Basketball
Has Illinois basketball become International U?
“The Balkan five” and “Brad Underwoodovic” have become interesting monikers for the Illini offseason.
Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood has fully embraced the European market this offseason, landing four newcomers originally from across the Atlantic. Andrej Stojakovic, Mihailo Petrovic, David Mirkovic, and Zvonimir Ivisic will join Tomislav Ivisic on the 2025–26 roster. The five European-born players have already been nicknamed the “Balkan 5” by fans and have stirred up excitement. Underwood even updated his profile picture to an AI-generated European version of himself, leaning all the way in.
Basketball has quickly become a global game, as we have seen in the NBA with stars like Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić. But now more than ever, that global influence is showing up in college hoops, thanks in large part to the rise of NIL. For many European professionals, coming to college has become the best path to have a payday and to boost their chances of making it to the NBA.
In fact, Illinois will likely have two first-round draft picks who were one-and-done prospects. Both of those players are international prospects.
This wasn’t overnight
While foreign talent in college basketball is on the rise across the board, Underwood has been trying to tap into that market since his arrival in Champaign. Not every international recruit has panned out, such as Matic Vesel, Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk, Zacharie Perrin, Samba Kane, Greg Eboigbodin, and Niccolò Moretti, but the intention has always been clear. Illinois will do anything that it can to find players that may help it win games.
Still, several international players have made a big impact at Illinois. Kofi Cockburn became one of the greatest Illini players of all time, and Kasparas Jakucionis is expected to be Illinois’ first lottery pick since 2012. Others, like Quincy Guerrier, Alfonso Plummer, Andrés Feliz, Giorgi Bezhanishvili, and, more recently, Will Riley and Tomislav Ivisic, have shown just how valuable global recruiting can be.
The Illini has found real success in the international market. Doing so has helped turn the University of Illinois into a global brand. The talent coming to Champaign from overseas is better than ever and continues to improve each year.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/AKlzzFrvRt
— Brad Underwood (@CoachUnderwood) April 28, 2025
Make sure yall get a Euro U shirt here
Link: https://t.co/vDhscO3aRy https://t.co/O6MKBf3dls pic.twitter.com/AhS6XXc608
— Armchair Illinois (@ArmchairIllini) April 28, 2025
_____________________________________________________________________________________
We at Armchair Illini are proudly sponsored by Hamilton Walker’s Steak, Seafood, and Spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Champaign, there is certainly no better restaurant for Illini fans to visit. Order online here or call (217) 350-0363 to make a reservation.
Above all, for feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at alexkyi13@gmail.com. Additionally, please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around.
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini! Furthermore, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
-
Basketball6 days agoJake Davis Gives Illinois Basketball Another Dangerous 3-Point Shooter
-
Basketball6 days agoIllinois basketball to host five-star forward Benjamin Berrouet for official visit
-
Football2 days agoIllinois football DC Bobby Hauck parts ways with the team
-
Football2 days agoBret Bielema Discuss Abrupt Exit of Illini DC Bobby Hauck
-
Basketball6 days agoIllinois Basketball Orange Krush tickets Sell Out in Record Time for 2026-27 Season
-
Football4 days agoIllinois Football offense shows major promise in loss vs Ohio State
-
Football7 days agoIllinois Football: 3 Keys to a Successful Road Trip At Ohio State
-
Football6 days agoIllinois Football Releases Week 4 Injury Report Ahead of Ohio State
