Underwood's Talent Pile: Clones or Gambles?

Opinion: Coach Brad Underwood is stockpiling talent, but as the 2026-27 season approaches, the real question is whether his new freshmen are true successors to former stars or simply high-ceiling gambles, as Sports Illustrated first reported.

According to Sports Illustrated, the roster already features established contributors like Andrej Stojakovic, Tomislav Ivisic, Zvonimir Ivisic, David Mirkovic, and Jake Davis, along with Providence transfer Stefan Vaaks. The incoming freshmen, however, are still unknowns.

Some comparisons suggest a high floor. Sports Illustrated notes that Lincoln Williams possesses explosiveness and leaping ability that may surpass former player Tre White, while 5-star recruit Quentin Coleman shares the poise, deep range, and processing ability of Keaton Wagler, though Coleman is described as the more athletic finisher.

Other fits are more speculative. Landon Davis is viewed as having the length and athleticism to potentially exceed Ben Humrichous in rebounding and defense, though he lacks Humrichous's movement shooting. Meanwhile, Ethan Brown is compared to Kasparas Jakucionis in terms of pick-and-roll and positional fluidity, though Sports Illustrated reports Brown is not as advanced as Jakucionis was during his freshman year.

While the raw tools are there, the risk is whether these players can translate their potential into immediate impact or if they will simply clog a rotation already filled with known commodities.