Who Will Earn Illinois Basketball's Final Rotation Spot in 2026-27?

In last season's Sweet 16, Elite Eight and Final Four, only eight players ever saw the floor for Illinois. In the 2025 NCAA Tournament, the number of Illini who saw more than five minutes of action in either contest – Illinois advanced to the Round of 32 – was seven. Brad Underwood runs a tight postseason ship.

In 2026-27, the Illini appear poised to have their deepest rotation in years, but that isn't likely to change the on-court arithmetic. By the time the new year rolls around, Underwood will likely have again whittled his rotation down to no more than eight players.

And with Illinois' current top seven all but cemented – in no particular order: Quentin Coleman, Stefan Vaaks, Andrej Stojakovic, David Mirkovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic and Jake Davis – there may be just one spot up for grabs. (This assumes, of course, that Mirkovic will return by the regular season.)

Ranking Illinois’ top candidates for the eighth-man role

No. 5: Jason Jakstys

Will the Illini need additional frontcourt depth? If Mirkovic is back in action for the opener, then it’s unlikely. In that scenario, Illinois would likely shuffle between combinations of Mirkovic and the Ivisic twins, while bumping Stojakovic (or a different wing) to the 4 on occasion. Jason Jakstys (or Landon Davis) may still get spot minutes but not true rotational tick.

No. 4: Lincoln Williams

🟠 Newcomer First Look 🔵
Lincoln Williams
No. 1
Kankakee, Ill. pic.twitter.com/H7GUE2mo3E
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) August 8, 2026

Projecting as a small forward, Lincoln Williams is going to be competing with Stojakovic and Jake Davis for most of his minutes. It seems likely that one of those two veterans will be on the floor at all times, which means the uber-athletic Williams may see action only in a pinch (likely if there is foul trouble) or a blowout.

No. 3: Zavier Zens

Despite having the necessary intangibles and ideal skill set to contribute as a freshman, Zavier Zens, another wing, faces an uphill battle due to the crowd at his position. He won’t be beating out Stojakovic or Davis for minutes. But if he can slide into a 2-guard role at times (or even a small-ball 4), Zens may have an opportunity to play more than fringe minutes.

No. 2: Ethan Brown

🟠 Newcomer First Look 🔵
Ethan Brown
No. 34
Rolla, Mo. pic.twitter.com/Ty3HkUOnIJ
— Illinois Men's Basketball (@IlliniMBB) July 29, 2026

By all accounts, Ethan Brown has been very impressive throughout the summer. He is known as a shooter and facilitator, but his athleticism has turned heads – notably Underwood’s – early on. And without clear depth in the backcourt, the Illini may have to fish around for a reserve guard. Brown could be a catch.

No. 1: Lucas Morillo

Lucas Morillo’s calling card – versatility – is why he’s at the top of this list. He can play point guard, shooting guard, small forward and power forward. That position fluidity gives him the best chance at entering the rotation.

He can be a backup guard for the Illini, who, as mentioned, may need help there. He can offer wing depth or even play the 4 in small lineups. Most importantly, Morillo – at 6-foot-7, 210 pounds and with stellar length and foot speed – can guard at least three positions on defense. That means Underwood can comfortably play him next to any combination of players.

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