Good Morning, Illini Nation: Rounding out the schedule

Aug. 13—It was a month ago this space was dedicated to the known, lower profile games on Illinois' nonconference schedule. A seven-game slate that is now complete, at least per Rocco Miller, who runs and contributes to Field of 68 and Basket Under Review. Illinois has yet to release its 2026-27 nonconference schedule. Might as well do it. There's no avoiding the fact there won't be a high-profile home game outside of Big Ten action. (More on that later ... I've got a few thoughts). For now, let's take a look at the two remaining teams that will make a trip to Champaign in the first two months of the season much like : Western Kentucky, Nov. 27 Teagan Moore's return to "The Hilltop" should give Western Kentucky one of the top mid-major guards in the country. The 6-foot-5 Moore earned All-Conference USA First Team honors last season in his return from hip surgery that cost him his sophomore year. Moore averaged 18.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and two assists last season and will need to do the same for the Hilltoppers this year as, far and away, the top guard among five returning from last season. It's a demonstrably small team. Seattle, Dec. 29 The Redhawks won 21 games last season, beating Stanford, Washington and Washington State. They nearly took down Gonzaga at the Kennel before falling in overtime. Seattle coach Chris Victor isn't starting from scratch in 2026-27, but he did lose five of his top eight scorers, including two of his top three. Junior forward Will Heimbrodt is back after averaging 12.3.points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists, but the Redhawks are going to need their newcomers to round out the lineup/rotation. Tomas Thrastarson (Washington State), Halvine Dzellat (Cincinnati), Tyler Boston (Holy Cross) and Kaden Hansen (D-II Saint Martin's) all arrived via the transfer portal.