Next years draft is one of the weakest I’ve seen in a decade. A 6’7” guy that has the bag Vaaks has on the offensive end in the Illinois system is going to shine like a gem.In today's world, you need to be a LOCK 1st rounder to forgo your eligibility. I'm not sure Vaaks is that caliber of prospect (which should bode well for us).
He's not even listed on ESPN's big board:
2026 NBA draft big board rankings: Top 100 prospects
Here is the updated top 100 big board for the 2026 class after an exciting college season.www.espn.com
Illinois Hoops Recruiting Thread
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so we are agreed... the tomi beard has to go next year. he played better after he shaved. I know metrics can be a hot topic but that's justscience
No team is ever title or bust. Even if you are the best team -- that's an insane burden to put on any squad.
Was the '05 team a bust? No... not for my money....
Any word on that Player of the Year from Wisconsin kid? He looked real good. It was down to Illinois, Wisky and Utah State.
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
Vibes at an all time high and we ain’t done yet. We are a program kids want to be at. Recruits are going to take notice of what’s going on in Champaign, Illinois. What a great sell this retention and final four run will be for the future. I-L-L.
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
Well, the resemblance is uncanny!
Again, really encouraging to see @Indy Illini Fan like a post referencing Stojakovic. Nothing is ever guaranteed in this day and age, but I felt pretty good about David, T, Z, and Jake. AS felt more, I don’t know, iffy. Getting him back in the fold would be HUGE.
Truly what a time to be alive 
DICKnaggie
- Champaign
As much fun as Mirk's announcement was, I love that we have a team of guys that also don't need that individually. How can you not be all in on this team?
Not really surprising that these guys would just let their agent handle it, particularly Jake and Tomi. Two of the most unassuming guys we’ve had in a while. Love it!
Jakeoslav Davisic?Honorary Balkan … Of course Misko represents him …
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Shoutout to Misko and Brad hammering out a deal that works for everybody.
I'm so excited to have our first games next season not feel like a blind date for the first time in forever.
Noblesville Illini
- Nappanee, IN
Yes, no joke!
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- Batavia
Honestly kind of the most stoked for Z. I get he probably doesn’t want a fourth school in four years. But he could have very well wanted to go somewhere else to start. Really looking forward to seeing him be a key guy off the bench.
mattcoldagelli
- Script Illinois Enthusiast
They’re saying Illinois is back. Backer, maybe, than ever before.
Curbelo Fanboy
BERTBALL IS LIFE
That’s why I said I hate to say it. It is absurd but let’s be real. Places like UConn or Duke approach every season with that mindset
It’s a double edged sword for sure. But to grab the brass ring you have to expect to grab the brass ring. I think they thought they could this year and approached the tourney that way. I take that as a good sign for next year. Got close. Now pissed off and expect to finish it.
You finish the week how I think we’re going to finish the week …
Those are the conversations we’re going to be having all summer, fall, and winter …
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