Four Illini Projected in 2027 NBA Draft Could Make Illinois Basketball History

NBA Draft night has become a familiar place for Illinois Basketball once again under Brad Underwood.

Following the program’s first Final Four appearance since 2005, the Illini again saw that development translate during last week’s 2026 NBA Draft. Notably, Freshman star Keaton Wagler became the second-highest pick in program history after going No. 5 overall to the LA Clippers.  Shortly after the draft, senior point guard Kylan Boswell quickly earned an NBA opportunity of his own, signing a two-way deal with the Charlotte Hornets, alongside senior forward Ben Humrichous, who completed his path from the NAIA ranks to the NBA by signing with the Brooklyn Nets.

With 2026 now in the rear-view, Illinois could be headed toward a potentially record-breaking draft class in 2027. If ESPN NBA draft analyst Jeremy Woo’s early projections hold up, Illinois fans have a really exciting season to look forward to in 2026-27, as well as an eventful draft weekend.

Could Illinois Basketball Shatter Underwood’s Draft Record in 2027?

In Woo’s 2027 NBA Mock Draft, he projects four Illini to be selected in June 2027. If that prediction were to hold, it would tie the program record of four players taken in a single class, set by the 1985 Illinois team featuring Bruce Douglas, Anthony Welch, Scott Meents, and Efrem Winters. It’s worth noting that this came during the seven-round draft era, before the NBA reduced the draft to two rounds in 1989, making 2027’s projection potentially the largest Illinois class in the modern basketball era.

Maybe most importantly for Illini fans, all four are expected to play major roles this season before eventually making the leap to the next level. The question isn’t whether Illinois has NBA talent, but rather how much of it this group will turn into what could become the deepest draft class in program history. Furthermore, begging the question of how far Brad Underwood can take this NBA talent-packed roster.

So, which four Illini does Woo see taking the NBA leap next season, and shattering Underwood’s draft record?

Illinois basketball. Team standing front and center before the National Anthem. 2026. Photo Credit: David Pollak. Armchair Illini.

Quentin Coleman – No. 36 Overall

Leading the way is freshman point guard Quentin Coleman, who checks in as the No. 36 overall prospect in Woo’s projections.

Coleman arrived in Champaign as one of the highest-upside guards in Illinois’ recent recruiting history, and the expectation is that he will quickly become the engine of the offense following the departure of Kylan Boswell. His combination of speed, playmaking ability, and creativity with the ball gives Illinois a true lead guard capable of controlling games and elevating the more veteran talent around him.

The 6-foot-4 floor general brings the kind of athletic burst that translates well to the next level, especially in transition. If he builds some early confidence and limits freshman mistakes as Illinois dives deeper into a tough Big Ten and non-conference slate, he certainly has a real chance to grow into a key piece of Illinois’ backcourt rotation, and hear his name called on the big stage in 2027. 

Illinois basketball guard Stefan Vaaks – No. 38 Overall

Just two picks later on Woo’s top-60 comes sophomore combo guard Stefan Vaaks at No. 38 overall.

The Providence transfer guard possesses many of the traits NBA teams look for in modern backcourt players, with a lengthy 6-foot-7 frame, sharp shooting ability, and a 15.8 points-per-game average that earned him Big East All-Conference honors as a freshman.  Vaaks has the tools to emerge as one of Illinois’ biggest breakout candidates in 2026–27, stepping into Brad Underwood’s star-studded backcourt.

If that momentum carries over to Champaign, Vaaks could shape up for one of the more impactful single-season campaigns in recent Illinois Basketball history, especially if he helps lead a deep NCAA Tournament push the Illini are expected to make.

If it all clicks, he could also play his way firmly into NBA Draft consideration as a potential late first-round to mid-second-round pick. The transition from the Big East to the Big Ten will be a challenge. That said, the tools are there once he finds his confidence at this level. Based on his talent level, I wouldn’t expect that to be a problem.

David Mirkovic – No. 44 Overall

After generating plenty of NBA buzz throughout his freshman season, sophomore forward David Mirkovic has returned for a second year in Champaign. According to Woo’s projections, a little extra sharpening lands him at No. 44 overall in 2027.

At 6-foot-9, Mirkovic offers a level of offensive versatility that NBA teams value in modern forwards. His ability to score from multiple levels, rebound in traffic, and facilitate makes him one of the most important frontcourt pieces on Illinois’ roster entering 2026–27.

With international experience already under his belt, Mirkovic plays with a level of comfort and feel that tends to stand out in college frontcourts. If the shooting continues to come along and he holds up defensively against yet another very tough slate ahead, he certainly has a path to working himself into real first-round draft conversations. However, his floor seems to be a no-doubt second-rounder in 2027. Which, in no way, is a bad position to be in for Mirk, if that were the way things unfolded.

Illinois Basketball. Vs Wisconsin. David Mirkovic. No. 0. Photo Credit: Brent Zickman. Armchair Illini. 2026. Big Ten Tournament.

Andrej Stojakovic – No. 57 Overall

Last, but certainly not least, is senior wing Andrej Stojakovic checking in at No. 57 overall.

After withdrawing from the 2026 NBA Draft to return to Champaign, Stojakovic immediately became one of the faces of Illinois Basketball heading into next season, and one of the most recognizable names of the Brad Underwood era. His athletic craftiness and long 6’7 frame allow him to create shots, attack the rim with aggression, and score in bunches, giving Illinois a reliable go-to option. Paired with his NBA bloodline and offensive skill set, he projects as a strong backcourt target at the next level.

The next step is consistency. Especially with shot selection and perimeter shooting against Big Ten wings that will challenge Adrej consistently game in and game out throughout the Illini’s rough 2026-27 schedule. If he has a strong season and adds a consistent perimeter jump-shot, he could certainly push his way into late first-round talks. However, right now, Stojakovic looks like a solid Day 2 pick next June.

Illinois basketball. Andrej Stojakovic. No. 2. 2026. Photo Credit: Brent Zickman Armchair Illini.

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