The general consensus heading into the 2026 offseason: Illinois needed a Keaton Wagler replacement. Of course, there isn’t a single player who can replicate what Wagler did last season, but adding someone with a dynamic combination of scoring and playmaking – ideally in ball-screen action – was a must for the Illini to build another Final Four contender. Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks , who the Illini officially signed on Friday, is capable of filling that role, but he appears to be more of a secondary playmaker in the halfcourt rather than a legitimate workhorse. Perhaps pairing Vaaks with another combo guard, or a bona fide lead guard, would fill the bill. And with the Illini reportedly chasing Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell early in the portal season, that appeared to be the route coach Brad Underwood was planning on going. Then wing Andrej Stojakovic announced his return ( although that’s not entirely cemented anymore ).…