In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Robby Nardini dive deep into a massive weekend for Illinois basketball commits and targets on the EYBL and Adidas circuits.

We break down the "flamethrower" performance from Mason Martin, who exploded for 16 combined threes in two games, and the dominant 31-point outing from Peoria native Quentin Kitt.

Cole Kelly & Jaxon Davis: Are these the next high-priority targets for Brad Underwood? In-State Momentum: How Illinois is reclaiming the pipeline within the state. NCAA Tournament Expansion: Our honest (and skeptical) thoughts on the move to 76 teams.

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The college basketball transfer portal is officially closed! Join Alex and Robby Nardini on the Armchair #illini podcast as they recap a busy first month of the offseason following the Fighting Illini's Final Four run.In this episode, we dive deep into:

Elite Retention: Why keeping key players like Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, and Zvonimir Ivisic is a massive win for the program's continuity.

The New Backcourt: How will five-star recruit Quentin Coleman and Stefan Vaaks fit into the rotation as the team looks to replace the production of Keaton Wagler and Kylan Boswell

Freshman Impact: We discuss the potential for Lucas Morillo and other newcomers to earn sizable minutes in the rotation early on

A Drama free off-season?: Looking at past offseasons with major transfer portal losses, coaching assistant turnover and more.

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Ayo Dosunmu is officially "balling" in the NBA Playoffs!

In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and former Illinois basketball manager Robby Nardini break down the electric performance of former Fighting Illini legend Ayo Dosunmu. After being traded from the Chicago Bulls, Ayo has found a new home with the Minnesota Timberwolves and is proving every doubter wrong as they take a 2-1 lead over the defending champion Denver Nuggets

Timberwolves Impact: Why Ayo has become a fan favorite in Minnesota and earned the respect of superstars like Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.

The Chicago Trade: Was it a mistake for the Bulls to trade Ayo for Rob Dillingham?

Behind-the-Scenes Stories: Robby shares exclusive stories from his time as a manager at Illinois, including 9:00 PM workouts with Ayo’s dad and guarding Ayo for three hours straight.

Illini Legacy: Remembering Ayo’s most clutch moments in Champaign, from "silencing the crowd" at Michigan to his floater against Penn State.

TSJ Update: A quick look at Terrence Shannon Jr.’s current role in the NBA.

Ayo’s Insane Stats in Minnesota:

Field Goal %: 52%

3-Point %: 41.4%

Free Throw %: 92.5%

PPG: 14.4

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Our interview with Ayo Dosunmu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sAmmoprskY

Illinois basketball signee Quentin Coleman joins Alex and Robby Nardini on the Armchair Illini Podcast!

Fresh off a legendary performance where he dropped 50 points in the state championship to secure his second straight title, Quentin breaks down his elite competitive edge and why he believes the "Illini Blueprint" is the perfect fit for his game

In this episode, we discuss:

The 50-Point Masterclass: What was going through his mind during the state finals?

Choosing Illinois: The influence of Keaton Wagler and the staff's vision for his role.

NBA Player Comparisons: Modeling his game after Tyrese Maxey. The Visit: Playing 2K against Keaton and feeling the energy of the Orange Krush.

The Competitive Drive: How driveway battles with his dad built his "hate to lose" mentality. Quentin is ready to bring that winning culture to Champaign.

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Instagram: @skoolboy21q

X (Twitter): @quentinc_1

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Zavier Zens is officially a Fighting Illini!

In this exclusive episode of the Armchair Illini podcast, we sit down with the newest member of the 2026 recruiting class, Zavier Zens. As the reigning Mr. Basketball from Wisconsin, Zavier discusses his whirlwind recruitment process and why Illinois was the perfect fit for his future.

In this interview, we discuss:

The Decision: Why he chose Illinois over other Big Ten schools like Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Connection: His conversations with former Illini star Marcus Domask and his cousin Kon Knueppel.

The Goal: His desire to get Illinois back to the Final Four and win at the highest level.

The Game: What Illini fans can expect from his playstyle, including his 40% shooting from beyond the arc.

The Future: Teaming up with a loaded 2026 freshman class, including Quentin Coleman and Lucas Morillo.

Be sure to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to Armchair Illini for the best Illinois Fighting Illini coverage!

THE CORE IS BACK. 🔶🟦

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini podcast! In today's episode, Alex and Austin break down the massive news that junior guard/forward Andrej Stojakovic is returning to Champaign for his senior season. After evolving into one of the most indispensable players on the roster during the Illini's Final Four run, Stojakovic’s return marks a major victory for #TheRetention.

We dive deep into:

The Stojakovic Impact: Why he is arguably the best athlete on the wing and an immediate two-way force.

The Balkans Connection: How retaining Stojakovic, Mirkovic, and the Ivisic twins creates a unique roster chemistry.

NCAA Tournament Success: Breaking down Stojakovic’s 13.8 PPG average and 55% shooting during the tournament run.

Transfer Portal Update:

The latest on John Blackwell and why this roster is "set" even without further additions.

The second-year leap: Why a full offseason with Fletch and Brad Underwood leads to a massive second-year jump

Illinois Basketball just landed a massive piece for the future! 🔶🔷

Join Alex and Austin on this special edition of the Armchair Illini Podcast as we break down the commitment of 2026 three-star guard/forward Zavier Zens. Coming off a historic Final Four run, Brad Underwood and his staff are showing no signs of slowing down, securing their fifth prep prospect for the Class of 2026.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Scouting Win: How Illinois beat out Wisconsin and Utah State for the "Wisconsin Mr. Basketball" winner.Elite Efficiency: Breaking down Zens’s incredible senior stats—23.6 PPG on 61% shooting from the field and 70% from 2-point range

The Skill Set: Why his 6'7" frame, perimeter shooting, and "underrated" passing make him a quintessential Big Ten threat. Roster Strategy: How the Illini are planning ahead for the 2026-27 season to offset the loss of players like the Ivisic twins and Kylan Boswell.

The Winning Pedigree: Zens led Wisconsin Lutheran to a 30-0 season and a state championship—bringing a "winner" mentality to Champaign.

Illinois is building a foundation of young, high-IQ winners. Is Zavier Zens the next "lottery ticket" to hit for the Illini? Watch to find out and don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more Illinois Basketball recruiting updates! 📈

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Is Illinois #illini Basketball officially an NBA Draft Factory? We sit down with Albert Ghim from No Ceilings NBA to break down why Keaton Wagler is a projected lottery pick, what to expect from David Mirkovic's sophomore leap , and an exclusive look at the newest Illini commit, Lucas Morillo, fresh off the Nike Hoop Summit

We discuss:

Keaton Wagler: Why he’s a surefire top-10 (and potentially top-5) pick, his "funky" game, and the best NBA fits like the Indiana Pacers.

Lucas Morillo: A detailed scouting report from the Nike Hoop Summit on the talented 4-star prospect.

David Mirkovic: Looking ahead to his sophomore season after a dominant freshman campaign.The evolution of Illinois into a consistent NBA Draft factory

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Illinois Basketball fans, the news we’ve been waiting for is finally here: David Mirkovic is officially returning to Champaign for his sophomore season

In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Austin break down what this means for Brad Underwood’s squad and why Mirkovic is the undisputed focal point for next year’s roster. After a historic freshman run where he joined the likes of Joe Smith and Tim Thomas as one of the few freshmen to record 25 points and 15 rebounds in an NCAA tournament game.

What’s Inside this Episode:The Announcement:

David’s unique Twitch stream reveal and why he’s become a fan favorite.Freshman Stats: A look back at his 13.3 PPG and 8.0 RPG season.

The "Retention" Movement: How keeping talent like Mirkovic is just as impactful as adding a top-tier transfer.

Path to the NBA:

What David needs to improve—specifically lateral quickness and his "face-up" game—to boost his draft stock.Player Comparisons: Why his skill set mirrors players like Joshua Jefferson or even a "miniature Jokic"

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Keaton Wagler has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft! 🏀Join Alex and Austin on the Armchair Illini Podcast as we break down the meteoric rise of the freshman phenom who went from an unheralded three-star recruit to a projected top 10 NBA draft pick.

We discuss his historic season in the Orange and Blue, his de facto leadership on a Final Four squad, and why he might be the greatest freshman to ever play for the University of Illinois.

In this episode, we cover:

The "Turn On" Moment: From 3 points against UConn to a legendary 46-point performance at Mackey Arena.

Draft Stock: Why Keaton is ready for the league and how he compares to other Illini pros like Ayo Dosunmu and Will Riley.Key Performances: Analyzing his dominance against Houston and Michigan State.

The Legacy: Where Wagler ranks among Illini greats and his impact on Brad Underwood’s "Guard U" reputation.

Keaton leaves Illinois with an incredible stat line: 17.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 4.2 APG, while shooting nearly 40% from deep. Whether he lands with the Jazz, Nets, or Bulls, the future is bright for this All-American and Jerry West Award winner

Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! We are closing in on 1,000 subscribers—thank you for being part of our journey.

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