Illini fans were pumped this past spring when Illinois received a commitment from 2021 Wisconsin Mr. Basketball Brandin Podziemski and rightfully so. Knowing Illini legend Ayo Dosunmu was out the door and onto the NBA, solidifying the wing position for the future was critical for Underwood and Co. The Illini are getting a good one in Podziemski, capable of taking defenders off the dribble as well as being a spot up shooter and a lengthy athletic defender. This is just what Illinois needs, surrounding primary creator Andre Curbelo and imposing interior presences Kofi Cockburn and Omar Payne with strong shooting and playmaking.