TITLE - Illini Basketball’s New Season: Building for the Future

As the University of Illinois Fighting Illini prepare for the 2025-2026 college basketball season, the team is poised to continue its upward trend after a landmark year defined by notable player accomplishments on and off the court. With a combination of returning players, new recruits, and good leadership, Illinois is set for another long run in both the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA Tournament.

Recent Success and Key Departures.

The 2024-2025 season marked a watershed moment for Illinois basketball, as freshman Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley became the first one-and-done players in school history. Both players were chosen in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft. The Miami Heat selected Jakucionis 20th overall, with the Washington Wizards picking Riley 21st overall. This is a watershed moment for the program, as Illinois joins Duke and Rutgers as the only three schools with multiple first-round choices in the same draft.

Jakucionis, a talented freshman, paced Illinois in scoring and assists, averaging 15.2 points and 4.7 assists per game. He established the rookie season record for free throw shooting at 84.5% and had eight 20-point games. Riley, a talented guard from Kitchener, Ontario, also impressed as a rookie, averaging 12.6 points and earning the Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year award. His scoring bursts and game-changing exploits off the bench provided a distinct zest to the Illini offence.

New hires and returning talent

Despite the departure of two important freshmen, Illinois has a promising roster for the next season. To stay competitive in the Big Ten and nationally, head coach Brad Underwood is working to develop a skilled backcourt and a powerful frontcourt.

Illinois will rely on its returning players to lead the surge. Jayden Epps, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Dain Dainja provide experience and playmaking skill to a team that has routinely competed at the national level. Their leadership will be critical as the Illini strive to replicate and surpass last season's accomplishment. 

The recruiting class for 2025 is expected to add strength, with many top-tier talents joining the club. Illinois has long prided itself on drawing talent, and the development of Jakucionis and Riley gives renewed hope that the pipeline to the NBA will continue to flow.

Focus on Coaching and Development.

With the hiring of Kevin Kruger as Assistant to the Head Coach, Illinois' coaching foundation has been bolstered even further. Kruger, the former head coach at UNLV, provides vast expertise and a track record of successful seasons. His experience and leadership will be important in developing the next generation of athletes and establishing a championship-caliber club.

Coach Underwood is especially enthused about incorporating Kruger's thoughts into game strategy and player development, as he strives to improve the program's defensive strength and offensive performance. Kruger's expertise as a player and coach prepares the Illini to face the challenging difficulties of the Big Ten Conference. 

Looking ahead: The Road to March Madness.

Illinois has emerged as a regular Big Ten and NCAA Tournament competitor. The program has established a high standard, with consecutive NCAA Tournament berths and a 22-win season in 2024-25. The Illini will try to prolong their March Madness run, focussing on maintaining their top-tier status and realising their full potential.

As the 2025-2026 season begins, Illinois basketball will concentrate on:

• Continued player development from both returning and incoming talent.
• Strengthening team chemistry and communication on both ends of the floor.
• Maintaining consistent success in the Big Ten, where every game presents a challenge.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are eager to take the next step and continue to build on their winning culture, aiming for a deep tournament run and cementing their status as one of college basketball's top teams.