Published 11 days ago • loading... • Updated 10 days ago

Reports: Breakout Providence Frosh Stefan Vaaks Headed to Illinois

On Sunday, Providence guard Stefan Vaaks committed to Illinois, his agents at Excel Sports Management confirmed. The 6-foot-7 freshman ranks among the top-10 transfers in the portal.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood targeted backcourt depth after losing All-American Keaton Wagler to the NBA draft and Kylan Boswell to exhausted eligibility. The departures left a clear void in perimeter production.
Vaaks averaged 15.8 points and shot 35% from 3-point range during his lone season with Providence. The Estonian earned All-Freshman Team honors, demonstrating the playmaking versatility that made him a top-portal prospect.
Despite adding Vaaks, Illinois remains actively engaged in recruiting Wisconsin guard John Blackwell, who averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds last season. The Illini continue seeking complementary backcourt talent.
Under Underwood, Illinois has built a global recruitment hub anchored by international contributors like David Mirkovic and Zvonimir Ivisic. This strategy positions the program to sustain competitiveness through the 2026-27 season.

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Sports Illustrated

Lean Left

What Stefan Vaaks’ Commitment Means for Illinois’ Pursuit of John Blackwell

Will the Illini still be involved in John Blackwell's recruitment after landing Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks?

10 days ago·New York, United States

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Newsweek

Center

Illinois’ Brad Underwood stays global, adds Big East star Stefan Vaaks

Illinois builds on its Final Four run as Brad Underwood taps the international pipeline again, landing Big East star Stefan Vaaks.

10 days ago·United States

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Chicago Tribune

Center

College basketball roster tracker: Providence guard Stefan Vaaks commits to Illinois

Stefan Vaaks, a 6-foot-7 freshman from Estonia, joins an Illinois team in need of a boost at guard.

10 days ago·Chicago, United States

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Eesti Rahvusringhääling

Center

Vaaks Continues His Career at the University that Reached the Semi-Finals of March Madness

Estonian Stefan Vaaks, who made his debut in the US college league (NCAA) last season, will play for the University of Illinois next season.

10 days ago·Estonia

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ESPN

Lean Left

Transfer guard Vaaks chooses Illinois, agents say

Transfer guard Stefan Vaaks, one of the surprise freshmen in college basketball this season who starred at Providence, has committed to Illinois, his agents at Excel Sports Management told ESPN on Sunday afternoon.

10 days ago·United States

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NBC Chicago

Center

Illinois basketball lands transfer guard Stefan Vaaks, reports say

Illinois is coming off its first Final Four appearance in 21 years, and they’re reloading for another run next season. According to multiple reports, including from ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, the Illini have landed Providence guard Stefan Vaaks in the transfer portal. The Estonia-native averaged 15.8 points and 3.2 assists per game last season, had had several huge games in the Big East tournament, scoring 28 in a win against Butler and 23 in a loss …

11 days ago·Chicago, United States

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