07/16/26 Hour 1:Illinois Headlines Josh Whitman Extension, Kylan Boswell's NBA Summer League Breakout & David Mirkovic's Wooden Award Buzz With Cooper O'Kelly
About this episode
The episode discusses recent developments in Illinois Athletics, including Josh Whitman's contract extension, Kylan Boswell's performance in the NBA Summer League, and David Mirkovic's Wooden Award buzz.
Illinois Athletics continues to generate headlines as Athletic Director Josh Whitman is reportedly in line for another contract extension after helping elevate the Illini into one of the nation's premier athletic departments. The guys discuss what Whitman's leadership has meant for football, basketball, and the overall direction of Illinois athletics. The excitement surrounding Illinois basketball keeps growing after the release of the program's latest summer hype video, adding even more anticipation for what could be another special season in Champaign. Former Illini guard Kylan Boswell also continues to build momentum in NBA Summer League, delivering his best performance yet for the Charlotte Hornets with an efficient scoring night, strong rebounding, and another display of his all-around game. Later, Cooper O'Kelly joins the show to break down why transfer forward David Mirkovic is already receiving national attention as a preseason Wooden Award candidate, what makes his game unique, and why expectations continue to rise for Illinois heading into the 2026-27 season.
More episodes of The Drive on ESPN 93.5
- 07/20/26 Hour 2: Cardinals Trade Deadline Decisions, Angels Series Preview, Ryan Clark Out at ESPN
- 07/20/26 Hour 1: Illinois Football Schedule Breakdown, Spain Wins the World Cup, Cardinals Collapse vs. D-Backs
- 07/17/26 Hour 2: WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley Talks Josh Whitman's New Contract; Caleb Williams & NFL Players Demand Grass Fields; Friday Toasts
- 07/17/26 Hour 1: Tory Tekyl Is Illinois Football's New Executive Director; Adam Wainwright Defends Cardinals Fans Against Barstool Sports; Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks & Cubs vs. Twins Preview
- 07/16/26 Hour 1: Scott Spiezio Talks Cardinals, New Book & Documentary; Brian Teague Breaks Down Illini in NBA Summer League, Bulls, and Caitlin Clark vs WNBA Officiating
- 07/15/26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie Talks Illinois Basketball Expectations | Is Michigan Still the Biggest Big Ten Threat? | 2026 MLB All-Star Draft Results
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