Armchair Illini Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of the Armchair Illini podcast with your host, Alex Kyi. After a tough 12-game win streak ended with two consecutive overtime losses to Michigan State and Wisconsin, the Illini are looking to get back in the win column this Sunday at the State Farm Center against the Indiana Hoosiers. In this episode, we are joined by Robby Nardini to break down what went wrong in the 92-90 loss to Wisconsin and how fatigue played a factor after playing five games in 13 days. We also dive deep into the scouting report for Indiana, focusing on their star transfer Lamar Wilkerson and how Illinois can adjust if key players like Andrej Stojakovic or Kylan Boswell remain limited. In this video, we discuss: Wisconsin Recap: Analyzing the missed free throws, turnovers, and the impact of a 6-man rotation. Indiana Scouting Report: How to stop Lamar Wilkerson and the experienced Hoosiers squad. Injury Updates: The latest on Andrej Stojakovic'sankle and Kylan Boswell’s status. Big 10 Title Race: Where Illinois stands in the hunt for the second spot. Support Armchair Illini: Get your officially licensed Illini merch at Campus Inc.! Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI in all caps at checkout to get 15% off your order. 🛒 Shop Here: nil.store/armchairillini Connect With Us: 🌐 Website: https://armchairillini.com/ 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the BELL icon so you never miss an update on Illinois Athletics! 🔶🔷

The Armchair Illini Podcast is back! Host Austin Burklund is joined by Zach Browning from TheHoosier.com to break down one of the most anticipated matchups in the Big Ten: Illinois vs. Indiana. Indiana is playing its best basketball of the season, led by the scoring explosion of Lamar Wilkerson, who recently dropped 41 points against Oregon. Can the Illini defense, potentially missing Kylan Boswell and Andre Stojakovic, find a way to slow him down? Meanwhile, we look at how the Hoosiers plan to contain Keaton Wagler and the high-powered Illinois offense at the State Farm Center. In this episode, we cover: Indiana’s Surge: How Darren DeVries turned the season around and got the Hoosiers off the bubble. Lamar Wilkerson’s Brilliance: Is he the best scorer in the Big Ten right now? The Matchup: Defensive strategies to stop Keaton Wagler and the Ivisic brothers. Illini Depth Concerns: What happens if Boswell and Stojakovic remain out? Score Predictions: Who walks away with a massive conference win? Support Our Sponsors: 🍔 Hamilton Walker’s: The best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Visit them for prime steaks and seafood! 👕 The NIL Store: Get officially licensed gear for your favorite Illini stars. Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your order! Follow Zach Browning: Twitter/X: @ZachBrowning17 Website: TheHoosier.com Connect with Armchair Illini: Website: armchairillini.com Twitter/Instagram: @ArmchairIllini Substack: Robby Nardini’s Friday Newsletter #Illini #IndianaHoosiers #BigTenBasketball #CollegeBasketball #KeatonWagler #LamarWilkerson #ArmchairIllini

The Illini suffer a heartbreaking 92-90 overtime loss at home against the Wisconsin Badgers. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Austin break down the "mental maturity" of this team, the 11-point lead that slipped away, and the costly turnovers that turned the tide. We dive deep into the stats—including the 23-6 disparity in points off turnovers—and look ahead to how Illinois can bounce back in their upcoming matchup against Indiana. In this video: Initial reactions to the 92-90 OT loss Key stats: Points off turnovers and free-throw struggles A look at the Big Ten landscape and recent upsets Previewing the next home game vs. Indiana Stay Connected with Armchair Illini: Official Website: https://armchairillini.com/ Substack/Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ Twitter/X: @ArmchairIllini Instagram: @ArmchairIllini Facebook: Armchair Illini on Facebook Merch Store: Official Illini NIL Store Sponsor Shoutout: Support the show by visiting Hamilton Walker’s Seafood, Steak, and Spirits in Champaign! Check our social media for details on our weekly $50 gift card giveaway. #Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BigTen #ArmchairIllini #CollegeBasketball #WisconsinBadgers #fightingillini #bigtenbasketball

Lon Tay is BACK! After years of rocking the airwaves together at ESPN CU 93.5, Lon Tay reunites with Austin Burklund for a massive deep-dive into the state of Illinois athletics. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, we break down everything from the "Dark Horse" national title potential of this Illinois basketball squad to the defensive question marks surrounding the football team's upcoming season. Lon shares his candid thoughts on the frustration of seeing Indiana find massive success, the current struggles of his alma mater, SIU, and what life looks like now that he's traded the radio mic for college baseball road trips. Today’s Sponsors Hamilton Walker’s Seafood and Spirits: Hands down the best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Whether you want prime steaks, fresh seafood, or a vibe that's perfect after a big Illini win, Hamilton Walker’s is where the community comes to celebrate. GIVEAWAY: Follow Armchair Illini and Hamilton Walker’s on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for your chance to win a $50 gift card every single week of the season! Campus Ink.: The official Illinois NIL Store. Get officially licensed gear from your favorite Illini stars. Use CODE: ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% OFF your entire order! Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back: The Austin and Lon reunion 01:10 – Lon’s new life: Family, golf, and college baseball 02:36 – Retooling the golf game and Southern Illinois courses 05:18 – Illinois Basketball: Breaking down the Michigan State loss 07:30 – Depth vs. Balance: Stojakovic, Wagler, and the rotation 13:02 – Previewing the Sunday showdown with Indiana 15:18 – Is this the deepest Big Ten in history? 18:27 – The biggest surprises: Jake Davis and "Big Z" 24:04 – Do we trust Brad Underwood in March? 26:10 – The "Quatro’s Cup" moment and SIU dive bars 28:49 – Illini Football: Defensive concerns and the QB situation 35:05 – The "Indiana Crisis": Dealing with the Hoosiers' success 41:58 – Avoiding the St. Louis University "trap" in the bracket 43:21 – State of the Salukis: The future of mid-major sports 51:03 – How the Transfer Portal changed mid-major hoops 56:16 – Cubs Season Preview: Rotation depth and division hopes 58:34 – The comfort of 162 games a year Gemini said Illinois Basketball, Illini Basketball 2026, Brad Underwood, Lon Tay, Armchair Illini Podcast, Big Ten Basketball, Keaton Wagler, Austin Burklund, ESPN CU 93.5, Illini Media Reunion, Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza, Southern Illinois University, Kylan Boswell Return, National Title Dark Horse, Indiana Football National Championship, Illinois Football Defense, SIU Salukis Basketball, Transfer Portal Impact, Chicago Cubs Season Preview, Champaign-Urbana, Hamilton Walker’s, Carbondale IL, Missouri Valley Conference, Daytona 500, David Mirkovic, Big Z, Tomislav, Jake Davis, Humrichous, NCAA Tournament, Oregon, Michigan St, Wisconsin, Indiana, Hoosiers, Spartans, Badgers, Ducks, UCLA Bruins, USC Trojans, Michigan Wolverines, Big Ten Tournament, Andrew Tay, Southeastern Community College Baseball,

The 12-game win streak is over, but the Illini are ready to defend the State Farm Center! In this episode of the Armchair Illini podcast, Alex and Robby Nardini break down the tough loss to Michigan State and preview Tuesday night's high-stakes matchup against the Wisconsin Badgers. In this episode, we discuss: Reacting to Michigan State: Why the "little things" like lane violations and rebounding cost Illinois the win. Keaton Wagler’s "Human" Moment: After a 2-for-16 night, how does Wagler rebound against a less physical Wisconsin defense? The David Mirkovic Factor: With Kylan Boswell out, should Mirkovic take on more primary ball-handling duties? Wisconsin Preview: Scouting the Badgers' backcourt duo of Nick Boyd and John Blackwell. Big Ten Race: Illinois currently sits half a game behind Michigan—how critical is this home stretch? Special Event: It’s Jake Davis Wig Night on Tuesday! Make sure to get to the State Farm Center early to grab yours. Follow Armchair Illini: Website: ArmchairIllini.com Twitter/X: twitter.com/ArmchairIllini Facebook: facebook.com/ArmchairIllini Instagram: instagram.com/ArmchairIllini Substack: armchairillini.substack.com Be sure to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel as we approach our goal of 1,000 subscribers!. Follow Robby Nardini: Twitter: https://x.com/RobbyNardini

The #5 Illinois Fighting Illini saw their 12-game winning streak come to an end in a hard-fought 85-82 loss to the #10 Michigan State Spartans at the Breslin Center. In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Austin break down the "little things" that cost Illinois the game, from rebounding struggles to key missed shots. We dive deep into: David Mirkovic’s Standout Performance: 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Keaton Wagler’s Tough Night: An analysis of his 2-of-16 shooting performance. The Impact of Missing Kylan Boswell: Why his defensive presence was sorely missed against Jeremy Fears. Controversial Calls: Discussing the Jeremy Fears trip and the lack of a flagrant foul call. Big Ten Outlook: Where Illinois stands in the race for a top seed and a double-bye. Support Our Sponsor: Shout out to Hamilton Walker's Seafood, Steak, and Spirits—the best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana!. Stay tuned for $50 gift card giveaways on our social media during home games. Follow Armchair Illini: Website: ArmchairIllini.com Twitter/X: twitter.com/ArmchairIllini Facebook: facebook.com/ArmchairIllini Instagram: instagram.com/ArmchairIllini Substack: armchairillini.substack.com Be sure to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel as we approach our goal of 1,000 subscribers!. Illinois Basketball, Fighting Illini, Michigan State Spartans, Big Ten Basketball, Armchair Illini, David Mirkovich, Keaton Wagler, Kyland Boswell, Brad Underwood, Jeremy Fears, College Basketball Recap, Illini Postgame, Breslin Center, NCAA Basketball.

Welcome back to another episode of the Armchair Illini podcast! Join Alex and Robbie Nardini as they dive into a massive game day preview as Illinois heads to East Lansing to take on the Michigan State Spartans. In this episode, we recap Illinois' absolute dominant 84-44 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats and discuss how the Illini have reached 20 wins faster than ever before under Brad Underwood. We also break down the keys to a victory against Tom Izzo’s physical Spartans squad, including transition defense and winning the battle on the glass. In this episode, we cover: Recap of the Northwestern blowout NBA Trade Deadline: Thoughts on Ayo Dosunmu and the Bulls In-depth Illinois vs. Michigan State matchup analysis Keys to victory and players to watch (Keaton Wagler, Ben Humrichous, etc.) Support Our Sponsors: Hamilton Walker’s Seafood, Steak, and Spirits: The best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Visit them for prime steaks and fresh seafood! Twitter (X): @ArmchairIllini Robby Nardini's Twitter: @robbynardini (Check here for pre-game Spaces and Discord links) YouTube: Armchair Illini Channel (Be sure to like and subscribe as they approach 700 subs!) Sponsors Hamilton Walker’s Seafood and Steaks: hamiltonwalkers.com The NIL Store: nil.store/armchairillini get 15% off your order with code Armchair Illini

In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, we’re joined by Brad Evans (The Gaming Juice, BetMGM) to break down everything Illinois Basketball as we head into a high-stakes February. From the historic #1 KenPom offense to where the Illini stand in the latest bracketology projections, we cover it all. Brad discusses the incredible rise of Keaton Wagler, comparing his story to Ja Morant and explaining why Wagler could be the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. We also dive into: Tournament Path: Can Illinois stay in the St. Louis area for the first two rounds? The "Triangle of Fun": A potential road through St. Louis, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Betting Markets: Why the value is getting "sucked out of the room" as Illinois' national title odds drop. Key Matchups: Scouting potential clashes with Arizona and Michigan. Roster Depth: The impact of Ben Humrichous and the imminent return of Kylan Boswell. Don't forget! We’re giving away a $50 Hamilton Walker’s gift card every week! Follow us and Hamilton Walker's on social media to enter. Armchair Illini Social Media & Links Website: Armchair Illini Website Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ X (Twitter): @ArmchairIllini Instagram: @ArmchairIllini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini/ Sponsor Links: Hamilton Walker’s: Website | Facebook | Instagram

Illinois keeps on rolling! After a massive win at Purdue last week, the 9th-ranked Illini headed into Pinnacle Bank Arena and handed #5 Nebraska just their second loss of the season with a gritty 78-69 victory. In this episode of the Armchair Illini podcast, Alex and Robby break down: Keaton Wagler’s Masterclass: How he took over the second half to finish with 28 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. The "Next Man Up" Mentality: Winning another huge road game without senior leader Kylan Boswell, thanks to big performances from Jake Davis and Zvonimir Ivisic. Second Half Adjustments: How Illinois flipped a 6-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Huskers 45-30 in the final 20 minutes. Fred Hoiberg’s Post-Game Comments: We react to Coach Hoiberg’s thoughts on the game's physicality and the officiating. National Contenders? Is this Illinois team officially a Final Four favorite? Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more Illinois Basketball coverage! 🔶🟦 Official Website: ArmchairIllini.com Podcast: Armchair Illini on YouTube Merch Store: Official Illini NIL Store at Campus Inc. PROMO CODE: Use ARMCHAIRILLINI in all caps for 15% off your order!

Illinois heads to Lincoln for a massive Top 10 showdown! 🔶🟦 In this episode of the Armchair Illini podcast, Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini break down the upcoming rematch between Illinois and Nebraska at Pinnacle Bank Arena. After a heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss in December, the Illini are on a 10-game hot streak and looking for revenge. We recap the recent win over Washington, discuss Keaton Wagler’s incredible form, and analyze how the Illini defense has evolved since their last meeting with the Huskers. Plus, we dive into the "identity check" that sparked this mid-season turnaround. In this video: Recap: Illinois vs. Washington win & environment The growth of the Wagler & Mirkovic freshman duo Scouting Nebraska: Fred Hoiberg’s defense and close loss to Michigan Key Matchups: Andrej Stojakovic and the hunt for matchups Big Ten Title Race implications Interview with Tyler Underwood for more offensive insights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCdUGiSw5vM Find us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nN8aPUlu9LIYy0WcIhQWh Find us on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/armchair-illini-podcast/id1832847045 Twitter: https://x.com/ArmchairIllini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini Check out our sponsor: Shout out to Hamilton Walker’s for the best dining in Champaign-Urbana! Watch our socials for $50 gift card giveaways at every home game. Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off your order from the official NIL Store: nil.store/armchairillini #Illini #IllinoisBasketball #BigTen #CollegeBasketball #NebraskaBasketball #ArmchairIllini #KeatonWagler #BradUnderwood

In this episode of the Armchair Illini podcast, host Austin Burklund is joined by Matt McCumber, who previously appeared on the Jeremy Werner show and has 11 years of college basketball coaching experience. They break down a "magical" win at Purdue and look forward to the remaining Big Ten slate. The Keaton Wagler Scouting Report A Historic Performance: Wagler dropped 46 points in a win against Purdue. Unflappable Nature: McCumber noted that Wagler possesses a "calm and collected" pace that is rare for a freshman, especially in a hostile top-five venue. Target on His Back: As he rises to the top of scouting reports, teams are expected to use "Jordan Rules" tactics—increasing physicality and double-teaming his spins in the lane—to try to get him off his game. Filling the Void: Life Without Kylan Boswell Next Man Up: With Boswell out for a month, the team must rely on "plugging gaps" and their length to maintain a defense that currently ranks top-five in the country for not fouling. Mirkovic’s Fire: Freshman David Mirkovic has stepped into a leadership role as the team's "fire," showing an aggressive energy and confidence that McCumber compared to former Illini Lucas Johnson. Stojakovic’s Urgency: Following a 30-point game, Andrej Stojakovic needs to show more consistency and a "better sense of urgency" on the road to help the offense stay potent. In Sync: Both Zvonimir ("Big Z") and Tomislav Ivisic are finally playing well together. Complementary Styles: Tomislav provides reliable inside scoring, while Big Z operates more on the perimeter, hitting open threes and averaging nearly five blocks per game alongside his brother. Upcoming Matchups & Predictions Washington (The Trap Game): McCumber labels this a "maturity game" where Illinois must avoid a letdown after the emotional Purdue win. Michigan: The Illini match up well due to similar size. A key factor will be tempo; Michigan leads the Big Ten in possessions, while Illinois ranks 14th. Michigan State: Expected to be a "rock fight," McCumber believes this will be the team's toughest test of physicality. The Spoiler: Outside of the top four, McCumber identifies UCLA as a potential spoiler due to their "Mick Cronin toughness" and the "funky travel" involved in West Coast trips. Sponsors: Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off at the Illini NIL Store. Follow the show and Hamilton Walker’s on social media for a chance to win a weekly $50 gift card. Guest Info: Follow Matt McCumber on X at @ILL_Texan for sports takes and betting insights Follow Armchair Illini on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Visit Armchairillini.com for the latest written #illini content

Welcome back to another edition of the Armchair Illini podcast! Join Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini as they preview the upcoming matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats at the State Farm Center in Champaign. Fresh off a major victory against Nebraska and two consecutive wins over top-five opponents, Illinois is buzzing as they look to maintain their spot at the top of the Big Ten. In this episode, we break down the analytics, key players like Keaton Wagler, and what the Illini need to do to avoid a "trap game" against their local rivals. In this video, we discuss: Recent Momentum: Recapping the massive road win at Nebraska. The Matchup: Why Illinois has the analytical edge over Northwestern. Key Players: A look at Keaton Wagler's heavy minutes and high efficiency. Injury & Prep: The impact of Kylan Boswell’s potential absence and the importance of staying healthy. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more Illini pre-game previews and recaps! Stay Connected Official Website: ArmchairIllini.com Follow Armchair Illini on Social Media: Twitter: @ArmchairIllini Instagram: @ArmchairIllini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini/ Check out our Nebraska Recap here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E04oPeyVR5Y #Illini #EveryDayGuys #BigTen #IllinoisBasketball #Northwestern #ArmchairIllini #CollegeBasketball

Keaton Wagler just put the world on notice! 🦁 After dropping a legendary 46 points to lead Illinois to a massive road win at Mackey Arena, Wagler is officially skyrocketing up NBA Draft boards. In today’s episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Austin Burklund sits down with Kevin Sweeney (@BasketUnderReview) of Sports Illustrated to break down the tactical masterclass by Brad Underwood, how Illinois is winning without Kylan Boswell, and where Wagler ranks among the elite lottery prospects. We also dive into the NBA outlook for Andrej Stojakovic, the Ivisic brothers, and the updated Big Ten Power Rankings. Is Illinois a Tier 1 National Title contender? Let's get into it! 🍽️ SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Support the show and visit Hamilton Walkers—the best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Follow them on social media for a chance to win a $50 gift card every week! 👕 ILLINI MERCH: Check out the Official Illinois NIL Store for a massive drop tonight! Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off gear for your favorite stars like Kylan Boswell and Luke Altmyer. Follow Armchair Illini (@armchairillini ) on Instagram/Twitter/Facebook Visit Armchairillini.com Timestamps: 0:27 – Welcome to Armchair Illini: Austin Burklund Intro 1:21 – Breaking down the Purdue Win: What went right? 3:01 – The Strategy: How Illinois dominates the offensive glass 4:22 – Winning without Kylan Boswell & the "Ewing Theory" 6:22 – Keaton Wagler’s 46-Point Night & NBA Draft Stock 9:03 – The Ultimate NBA Comparison for Keaton Wagler 11:40 – What Wagler needs to improve for the Next Level 13:11 – Andrej Stojakovic’s consistency & NBA outlook 15:19 – Will the Ivisic Brothers return for 2026-27? 18:12 – Scouting Report: David Mirkovic’s NBA path 19:53 – Big Ten Power Rankings: Who are the Title Contenders? 21:18 – Big Ten Player & Freshman of the Year Predictions 23:05 – Is the Big Ten the best conference in College Basketball? 24:32 – The Red Flag: Why Illinois might struggle in March 26:41 – Where to find Kevin Sweeney & Closing Remarks Link to his breakdown: https://youtu.be/UNYN5OL1xB0?si=ti7baSOmvOWVTE6E Keywords: Illinois Basketball, Illini, Armchair Illini, Keaton Wagler, NBA Draft, Big Ten Basketball, Kylan Boswell, Purdue Basketball, Mackey Arena, College Basketball, Brad Underwood, Andre Stojakovic, Ivisic Brothers, NIL Store, Hamilton Walkers, Kevin Sweeney, Sports Illustrated, March Madness predictions

Coming off a legendary road win at Purdue, the Illinois Fighting Illini return home to the State Farm Center to take on the Washington Huskies. Is this the ultimate "trap game" before a massive road test at Nebraska? In this episode of the Armchair Illini Podcast, Alex and Robbie Nardini break down :Keaton Wagler's 46-Point Performance: How will the freshman handle the national spotlight and NBA scout attention? Key Matchup: David Mirkovic vs. Washington’s star freshman Hannes Steinbach 18$ PPG, 11.1 RPG). Style Clash: Why Illinois’ elite three-point shooting will face a Washington team that thrives in the paint and the midrange. Big Ten Standings: Where Illinois sits in the race for the conference title and what’s happening with Purdue and Wisconsin. Score Predictions: Will Illinois cover the 13-point spread? Support Our Sponsors: 🥩 Hamilton Walker’s: The best steak and seafood in downtown Champaign! Tune in to our social media for $50 gift card giveaways every home game. 👕 Campus Ink NIL Store: Get officially licensed gear for Keaton Wagler, Terrence Shannon Jr., and more! Use Code: ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off! Connect with Armchair Illini on Twitter instagram and Facebook

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini podcast! Today, Alex and Robby Nardini break down one of the most incredible wins in Illinois basketball history: the 88-82 victory over the #4 Purdue Boilermakers. We dive deep into Keaton Wagler’s legendary 46-point performance—a historic night where he shot 13-of-17 from the field and broke the school record with 9 three-pointers. From his clutch free throws to his takeover in one of the toughest environments in college basketball, we discuss if Wagler is officially the best freshman in the country. In this episode, we discuss: Keaton Wagler’s 46-Point Masterclass: Breaking down the freshman scoring record and his 9-of-11 night from deep. Winning Without Boswell: How the Illini adjusted and stayed "gelling" despite losing senior leader Kylan Boswell to a hand injury. Mirk the Icon: David Mirkovic’s 12 points, 8 rebounds, and his "unhinged" post-game press conference. Statement Win: Brad Underwood’s squad throwing punches and staying competitive in a hostile Mackey Arena. What's Next: Looking ahead to the matchup against Washington in Champaign. Connect With Armchair Illini 🌐 Official Website: https://armchairillini.com/ 🐦 Twitter (X): https://x.com/ArmchairIllini 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini/ 👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini/ 📩 Substack: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nN8aPUlu9LIYy0WcIhQWh Support the Show: 🛒 Shop Official NIL Gear: Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off at the NIL Store: https://nil.store/illinois #Illini #KeatonWagler #IllinoisBasketball #BigTenBasketball #Purdue #MackeyArena #CollegeBasketball #ArmchairIllini #EveryDayGuys

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini podcast! In today's episode, Alex and Robby Nardini break down the massive Top-15 showdown between the No. 11 Illinois Fighting Illini and the No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers. We dive deep into the "Illinois side of things," discussing the devastating news that senior guard Kylan Boswell will be out at least a month with a fractured shooting hand. Can Andrej Stojakovic and Keaton Wagler step up to fill the void? We also analyze how the Illini defense plans to contain Purdue’s star guard Braden Smith in the hostile environment of Mackey Arena. In this episode: Kylan Boswell's injury impact and recovery timeline. Key matchups: Who guards Braden Smith?. Analysis of Purdue's bounce-back history under Matt Painter. Predictions for Saturday’s 2 PM CT tip-off. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR. Check out Hamilton Walker’s Seafood & Spirits for the best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana! Visit them: https://www.hamiltonwalkers.com/ JOIN OUR GIVEAWAY We are giving away $50 every home game! To enter: Subscribe to this YouTube channel. Share our social media posts. FOLLOW ARMCHAIR ILLINI Website: https://armchairillini.com/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ArmchairIllini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairillini/ Shop Official NIL Gear: Use code ARMCHAIRILLINI for 15% off at the NIL Store: https://nil.store/illinois #Illini #Purdue #BigTenBasketball #CollegeBasketball #ArmchairIllini #FightingIllini #EverythingIllini #KylanBoswell #BradenSmith

Big Ten basketball is heating up! We are joined by former Purdue star and current BTN analyst Rapheal Davis to preview the massive Top-15 showdown between No. 11 Illinois and No. 4 Purdue at Mackey Arena. In this episode, we dive deep into: Life without Kylan Boswell: How the Illini will adjust their defense and ball-handling after Boswell’s injury. The Mackey Arena Factor: Rapheal shares his insight on what it’s like playing in one of the toughest environments in college basketball. Key Matchups: Can Fletcher Loyer bounce back? How will Purdue’s defense handle Andrej Stojakovic Big Ten Title Implications: What this game means for the conference standings and March Madness seeding. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more Illini gameday previews and expert analysis! Stojakovic vs. Braden Smith: Why this size mismatch is the key to the game. Life Without Kylan Boswell: How the Illini offense adjusts without their "tone setter" Mackey Arena Factor: Why Illinois must move the ball and cut to neutralize one of college basketball’s loudest crowds. Follow Armchair Illini: Website: armchairillini.com Twitter/X: @ArmchairIllini Instagram: @armchairillinois YouTube: @armchairillini Follow Rapheal Davis: Twitter/X: @RaphealDavis3 Instagram: @raphealdavis Website: raphealdavisbasketball.com #Illini #Purdue #BigTen #CollegeBasketball #IllinoisBasketball #BoilerBall #RaphealDavis #ArmchairIllini #MackeyArena #ncaabasketball

Kylan Boswell is OUT. In this emergency mini-episode of the Armchair Illini podcast, we react to the devastating news that senior guard Kylan Boswell will miss at least a month with a fractured right shooting hand. Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini discuss how this injury happened during practice, the potential timeline for his return in mid-February, and which players like Andrej Stojakovic and Brandon Lee must step up to keep Illinois atop the Big Ten. We also preview the upcoming matchups against Maryland and Purdue and what this means for the Illini's NCAA Tournament seeding. In this video: Injury details and recovery timeline. Impact on team chemistry and defensive identity. Analysis of the rotation: Stojakovic, Lee, and Petrovic. Looking ahead at the Big Ten schedule 🔗 Stay Connected with Armchair Illini Official Website: Armchairillini.com Latest News & Articles Follow Us on Social Media: YouTube: Subscribe to Armchair Illini (We just hit 600 subs!) Twitter/X: Follow us @ArmchairIllini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairIllini/ Instagram: instagram.com/armchairillini Support Our Sponsors: Hamilton Walkers: Check out our $50 gift card giveaway for the Maryland game! #IllinoisBasketball #KylanBoswell #BigTen #Illini #EverydayGuys #CollegeBasketball

Welcome back to the Armchair Illini Podcast! In today’s episode, Alex Kyi and Robby Nardini break down the Fighting Illini’s recent 77-67 home victory over the Minnesota Gophers before turning their attention to a massive Big Ten clash at the State Farm Center. Illinois prepares to host the Maryland Terrapins this Wednesday. We discuss how the team can carry their second-half momentum forward and what they need to do to secure another crucial home win before facing the "big boys" of the Big Ten schedule. While Maryland has historically had Brad Underwood's number—winning 12 of the last 15 matchups—this year’s Terps team is struggling at 8-10. We discuss key matchups, the impact of Zvonimir Ivisic’s recent breakout performance, and what Illinois needs to show before their top-five showdown at Purdue Hamilton Walker's: https://www.hamiltonwalkers.com/ — The best dining experience in Champaign-Urbana. Be on the lookout for our $50 gift card giveaway on social media! The NIL Store (Campus Ink): https://nil.store/illinois — Get officially licensed merch for your favorite athletes. Use code "ARMCHAIRILLINI" for 15% off your order. Armchair Illini Socials & Website: Substack Newsletter: https://armchairillini.substack.com/ Twitter (X): @ArmchairIllini Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armchairillini Instagram: @armchairillini YouTube: Armchair Illini YouTube Channel Official Website: https://armchairillini.com/

Welcome back to another edition of the Armchair Illini podcast! In today's episode, Alex Kyi and Robbie Nardini recap the Illini's impressive 79-68 road victory over the Northwestern Wildcats and preview the upcoming matchup against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. We dive into Keaton Wagler’s explosive 22-point performance, Tomislav Ivisic's huge game, and what Illinois needs to do to stay on top of the Big Ten standings Minnesota Preview: A deep dive into the upcoming home game against the Golden Gophers. Can Illinois handle Nico Medved’s well-coached squad and star player Cade Tyson?. Big Ten Standings: Illinois is now 14-3 (5-1 B1G). We discuss the importance of veteran leadership and maintaining momentum as the schedule intensifies. Support Our Sponsors: Hamilton Walker's: Check out our weekly home game giveaways! Check out Stan's Secret Stash! Official Website: stanssecretstash.com The Products (The Stash): stanssecretstash.com/stash Instagram: @stanssecretstash Facebook: Stan's Secret Stash Illinois basketball, Fighting Illini, Big Ten Basketball, Armchair Illini, Illinois vs Minnesota preview, Illinois vs Northwestern recap, Keaton Wagler, Thomas Lavavisage, Brad Underwood, NCAA Basketball, Illini podcast, College Basketball analysis, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Northwestern Wildcats basketball.