Illinois Basketball Dealing with Injuries, Illness Ahead of Big Ten Tournament

Keaton Wagler, Andrej Stojakovic, and head coach Brad Underwood all battling minor health issues

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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As the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team prepares for the Big Ten Tournament, they are dealing with a few minor health concerns. Freshman guard Keaton Wagler is managing back spasms, wing Andrej Stojakovic is recovering from the flu, and even head coach Brad Underwood is fighting off a bout of the flu himself. However, the team is optimistic that with some rest and recovery, they will be close to full strength heading into the postseason.

Why it matters

Staying healthy is crucial for any team making a deep postseason run, and Illinois is hoping these minor issues don't linger or become bigger problems as they look to make a strong push in the Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament.

The details

Wagler, who was recently honored with several Big Ten postseason awards, has been dealing with occasional back spasms that the team is managing through massage and therapy. Stojakovic had been battling the flu, including throwing up after a recent game, but is now feeling better thanks to the team's strength and conditioning staff. Underwood himself is also recovering from the flu, saying he's "a little bit better" but still dealing with lingering head congestion.

  • On Sunday, Illinois survived a scare against Maryland.
  • The Illini are off until Friday as they await their Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal opponent.
  • The Big Ten Tournament title game is scheduled for Sunday.

The players

Keaton Wagler

Illinois freshman guard who recently won several Big Ten postseason awards.

Andrej Stojakovic

Illinois wing player who has been battling the flu.

Brad Underwood

Head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm a little bit better. I'm still fighting the head stuff that I get. I guess it comes with my age.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach (si.com)

“Andrej was feeling better. He did throw up after the game. And I think that has stopped. But [strength and conditioning coach Adam Fletcher] has done a really good job of controlling his weight and his hydration.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach (si.com)

“And then Keaton's back has been fine. It's just an occasional spasm that he gets. And it's massage and some of that [therapy that] has helped him. A couple days off has been really good for him.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

If the Illini make it to the Big Ten Tournament title game on Sunday, they will get at least three full days of rest before their first NCAA Tournament game.

The takeaway

While Illinois is dealing with a few minor health issues, the team is optimistic that with some rest and recovery time, they will be close to full strength heading into the high-stakes postseason play. Staying healthy will be crucial for the Illini as they look to make a deep run in the Big Ten and NCAA Tournaments.