It’s officially Illinois Basketball Season Preview time! 🏀 Sunny Verma is joined by Greg Waddell from Sleepers Media to break down everything Illini fans need to know heading into the 2025–26 season — from roster strengths and potential pitfalls to how Brad Underwood’s new look team stacks up in the Big Ten and nationally.

🎙 In this episode: Greg Waddell’s national perspective on the 2025–26 Illini Why Illinois’ international core (Ivišić, Petrovic, Mirkovic, Stojaković) might be the best frontcourt in the Big Ten How Kylan Boswell’s leadership sets the tone for the offense Keaton Wagler’s development and what he brings defensively Can Illinois’ depth finally match its talent? What the analytics say vs. what the eye test shows Waddell’s bold prediction for Illinois’ Big Ten finish Why the Illini have one of the highest ceilings in the nation — if healthy And what Brad Underwood has learned from past tournament exits

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Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football!

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

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