This offense can be explosive in 2026.
Illini basketball returns to the State Farm Center in less than a month, tipping off with an exhibition matchup against Illinois State. With a roster full of fresh faces and high-level transfers, predicting the starting lineup and rotation is no easy task.
Some familiar names are expected to remain in the starting five, including Kylan Boswell and Tomislav Ivišić. However, the other three spots could be filled by newcomers, either transfers or freshmen.
Cal transfer Andrej Stojaković and 22-year-old European standout Mihailo Petrović (pending eligibility) are strong candidates to hear their names called on opening night.
That leaves one final starting spot, the toughest to project. My pick for the power forward position is veteran forward Ben Humrichous. The super-senior had an up-and-down debut season with the Illini, but I expect him to edge out European freshman David Mirkovic for the role.
“Ben has made of big of a change as anybody in terms of his physicality,” said head coach Brad Underwood this offseason. “He is 25 pounds heavier. He is our best conditioned guy. He is an elite athlete. He is a guy that I do think that is just glad to be here now. I think he is ready to be a very productive player.”
Beyond the starting lineup, Illinois will rely on a deep rotation that should include Ty Rodgers (if healthy), Zvonimir Ivišić, Jake Davis, Keaton Wagler, and Mirkovic.
Here are my points-per-game projections for the roster this season:
- Tomislav Ivišić – 16.1
- Andrej Stojaković – 14.3
- Kylan Boswell – 12.9
- Ben Humrichous – 8.8
- Mihailo Petrović – 8.6
- Zvonimir Ivišić – 8.5
- Keaton Wagler – 4.6
- Davis Mirkovic – 4.3
- Jake Davis – 3.9
- Jason Jakstys – 1.6
- Brandon Lee – 1.2
With this much talent, Illinois is poised to have one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. The Illini already enter the season ranked No. 8 in offensive efficiency in both Bart Torvik’s and Evan Miya’s preseason metrics.
Last year, Illinois averaged 83.6 points per game, and with stars like Tomislav Ivišić, Andrej Stojaković, and Kylan Boswell leading the charge, I expect that number to climb closer to 85 this season.
Category: General Sports
