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Illinois had to address a need this offseason. Sure, the returning quintet of David Mirkovic, Andrej Stojakovic, Jake Davis, Tomislav Ivisic and Zvonimir Ivisic offers the Illini a superb combination of size, shooting, IQ and overall playmaking – but there was still something (or, more accurately, someone) missing.
Who would be the go-to perimeter option? Who was poised to be the triggerman in the backcourt, someone capable of being both a facilitator and primary scorer? Incoming freshman Quentin Coleman may have that potential, but it’s tough to bank on a freshman in that role (they can’t all be Keaton Wagler unicorns).
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Then the Illini landed Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks – which swiftly solved that problem. A 6-foot-7 guard with the ability to get to the rim and shoot off the catch or the bounce – and, mind you, he can really shoot it – Vaaks will get his. But he can also make plays for others, as he proved in leading Providence in assists last season.
Through the early part of the summer in Champaign, here’s what Illinois’ Brad Underwood has seen thus far from Vaaks (who is currently playing with his Estonian national team):
Brad Underwood offers early thoughts on new Illini Stefan Vaaks
Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood directs players during a practice session ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We only had a few days with him on the court,” Underwood said on Tuesday. “Just great vision. Very, very good shooter. It’s more about him with [strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher] at that time. He’s got great strength. Great physical size. We’ll get dialed in a little more as to strengths and weaknesses within the framework of what we’re doing.
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“But his shooting is, no nonsense, it’s really good. He can really do that. He can shoot it off the bounce. But, like, his…
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Publish date : 2026-07-02 21:54:00
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