PEORIA — Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood built a 28-9 team through home runs with international talent and finding a freshman who will be an NBA lottery pick.
It added up to a dream season for the 39-year coach as his team earned a Final Four appearance and nearly got him the chance to play for a national title.
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That run ended Saturday night with a Final Four loss to UConn.
So what happens next for Illinois?
Freshman guard Keaton Wagler, who was brilliant in the NCAA Tournament, will be gone in the NBA Draft, where early mocks have him going seventh overall.
Two seniors from the Illini rotation, Ben Humrichous and Kylan Boswell (13.1 points per game) move on.
The rest of the team has eligibility, notably key pieces from the international harvest in David Mirkovic (13.6 points per game), Andrej Stojakovic and Tomislav Ivisic (10.2 points per game).
Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini hoist the trophy with his team after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The incoming recruiting class includes 6-foot-6 small forward Lucas Morillo, rated the No. 59 prospect in the nation. He signed in October.
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The Illini also just added 4-star guard Quentin Coleman, who had originally signed with Wake Forest but acquired his release and announced his commitment to Illinois on Friday.
He is Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year. He scored 50 points while leading St. Louis Principia to the Missouri Class 3A state championship.
Will the nine players who could return with Illinois actually do so? The NCAA transfer portal will open on Tuesday, and in this era of college basketball, teams can go from standing pat to being buyers overnight.
Illinois, though, has a high floor to work with in 2026-27. It’s biggest need will be reloading the backcourt, finding a lead playmaker with Wagler and Boswell now gone.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What is next for Illinois Fighting Illini basketball after Final Four loss?
