Armchair Illini Podcast

Which Illinois basketball team was better: the 2023-24 Elite Eight team or the 2025-26 Final Four squad?Alex and Austin break down a head-to-head matchup between two of the best Illinois basketball teams of the Brad Underwood era. They compare the 2023-24 Illinois Fighting Illini team featuring Terrence Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier with the 2025-26 team led by Keaton Wagler, David Mirkovic and Andrej Stojakovic.The guys debate which team would win, comparing offensive firepower, physicality, depth, size, defense, coaching and postseason experience. They also discuss Brad Underwood's evolution as a coach and which team they would take in a one-game matchup.Who would you take — the 2023-24 Elite Eight team or the 2025-26 Final Four team?🔶🔷 FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmchairIllini🐦 X/Twitter: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@armchairillini🎙️ LISTEN TO THE ARMCHAIR ILLINI PODCASTSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/armchair-illini-podcast/id1832847045Podbean: https://armchairillini.podbean.com/📰 Subscribe to the Armchair Illini Newsletter:https://armchairillini.substack.com/👕 Get officially licensed Illinois NIL merchandise and save 15% with code ARMCHAIRILLINI.#illinoisbasketball #illini #illinoisfightingillini #ncaabasketball #collegebasketball #bigtenbasketball #BradUnderwood #ArmchairIllini

Illinois basketball suffered a major setback as David Mirkovic underwent surgery after suffering a left foot injury during a team workout. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini break down everything we know about the injury, discuss the potential recovery timeline, examine how it impacts Brad Underwood's loaded 2026-27 roster, and debate who must step up if Mirkovic misses significant time.We also discuss:David Mirkovic's foot injury and surgeryPossible recovery timelineHow Illinois replaces one of its most important frontcourt playersWhich players could see expanded rolesBrad Underwood's options moving forwardIllinois basketball's difficult non-conference scheduleIf you're an Illinois Fighting Illini fan, this is everything you need to know about one of the biggest stories of the offseason.👇 Subscribe for daily Illinois Fighting Illini coverage🏀 Armchair Illini🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmchairIllini🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/ArmchairIllini📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini👍 Like the video if you enjoy Illinois basketball coverage.💬 Comment below: How much will David Mirkovic's injury impact the Illini this season?#IllinoisBasketball #Illini #DavidMirkovic #BradUnderwood #CollegeBasketball #BigTen #FightingIllini #ncaa

Illinois Football QB Katin Houser meets with reporters during his Big Ten Media Day small podium session ahead of the 2026 college football season. Watch Houser discuss the Illini, expectations for the upcoming season, his journey to Illinois, and more from Big Ten Media Days.Subscribe to Armchair Illini for the latest Illinois Football news, press conferences, recruiting updates, game analysis, and exclusive Illini coverage.#Illini #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema #BigTenMediaDay #CollegeFootball #BigTen #katinhouser

Illinois Football head coach Bret Bielema meets with reporters during his Big Ten Media Day small podium session ahead of the 2026 college football season. Watch Bielema discuss the Illini, expectations for the upcoming season, player development, and more from Big Ten Media Days.Subscribe to Armchair Illini for the latest Illinois Football news, press conferences, recruiting updates, game analysis, and exclusive Illini coverage.#Illini #IllinoisFootball #BretBielema #BigTenMediaDay #CollegeFootball #BigTen

Former Illinois basketball star Kasparas Jakucionis is headed to the Milwaukee Bucks following the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and it could be the perfect opportunity for the former Illini standout.In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex is joined by Ti Windisch of the Gyro Step Podcast @GyroStepPodcast to break down what Milwaukee is getting in Jakucionis, how he developed during his rookie NBA season, his long-term upside, and why the Bucks may be an ideal landing spot.We discuss:Kasparas Jakucionis' NBA developmentHis fit with the Milwaukee BucksImpact of the Giannis blockbuster tradeWhat Illinois basketball fans should expectCeiling and future outlook in MilwaukeeIf you're an Illinois basketball fan or follow the NBA, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.👍 Like the video if you enjoyed it.🔔 Subscribe for daily Illinois basketball and Illinois football coverage.Official Illinois NIL Store:Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% OFF your order!Follow Armchair Illini:🐦 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ArmchairIllini📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/ArmchairIllini🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com#illinoisbasketball #illini #uiuc #bucks #milwaukeebucks #KasparasJakucionis #MilwaukeeBucks #NBA #BradUnderwood #giannis #Bucks #CollegeBasketball #ArmchairIllini

5-Star Class of 2027 guard NaVarro Bowman Jr. is reportedly setting an official visit to Illinois! On this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what this major recruiting news means for Brad Underwood and Illinois Basketball. We discuss how Bowman Jr. fits alongside Illinois' 2027 foundation (Mason Martin & Quentin Kitt), why top recruits are choosing the Fighting Illini over powerhouse programs like UConn, Arizona, and Texas, and how Brad Underwood continues to dominate the high school recruiting trail.🏷️ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Big Illinois Recruiting News1:07 - Campus InK. NIL Sponsorship1:30 - NaVorro Bowman Jr. Setting Official Visit to Illinois3:43 - 2027 Class Foundation: Mason Martin & Quinton Kitt5:51 - Why the 2027 Class is CRITICAL for Illinois7:40 - Illinois vs UConn, Arizona, & Texas: The Pitch to Bowman Jr.12:45 - What happens if Brady Pettigrew reclassifies?🔥 Don't forget to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel for daily Illinois Basketball & Football coverage!🎟️ Get 15% OFF official NIL merch at Campus Inl using code: ARMCHAIRILLINInil.store/armchairillini#IllinoisBasketball #EveryDayGuys #FightingIllini #CollegeBasketballRecruiting #BradUnderwood #ArmchairIllini#illini #illinibasketball

Former Fighting #illini standout Will Riley is turning heads in D.C.! After a dominant end to his rookie campaign and a blistering Summer League performance—including a 32-point night—where does the former Illinois star fit in the Washington Wizards' loaded 2026–27 rotation? Greg Finberg from The Wizards Podcast joins Alex Kyi on the Armchair Illini Podcast to break down Riley’s development as a 6'9" point guard/wing, his fit alongside A.J. Dybantsa and Trae Young, and what to expect from his sophomore season.We discuss:🟠 Will Riley's rookie season with the Washington Wizards🔵 His NBA Summer League growth and confidence🏀 Why Riley could make a huge leap in Year 2📈 His long-term NBA ceiling and fit with the Wizards🎙️ Greg Finberg's insight covering the Wizards every dayIf you're an Illinois basketball fan, Wizards fan, or NBA Draft enthusiast, this is an episode you won't want to miss.⬇️ Follow Armchair Illini🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArmchairIllini🐦 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini🎙️ Follow Greg Finberg & The Wizards PodcastThe Wizards Podcast (YouTube): @TheWizardsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheWizardsPodcastX: https://x.com/GregFinberg🏀 Save 15% on officially licensed Illinois NIL merchandiseUse code ARMCHAIRILLINI at Campus Ink.nil.store/ARMCHAIRILLINi👍 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more Illinois basketball coverage, recruiting news, player interviews, and NBA updates featuring former Illini.#IllinoisBasketball #WillRiley #Illini #WashingtonWizards #NBASummerLeague #NBA #BradUnderwood #TheWizardsPodcast #GregFinberg #ArmchairIllini

🏀 Keaton Wagler reminded everyone why he became an Illinois Basketball star.After a slow start to NBA Summer League, the former Illini standout exploded for 26 points, showcasing the scoring ability that made him one of the best players in the Big Ten. Alex Kyi and Austin Burklund break down what changed, why the LA Clippers adjusted their offense, and what this performance means for Wagler's NBA future.In this episode:🔥 Keaton Wagler's 26-point breakout📈 Why his Summer League performance improved🏀 How the Clippers are using him offensively👀 What Illinois Basketball fans should expect next⭐ Can Wagler earn meaningful NBA minutes this season?If you're an Illinois Basketball, Illini, or LA Clippers fan, this is the breakdown you won't want to miss.👍 Like this video if you're excited to watch Keaton Wagler at the next level!Initial reaction to Keaton Wagler's first Summer League game with Clippers Beat writer Joey Linn (@joeylinnNBA): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7R5OKSwNfM🔔 Subscribe for Illinois Fighting Illini coverage:Illinois BasketballIllinois FootballRecruitingNBA IlliniTransfer Portal NewsBreaking News & Analysis🎽 Support Illinois NIL!Save 15% OFF officially licensed Illinois athlete merchandise with promo code ARMCHAIRILLINI at the Campus Ink Illinois NIL Store.📱 Follow Armchair Illini:🐦 X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/ArmchairIllini📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/ArmchairIllini🎵 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@armchairillini#IllinoisBasketball #Illini #KeatonWagler #NBASummerLeague #LAClippers #Illinois #FightingIllini #CollegeBasketball #NBA #BradUnderwood #IlliniBasketball

Illinois Football continues to build its 2027 recruiting class, and Armchair Illini sits down with tight end commit Cade Newman for an exclusive interview.Cade discusses what made Illinois the right fit, his recruiting journey, his relationship with Bret Bielema and the coaching staff, and what he's looking forward to as a future Fighting Illini.🏈 In this interview, Cade talks about:Why he committed to Illinois FootballHis recruiting experienceBuilding relationships with the Illini coaching staffHis development as a tight endHis goals before arriving in ChampaignThe future of Illinois FootballIf you're an Illini fan, this is an interview you won't want to miss as one of Illinois' top 2027 commits shares his story.👍 Like the video if you're excited about Illinois' future.💬 Comment your thoughts on Cade Newman and the 2027 recruiting class.🔔 Subscribe to Armchair Illini for Illinois Football recruiting, breaking news, analysis, and exclusive interviews.Written Interview with Cade Newman on Armchairillini.com: https://armchairillini.com/illinois-football-cade-newman-bret-bielema-illini/🎟️ Save 15% on officially licensed Illinois NIL gear with promo code ARMCHAIRILLINI at the Campus Ink Illinois NIL Store.#IllinoisFootball #illini #CadeNewman #IllinoisRecruiting #TightEnd #BretBielema #FightingIllini #BigTenFootball #CollegeFootball #ArmchairIllini

Keaton Wagler made his NBA Summer League debut with the Los Angeles Clippers, and we brought on Joey Linn, Clippers beat writer, to break down everything he saw from courtside in Las Vegas.Despite a challenging first game, Joey shares why Clippers fans shouldn't overreact, what stood out about Wagler's performance, how he can improve moving forward, and what expectations should be for the former Illinois standout during Summer League and beyond.@joeylinnNBA If you're an Illinois Basketball or LA Clippers fan, this is an in-depth conversation you won't want to miss.Topics Covered:Keaton Wagler's NBA Summer League debutWe dive deep into:🏀 Keaton Wagler's Debut Performance: Analyzing the Sacramento Kings’ defense, full-court pressure, and how he adjusts for Game 2 against the Utah Jazz.🔄 The Clippers' New Direction: How the franchise is shifting after moving on from Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac to build around Darius Garland and Brandon Ingram.🗺️ The Fit & The Future: Will Wagler play on or off the ball under Ty Lue, and how will he adjust to a potentially faster offensive pace?📈 Summer League Realities: Why one summer league game doesn't define an NBA career (featuring historical context from Jalen Brunson, Trae Young, and Ayo Dosunmu).👍 If you enjoyed the video, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more Illinois Basketball coverage, exclusive interviews, and recruiting news.Follow Armchair Illini🏀 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@armchairillini🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/ArmchairIllini📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.comFollow Joey Linn🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/joeylinn_YouTube: @joeylinnNBA https://joeylinn.com/#illinoisbasketball #KeatonWagler #nbasummerleague #laclippers #illini #collegebasketball #NBA #JoeyLinn #BradUnderwood #ArmchairIllini