. It will obviously be up to the staff to make it work but all the pieces will be there for another incredible season.

skyIdub · Apr 4, 2026

Y’all gotta remember the personality test.
They aren’t paying f you money to “the best” portal guard. It will have to be the right fit for that locker room, which I think will be run by Jake Davisić and Ty Rodgers(if….

)

I’ll be absolutely sold on whoever they go with because money prolly ain’t gonna be a problem now, and they’re getting really good at these evals. Elite even.

Twins aren’t getting guaranteed contracts yet.

Hell, low key I’m more nervous Mirk just Mirksplodes all over Lucas Oil Stadium this weekend and some GM falls in love and offers a 2nd round guarantee.

Ty finding a DMFW 35% from 3pt, glass enforcer role would be amazing. Giorgi amazing.