​Jul. 11 — When Illinois freshmen arrive on campus for summer workouts, their first hurdle is acclimating to “Body by Fletch,” the off-court regimen that will shape their early development. It’s one thing to hear about it in abstract terms during the recruiting process and another entirely to experience it in person. A touch of soreness is to be expected, but the real question remains: how will these newcomers adapt to Big Ten basketball, where the pace is faster, the game is more physical, and the steps from high school stardom to collegiate competition require a new level of discipline?
Over the past month, six Illinois freshmen have stood out—not just to strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher and head coach Brad Underwood, but also to the veteran players who welcome them into the fold. Quentin Coleman, Lucas Morillo, Zavier Zens, Lincoln Williams, Ethan Brown, and Landon Davis have earned the respect of the program’s leadership by showing they can absorb complex concepts and begin to operate with a professional mindset beyond their years. As senior guard Andrej Stojakovic observed, their quick grasp of basketball concepts and their willingness to approach the game like seasoned pros have been striking. “They’re able to pick up the concepts quickly and get used to acting with a pro mindset,” Stojakovic said. “We have guys who bring energy every day, who don’t complain, and that’s something that stands out.”
The freshmen aren’t just fitting into the game mentally; they’re contributing physically as well. Their athleticism has drawn particular notice from veteran teammates and coaches alike. David Mirkovic, who saw the previous class at a similar stage, could not hide his optimism about the new group’s athletic traits. “Last year’s freshmen, me and Keaton Wagler, weren’t very athletic,” Mirkovic joked with a smile. “This new group is incredibly athletic. They crash the boards, they’re capable of dunking with authority, and they listen. They’re eager to learn from the veterans and absorb new things.” That willingness to learn from the coaching staff and the older players points to a bright future.
What sets this cohort apart, as observed by Mirkovic and others, is their combination of athleticism, work ethic, and receptiveness. They attack the glass with relentlessness, hustle back on defense, and display a level of coordination that suggests they’ll be more than just supplementary pieces. The Illinois program will benefit from this trio of traits—the athletic ceiling, the commitment to teamwork, and a coachable attitude that tends to accelerate growth once the thunder of Big Ten play begins.
Underwood’s staff has clearly prioritized a balance between physical development and basketball IQ. The six freshmen have demonstrated that they can digest system nuances, pick up defensive rotations, and translate practice habits into in-game decision-making. The culture around the program—built on energy, accountability, and the readiness to learn—appears to be resonating with these players. The combination of a demanding off-court regimen, a robust weight room culture, and on-court instruction is fostering a sense of professional identity among the newcomers.
As the summer session continues, the expectations for Coleman, Morillo, Zens, Williams, Brown, and Davis will intensify. They will face more advanced schemes, more complicated reads, and bigger bodies in practice. For Illinois, the immediate goal is to maintain momentum—ensuring these freshmen continue to develop in all facets of their game while integrating smoothly with a group of veterans who understand the rigors and rhythms of Big Ten basketball. The early returns are encouraging: a team that is already showing cohesion, an eagerness to learn, and a clear path toward becoming the kind of depth and talent that can sustain success through a grueling conference schedule.
If this summer is any indication, Illinois is laying the groundwork for a season in which these six freshmen are not merely contributors, but drivers of the program’s forward trajectory. Their blend of athleticism, energy, and coachable adaptability could very well become a defining feature of the Illini’s identity in the months to come. With a strong foundation in place and a willingness to embrace the identity of professionals from day one, the class of this year appears poised to leave a lasting imprint on Illinois basketball.