One Key Improvement for Every Illinois Basketball Returner in 2026-27

Over the past five-plus years, Brad Underwood and Illinois have been oh-so close to a Final Four berth several times. The No. 1-seeded squad featuring Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn was capable. The Elite Eight unit led by Terrence Shannon Jr. had the pieces. But neither of those teams broke through.

The 2025-26 Illini did make it, however. Keaton Wagler led the way on a tremendously balanced Illinois team that steamrolled its way into the final weekend before stumbling against UConn.

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Heading into 2026-27, the Illini are set to return five of their eight rotation members from a year ago. But to put together another deep run (and perhaps snag that ever-elusive national title), Illinois needs its players to make both individual and collective improvements. Here is one area in which each returning Illini rotation player can take a step forward:

One area of growth for each Illinois basketball returner in 2026-27

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Jake Davis (15) shoots over Connecticut Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Jake Davis: defensive rebounding

In his junior year, Jake Davis made nearly every stride imaginable. His 5.4 points and 2.2 rebounds weren’t awe-inspiring, but he played his role to a tee. A 6-foot-6 wing, Davis wasn’t a rim-attacking menace or a dynamite playmaker, but he did exactly what the Illini needed him to do: shoot the cover off the ball. Davis connected on 40.6 percent from deep and hit 1.5 threes per game. He also snagged 1.0 offensive rebounds (and tipped out many more) in just 19.6 minutes per game.

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From an intangibles standpoint, Davis was practically perfect. He developed into a leader, was a miscue-free defender and played with all-out effort. That said, without plus athleticism or a sturdy frame, Davis was prone…

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Publish date : 2026-05-06 06:57:00

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