CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) – Prior to the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season, Illinois went through a major overhaul in their roster construction.

Following the departure of players like Terrence Shannon Jr., Coleman Hawkins, and Dain Dainja, few fans could predict the success the Illini would find through new role players. Under the leadership and recruiting strategy of head coach Brad Underwood, the transition was relatively smooth.

Quickly fans of Illinois hoops would put their faith in new stars like Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley, and Kylan Boswell. Their commitment was rewarded in the form of another season with more than 20 wins, the sixth straight under Underwood. The Illini are one of only four programs in the country with such a feat.

Turning the page to the 2025-26 season has a different feel. While Jakucionis and Riley have been drafted by NBA teams, much of last year’s supporting cast remains on the team. Boswell is likely to maintain his role as a starting guard, while Tomislav Ivisic will prove to be a formidable force under the basket. Other teammates returning include Ben Humrichous (opted for 5th year), Jake Davis, and Ty Rodgers (redshirted previous season, out indefinitely with injury).

Underwood says the Illini culture is a large part in what has helped to retain players this offseason. Since his hire in 2018, the program has invested in player development and fostering relationships.

“Honesty, the truth – I think those are things that have been really positive for us,” Underwood says. “Obviously we’re going into a different timeframe now with [revenue] share and see how all that plays. We won’t see maybe some of the crazy numbers that we’ve seen in the past but I think all that will play into it. Retention – there’s nothing better.”

Four players on the Illini’s most recent roster entered the portal and landed on new teams: Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan), Tre White (Kansas), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (UNLV), and Carey Booth (Colorado State).

As the staff made conscious efforts to maintain their already strong players, the Illini also made key pickups in the transfer portal.

Tomislav Ivisic’s brother, Zvonimir, will come to Champaign after playing for Arkansas. The roster also adds junior guard Andrej Stojakovic from California. Both are expected to be key contributors on the floor when the new season tips-off.

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.