The Illinois men’s basketball team enters the 2023-24 season with high expectations following a deep run to the NCAA Tournament Final Four last spring. Ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP poll, the Illini are aiming to build on the momentum of their first Final Four appearance in 21 years, though the roster features notable changes and ongoing injury concerns.
Key contributors from last season, including sophomore forward David Mirković and senior wing Andrej Stojaković, return to lead the team, along with centers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivišić and forward Jake Davis. However, the Illini are adjusting without freshman standout Keaton Wagler, who declared for the NBA Draft after an impressive campaign averaging 17.9 points per game. Guards Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous, described by head coach Brad Underwood as "championship-level role players," also departed.
The team’s health is a primary concern heading into Monday’s season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson. Mirković continues to recover from left foot surgery and is expected to miss some early season games. During a recent exhibition loss to Baylor, four of the five returning leaders saw limited action or exited due to injuries, with both Ivišić brothers and Stojaković leaving the game after head impacts or knee issues.
Underwood emphasized the importance of patience and maturity amid these challenges, referencing the difficulty of returning to the highest level of college basketball after last year’s semifinal loss to Connecticut. “If we take it one game at a time, like we did last year, we’ll eventually find our success,” Stojaković said.
The Illini’s returning core boasts several preseason All-Big Ten selections and is among the strongest in the conference. Yet, the team’s ability to replace departed contributors will be crucial. Freshman Quentin Coleman, a top-20 national recruit who flipped from Wake Forest to Illinois shortly before the Final Four, is viewed as a potential one-and-done talent. Coach Underwood praised Coleman’s shooting ability and defensive potential, noting his rapid development during preseason. Another newcomer, Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks, adds size, versatility, and shooting after a productive freshman year in the Big East.
Illinois plans to adopt a faster offensive tempo than last season, shifting away from the slower style that suited Wagler. Underwood expects the team to be bigger and more athletic but recognizes the need for improved defensive consistency and better execution in close games, noting the Illini lost four contests in overtime last season.
The schedule poses early tests, with matchups against ranked opponents Texas Tech, Duke, and UConn set within the first month. Underwood anticipates that the team’s veterans will need to guide the freshmen through the rigorous slate.
Mirković’s versatility to play multiple positions and Stojaković’s leadership and improved shot selection are viewed as vital components of the team’s success. Meanwhile, Tomislav Ivišić is expected to take a larger role if he remains healthy, with Underwood highlighting his progress in face-up scoring and driving ability.
Illinois’ No. 3 preseason ranking marks one of the program’s highest in history, a position that carries both promise and pressure. Underwood underscored the importance of establishing a new identity for this group, separate from last year’s squad, and said the team is focused on earning success through effort and resilience. “This group’s really hungry,” he said. “Let’s go try to be better.”