As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, early mock drafts reveal a mixed outlook for Illinois basketball prospects. Following the historic picks of Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley last year, expectations have shifted. Current rankings see Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, and Zvonimir Ivisic as potential late picks. Ivisic's unique play style offers intriguing possibilities but raises concerns about defensive skills. Recruitment efforts for high-profile players have been notable, although other programs have secured some top talents.

International players are notably sparse in early draft projections, with only Karim Lopez and Dash Daniels appearing as first-round candidates. However, talent from overseas is anticipated to make a bigger impact in the upcoming college season, as several international prospects, including Aday Mara and Tounde Yessoufou, join the mix.