Pranav Hegde

Joined: Apr 10, 2025

Primarily covers Illinois football, basketball and golf, with an emphasis on news, analysis and features. Hegde, an electrical engineering student at Illinois with an affinity for sports writing, has been writing for On SI since April 2025. He can be followed and reached on Instagram @pranavhegde__.

July 19, 2025; North Augusta, South Carolina, USA; Brad Beal Elite Quentin Coleman (1) gestures to a teammate as Team Durant Evans Barning Jr. (7) defends during the Brad Beal Elite and Team Durant game at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Park Activity Center. Brad Beal Elite won 91-59. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale - Augusta Chronicle/USA TODAY NETWORK

Basketball

Andrej Stojakovic is returning to Illinois basketball, and social media is buzzing. Here’s how fans and analysts are reacting to the big news.

Nov 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Zvonimir Ivisic (44) and teammate Jake Davis (15) react during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini got some big news Wednesday as Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, as well as Davis, announced they will return in 2026-27

Mar 26, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) reacts against the Houston Cougars in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Basketball

Mirkovic declared Wednesday that he will return to Champaign for his sophomore season, and Illini fans wasted no time celebrating across social media

Mar 12, 2026; New York, NY, USA; Providence Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) controls the ball against St. John's Red Storm guard Dylan Darling (0) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini received their first commitment in the transfer portal on Sunday, landing a stud guard – and social media was abuzz over it

Iona Prep's Lucas Morillo (11, red) tries to drive past St. Francis Prep's Nigel Moore (11, white) during the CHSAA AA city quarterfinals at Fordham University on March 5, 2023.

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Basketball

Morillo impressed at the Nike Hoop Summit, flashing size, shot-making and poise in his strong showing on Saturday

Jan 24, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Mihailo Petrovic (77) looks for an open teammate during the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini officially lost their first player to the portal on Saturday when Mihailo Petrovic announced he would be leaving Champaign.

Apr 3, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Toni Bilic (9) shoots the ball 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

Basketball

The Illini lost their second player to the portal on Saturday, with Bilic set to depart from Champaign.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) shoots over Connecticut Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) in the second 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

Basketball

Humrichous transformed from a defensive liability into one of college basketball’s best role players – and perhaps a pro-level talent

UConn Huskies guard Silas Demary Jr. (2) defends and is called for a foul against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Keaton Wagler (23) on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during a Final Four game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Basketball

Should Keaton Wagler return to Champaign or enter the NBA Draft? Breaking down the strongest case for both sides.

Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players react from the bench against the Connecticut Huskies in the second 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

Basketball

The shots just didn't fall for the Illini as their season was ended Saturday by the Huskies – and social media sounded off about it

Nov 28, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) is guarded by UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) in the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mirkovic and Karaban are two of the most undervalued players left in the tournament. Who has the advantage in Saturday's Final Four showdown?

Mar 21, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood and VCU Rams head coach Phil Martelli Jr. shake hands after the game during a second round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Basketball

The Illini defense has been stout so far in the NCAA Tournament, but it will need to step up again for Illinois to take down the Huskies

Pranav Hegde

Joined: Apr 10, 2025

Illinois Freshman Quentin Coleman Adds to Hype With Team USA Nod

Brandon Lee Completes Transfer From Illinois – Who Wins, Who Loses?

3 Best NBA Landing Spots for Illinois Guard Keaton Wagler

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What Stood Out From Illinois Commit Lucas Morillo at the Nike Hoop Summit

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Illinois Guard Mihailo Petrovic Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means for the Illini

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Illinois Forward Toni Bilic Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means for the Illini

Basketball

Has Illinois' Ben Humrichous Become a Legitimate NBA Prospect?

Keaton Wagler’s Big Decision: Return to Illinois or Enter the 2026 NBA Draft?

David Mirkovic vs Alex Karaban: Who Has the Edge in Illinois-UConn?

The Defensive Gamble That Could Swing Illinois vs. UConn in the Final Four