Patient approach led to 2026-27 roster building success
May 23—CHAMPAIGN — Brad Underwood was stuck last fall. Illinois had secured summer commitments from Rolla (Mo. ) guard Ethan Brown and Waukee Northwest (Iowa) forward Landon Davis.
One more high school prospect was all the Illini coach felt comfortable taking with uncertainty about how his 2026-27 roster might come together. Keaton Wagler had impressed during summer workouts, but the freshman ...
May 23—CHAMPAIGN — Brad Underwood was stuck last fall. Illinois had secured summer commitments from Rolla (Mo. ) guard Ethan Brown and Waukee Northwest (Iowa) forward Landon Davis.
One more high school prospect was all the Illini coach felt comfortable taking with uncertainty about how his 2026-27 roster might come together. Keaton Wagler had impressed during summer workouts, but the freshman guard was still several months away from turning into a lottery lock in the 2026 NBA draft. There was also discussion last fall the NCAA might approve a change in eligibility guidelines, pivoting to a five years to play five seasons model.
Had that passed and been enacted immediately, a reality existed where only Ben Humrichous couldn't return for another season. So, Underwood and the Illinois coaching staff had to pull back from the recruiting trail. As much as they liked Principia (Mo.
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