
SI’s Top 10 Centers for the 2026‑27 Season
Sports Illustrated’s latest rankings spotlight the nation’s most dominant big men, from Arizona’s defensive anchor to Kentucky’s rising sophomore.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Tomislav Ivisic across Basketball.

Sports Illustrated’s latest rankings spotlight the nation’s most dominant big men, from Arizona’s defensive anchor to Kentucky’s rising sophomore.

After years apart, twin centers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic reunite in Champaign, offering the Illini a rare blend of athleticism, shooting and interior presence that could reshape the team's prospects.

A look at the five centers expected to anchor the Big Ten’s paint presence next season, highlighting their stats, roles and the league’s physical style.

After a historic Final Four run, the Illini are poised for a title push, but they must tighten defense and define a primary offensive option to secure a top seed.

The Illini enter the 2026‑27 season with high expectations, boasting one of the nation’s best offenses but needing to improve a defense that finished near the bottom of key metrics.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are preparing for the loss of senior height, while recruiting star Dylan Betts could restore a classic interior presence.

Projected to finish 37‑3 overall and 18‑2 in the Big Ten, the Illini enter the 2026‑27 season with lofty expectations, a deep backcourt, and a defense primed to dominate.

Illinois braces for the exit of the Ivisic brothers while eyeing five-star center Dylan Betts for the 2028 class.

The latest summer pickup footage from Illinois offers a glimpse into the progress of several promising players ahead of the upcoming season.

The Illini are ranked inside the top ten, fueled by a strong returning core and high‑profile additions, positioning them as serious contenders for a national title.

After a surprising Final Four run, the University of Illinois basketball team is being hailed as a top contender for the upcoming season, with high preseason polls and a roster bolstered by key returnees and fresh talent.
Illinois basketball is reshaping its frontcourt after the departure of key big men, targeting dynamic power forward Benjamin Berrouet, a top recruit from Dallas, to bolster its roster for the upcoming season.

Illinois basketball is targeting five-star power forward Benjamin Berrouet to fill the void left by departing frontcourt stars, as Coach Brad Underwood eyes a new era of size and skill.

The 2026‑27 men’s college basketball season promises dramatic changes, from high‑profile coaching moves to marquee player returns and a transfer portal that has reshaped rosters nationwide.

While Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State and Wisconsin grapple with coaching changes and roster losses, Illinois emerges as a national contender, bolstered by veteran talent and a strong recruiting class.

From 2000 to 2026 Illinois repeatedly outscored Indiana by wide margins, turning a storied rivalry into a showcase of dominance.

A look at Illinois' most decisive victories over Indiana, highlighting key players and scores across two decades.

The Fighting Illini are shaping a future that leans on home-grown talent, from committed forwards to a promising big man from Lisle.

Coach Brad Underwood acknowledges the need for stronger on‑ball defense and greater reliance on incoming freshmen as the program eyes another title run.

The Illini coach is focusing on in‑state recruits for the 2027 class, already securing commitments from Quinton Kitt and Mason Martin while courting Edvardas Stasys, a 6‑7 forward from Benet Academy.

Multiple Illinois players, including Andrej Stojakovic, Stefan Vaaks, David Mirkovic, Quentin Coleman and the Ivisic twins, are projected to be selected in the 2027 NBA Draft, bolstered by Coach Brad Underwood’s development work.

A look at the Illinois prospects expected to make an impact in the 2027 NBA Draft, from established standouts to emerging risers, and the coaching influence shaping their trajectories.

A deep dive into Tomislav Ivisic’s challenging second season at Illinois, the setbacks that limited his impact, and how David Mirkovic stepped into the void, shaping expectations for the Illini’s frontcourt next year.

St. John's forward Donnie Freeman will miss the remainder of the season after doctors confirmed a torn Achilles that required surgery, prompting a reshuffle of the early Top 25 college basketball rankings and highlighting the impact of transfers across the nation.