The 200 Level with Mike Carpenter: A Fighting Illini Fan Podcast

The Great Retention (04/19/26)

Illinois basketball capitalizes on a Final Four appearance by retaining their core. David Mirkovic, Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic, Andrej Stojakovic, and Jake Davis announced their return during the weekend, setting up Brad Underwood's 2026-27 team with high aspirations.

Closing Time (04/07/26)

Illinois basketball's postseason run comes to an end at the hands of UConn. Mike Carpenter discusses Saturday's game, the trip to the Final Four, and what this success in March means for the fanbase and the program itself going forward.

Fanboy Carp Eats a Hat (04/01/26)

Illinois basketball is back in the Final Four, and it's hat eatin' time for Mike Carpenter. Ahead of Saturday's matchup against UConn, he reflects on the 2025-26 season, the many highlights, the February dip, and the dominant tourney run.

Final Four! (03/29/26)

For the first time in 21 years, Illinois basketball is heading to the Final Four! Brad Underwood's Illini punched their ticket with a 71-59 win over Iowa, spurred on by a stellar defensive effort and dominance on the boards. Keaton Wagler scored a game-high 25 points, outdueling the Hawkeyes' Bennett Stirtz. Andrej Stojakovic continued his red-hot tourney with 17, while Tomislav Ivisic added 13. Next up: FINAL FOUR IN INDY!

Houston, We Are a Problem (03/27/26)

Illinois advances to the Elite Eight for the second time in three seasons, bullying the hometown Houston Cougars in a 65-55 win. David Mirkovic and Keaton Wagler each nabbed double-doubles, while every player had their moments in a total team effort. Most importantly, Brad Underwood's team not only matched, but surpassed the toughness of Kelvin Sampson's Cougars. Next up: Iowa (yes, IOWA!) for a trip to the Final Four in Indy.

Sweet Carolina (03/22/26)

Illinois advances to the Sweet Sixteen with a dominant 76-55 win over VCU. Andrej Stojakovic led the way with 21 points off the bench, while Tomislav Ivisic and Keaton Wagler added 14 apiece. Brad Underwood's team played stifling defense, limiting the Rams to 35% from the field and outrebounding them 45-29. Next up: Houston in Houston on Thursday night.

Mirk Nowitzki (03/20/26)

#3 Illinois gets right with a dominant 105-70 win over #14 Penn in the first round at Greenville, SC. Mike Carpenter reacts to the record-setting performance by David Mirkovic, setting the Illini freshman record for points (29) and overall record for rebounds (17) in a tournament game. Keaton Wagler looked himself again, while Kylan Boswell stifled TJ Power. Up next: #11 VCU on Saturday night.

Sweet 16 or Bust (03/16/26)

The Selection Committee places Illinois as the #3 seed in the South Region, kicking things off Thursday against #14 seed Penn in Greenville, SC. Mike Carpenter discusses the opening weekend draw, one that includes a Caleb Wilson-less #6 UNC and a pesky #11 VCU. Tip-off against Fran McCaffery's Penn Quakers is Thursday, 8:25pm CT.