Illinois Forward Toni Bilic Enters Transfer Portal: What It Means for the Illini

The Illini lost their second player to the portal on Saturday, with Bilic set to depart from Champaign.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric basketball court scene, representing the roster changes and new opportunities facing the Illinois basketball program.The departure of Illinois forward Toni Bilic opens up new roster possibilities for the Illini as they look to build on their recent Final Four run.Indianapolis Today

Illinois basketball has now seen another offseason domino fall. After Mihailo Petrovic entered the transfer portal early Saturday, Toni Bilic is now out the door as well, per ESPN's Jeff Borzello. Bilic never had the chance to carve out a real on-court role in Champaign, so this is not a move that changes Illinois' projected starting lineup overnight. But it still matters as he was one of those intriguing long-term pieces Illinois has come to value more in recent years: skilled, versatile, and full of developmental upside.

Why it matters

For a program that has leaned heavily into finding unique, high-upside pieces, losing Bilic is a reminder that not every long-term plan gets to the finish line. However, Bilic's departure creates another open scholarship, and roster flexibility is gold this time of year as Illinois looks to reload quickly after a Final Four appearance.

The details

Illinois is already dealing with significant roster turnover, with Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous out of eligibility and Keaton Wagler widely expected to head to the NBA Draft. Now head coach Brad Underwood has another spot to address, with the portal window remaining open until April 21. Bilic was not brought in to be an instant star, but more of a future piece who could spend time adjusting, getting stronger and eventually growing into a real role. When a player like that leaves before ever becoming part of the rotation, it stings because the investment disappears before the return ever arrives.

  • Toni Bilic entered the transfer portal on April 11, 2026.
  • The transfer portal window remains open until April 21, 2026.

The players

Toni Bilic

An Illinois forward who entered the transfer portal after never carving out a real on-court role in Champaign. Bilic was seen as an intriguing long-term piece for the Illini, with skills, versatility, and developmental upside.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois basketball team, who now has another roster spot to address with Bilic's departure and significant turnover on the team.

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What they’re saying

“Illinois forward Toni Bilic has entered the transfer portal, per source. Joined the Illini midseason but didn't play in any games. Played three seasons of pro ball in Croatia before coming to the United States.”

— Jeff Borzello, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

Illinois will look to fill the open scholarship created by Bilic's departure before the transfer portal window closes on April 21, 2026. The Illini are coming off a Final Four appearance and have had success adding impact players through the portal in recent years, so they will be active in trying to find another high-upside piece to join the roster.

The takeaway

Bilic's departure is a reminder that not every long-term development plan works out as hoped for Illinois, but it also creates an opportunity for the Illini to potentially add another impact player through the transfer portal as they look to reload their roster after significant offseason turnover.