The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to break down Andrej Stojakovic's return and what to expect from Illinois' incoming freshman class. The guys also have some fun with Evan “Stone Cold's” WrestleMania predictions, plus another edition of Around the Bases. And as always, they wrap things up with Friday Toasts. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Big news for Illinois basketball as Andrej Stojakovic is officially back with the Illini, giving the roster a major boost heading into next season. Brad Sturdy joins the show to break down what Stojakovic's return means, along with insight on newcomer Zavier Zens and how he fits into the program. Plus, more reaction and analysis on what this all means for Illinois moving forward.

Tristan Thomas joined the show to break down the returning Illini players and the impact they'll have heading into next season. He also reflected on Ty Rodgers' legacy, emphasizing his role as a true “culture guy” during his time at Illinois, while touching on Illini spring football storylines. The hour rounded out with NFL Draft discussion, what is the best fit for Luke Altmyer in the NFL, and the latest “Etched in Stone” bets.

Big news for Illinois as the Ivisic twins and Jake Davis are officially returning, giving Brad Underwood a strong core heading into next season. The announcement came last night at Underwood's “Kickin' Cancer” event. The trio join a returning David Mirkovic, but what will Andrej Stojakovic do? How could John Blackwell fit into the equation?  Meanwhile, Ty Rodgers has entered the transfer portal, adding an interesting wrinkle to the Illini's offseason outlook. We break it all down this hour. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Carson Gourdie joined the show to preview Brad Underwood's “Coaches vs. Cancer” event, highlighting its importance to the community and the continued support from the Illinois basketball program. Gourdie also shared the latest football recruiting nuggets, offering insight into prospects and the direction of the Illini's future roster. The hour also features additional discussion on David Mirkovic's return to Illinois and how his presence strengthens the team heading into the 2026 season.

llinois basketball got a major boost as David Mirkovic announced his return to Champaign, adding experience and stability to the Illini frontcourt for the 2026 season. Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports joined the show to discuss the impact of the news and how it strengthens Illinois' outlook in the Big Ten. The hour also featured Bill Koch of The Providence Journal, who broke down transfer Stefan Vaaks and what his skill set and Big East experience will bring to the Illini. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Evan and Kyle discuss a wide variety of topics including trending sports headlines, Illini spring football, the college basketball transfer portal and much more.

Illini Inquirer's Kyle Tausk is in studio filling in for Kurtis to discuss Illini basketball's offseason and retention & transfer portal efforts. Later, Illinois women's basketball head coach Shauna Green joins the show to talk about her team's offseason.

Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports joins the show to break down the latest movement in the Big Ten Transfer Portal and what it means for teams across the conference. Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini also stops by to discuss Stefan Vaaks' transfer to Illinois, along with insights on John Blackwell and Quinten Coleman. The conversation wraps up with expectations and outlook for Illinois basketball heading into the 2026 season. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

WCIA Sports Director Glenn Kinley joins the show to break down the latest developments in the Transfer Portal, including what it could mean for Illinois basketball. He also shares insight on the potential impact of John Blackwell, Keaton Wagler's future, and more. The conversation shifts to Illinois football, highlighting key storylines to watch this offseason. The hour wraps up with our Friday Toasts! Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

New Illinois basketball commit Quentin Coleman joins the show to discuss his decision to become an Illini and what he brings to the program. The hour also features the latest Illini headlines, keeping fans up to date on all the news surrounding the university. In addition, the show debuts a brand-new segment, “Around the Bases,” highlighting key storylines from the world of baseball. It's a packed opening hour filled with insight, news, and exciting new content for listeners.

WCIA 3 Sports' Tristan Thomas breaks down the latest developments in the college basketball transfer portal. He discussed key Illini-related storylines, including the potential impact and future of Keaton Wagler, as well as the buzz surrounding John Blackwell. The hour wrapped up with the results of The Masters Draft. Kurtis needed A LOT of help from the text line, but was it enough to beat Evan and Coop?  Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Principia high school head coach Jay Blossom is a multi-time state champion and has sent several players to the NCAA. He joined the show to discuss Illini recruit Quentin Coleman, calling him “the best player he's ever coached” and highlighting what makes Coleman such a special talent. The conversation then shifted to the gridiron, as Carson Gourdie provided updates and insights on both Illinois and Eastern Illinois spring football. Carson covers key storylines, player development, and what fans should watch as the spring progresses. Dr. Daniel Thompson shared his perspective on 5-star transfer Divine Bourrage and the impact the highly touted addition could have on the Illinois women's basketball program.  Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down the latest on Keaton Wagler's future and what lies ahead for Illinois in the Transfer Portal. The conversation dives into potential roster movement and how the Illini could reshape the team this offseason. Tausk provides insight into key targets and overall expectations for the program moving forward. Later, the guys switch gears for their Tuesday Draft, selecting golfers competing in The Masters. Kurtis has no idea who to draft. Will the text line come through to save him? Or is this a two man race between Evan and Cooper? Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood joins the show to reflect on the Illini's Final Four run, discuss plans for the Transfer Portal, and promote the upcoming Coaches vs. Cancer event. The conversation highlights both the success of the season and the challenges of maintaining momentum heading into the offseason. Brad Sturdy also joins to provide insight and analysis on the current state of the program. The guys dive into roster questions, including whether Keaton Wagler could return. It's a packed hour focused on the future of Illinois basketball. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.      

The Transfer Portal officially opens tonight at Midnight. How will Illinois and Brad Underwood approach the portal and what areas the Illini need to address most? Will the Ivisic Twis, David Mirkovic, and Andrej Stojakovic be on the roster next year? We also explore the possibility of Wisconsin's John Blackwell making his way to Champaign and how he could fit into the roster. Plus, we react to a heated debate between Jay Bilas and John Calipari over the NCAA and the impact of NIL money. It's a forward-looking hour packed with roster speculation and big-picture conversation around the future of college athletics. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.    

We react to Illinois' tough loss to the Conn Huskies in the Final Four, ending a memorable run for the Illini. Brian Teague joins the show to break down what went wrong and where the game slipped away. Where do the Illini go from here and how does new commit Quentin Coleman fit into the equation. The conversation also shifts to the news of Angel Reese being traded and what it means for her future. Plus, a look ahead at Gabe Jacas and his outlook in the upcoming NFL Draft. It's a packed hour covering the Illini, pro basketball headlines, and football storylines.

Hour 2 continues the Final Four preview of Illinois vs. UConn, diving deeper into matchups and keys to the game. The show also highlights the ongoing back-and-forth between Dan Dakich and Illini fans, adding some heat to the conversation. The guys give their score predictions and expectations for how the game will play out. Plus, the hour wraps up with the always-entertaining Friday Toasts. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.      

Part 1 of our Illinois vs. UConn Final Four preview, breaking down the key storylines heading into the matchup. The show features live updates straight from Lucas Oil Stadium, capturing the atmosphere and latest developments. Cooper O'Kelly checks in on-site with insights and observations from the scene. Chris Hightower also joins to add analysis, energy, and fan perspective ahead of the big game. Plus, Quentin Coleman committing to Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball is a HUGE pickup, as the four-star, top-35 guard brings scoring ability and perimeter shooting to the future backcourt. At 6'4” with a smooth offensive game, Coleman can stretch the floor and develop into a key playmaker, helping Illinois reload and stay competitive in the Big Ten. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

A familiar voice to listeners is back in-studio to talk all things Illinois and their Final Four run - Lon Tay! "Uncle" Lon gives us his insight and perspective on the program's biggest moment. The text line lights up with questions, we find out what Lon REALLY thinks of the show, and Kurtis debuts a new song in Lon's honor. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports joins the show to break down Illinois' Final Four run and what's made this team so dangerous. He shares insight on the matchup ahead and how the Illini stack up against the nation's best. Brian Teague of Chicago State of Mind Sports also weighs in, live from Indianapolis, with his perspective on Illinois' path and key players. Both guests highlight the excitement surrounding the program as it competes on college basketball's biggest stage. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down Illinois vs. UConn in the Final Four, diving into key matchups and what the Illini need to do to advance. He shares insight on tempo, defensive challenges, and where Illinois may have an edge. The conversation also highlights standout players and the pressure of the moment on both sides. Plus, we announce an Illinois autographed jersey giveaway with details on how listeners can win. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

It's an Illini ‘05 reunion as Roger Powell Jr. and Dee Brown join us for a full hour to relive their unforgettable run to the national title game. They reflect on their playing days in Champaign, the chemistry and toughness that defined that team, and what made that group so special. Both also dive into their coaching careers and how their experiences at Illinois continue to shape their approach to the game today. Plus, they compare that 2005 squad to this year's Illini team and discuss whether this group has what it takes to make a similar championship run. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Steve Greenberg from the Chicago Sun-Times joins the show to discuss Brad Underwood's continued success at Illinois. He breaks down the Illini's impressive wins over Houston & Iowa and what stood out most. Greenberg also shares insight into how far the program has come under Underwood's leadership. Plus, a look ahead at just how tough a matchup UConn will be for Illinois in the Final Four. Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Fighting Illini are headed to the Final Four after a huge win over Iowa. Dave Wischnowsky joins the show to break down how Illinois got it done. He highlights the key moments and standout performances that fueled the victory. Plus, a preview of the Illini's upcoming matchup against UConn as they chase a national title. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Isaac Trotter of 247Sports and CBS Sports joins the show to break down Illinois' impressive win over Houston Cougars. He also previews the Illini's upcoming matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes and what to watch for. A must-listen conversation with one of the best college basketball minds! Plus the text line lights up with questions at 217-359-2255 and the guys give their Friday Toasts! Follow The Drive on X, Instagram, and Facebook.        

Illinois dominated Houston Cougars with a smothering defensive performance, punching their ticket to the Elite 8. Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joined the show to break down the key moments from the win and look ahead to the Illini's matchup with the Iowa Hawkeyes. He highlighted what Illinois needs to carry over to keep the run going. Later, Jackson Roberts of Sports Illustrated & Baseball Now joined the show to talk baseball and recap the St. Louis Cardinals Opening Day victory. The hour covered a big night for both Illinois basketball and Cardinals baseball. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Comedy star and Illini super fan Christopher Hightower joins the show to bring energy and insight ahead of Illinois vs. Houston. He shares his thoughts on the matchup and why he likes the Illini's chances, sparking plenty of reaction from listeners. The text line lights up in agreement with Chris' takes, adding to the excitement around the Sweet Sixteen showdown. The conversation also shifts to Illinois football and what's ahead for the program. Plus we talk about his comedy heroes and the upcoming "Salute to Veterans" event at The City Center in Champaign. This is a MUST listen hour!      

It's Sweet Sixteen & Opening Day Eve! Jacob Myers of League Him joins the show to preview Illinois vs. Houston and break down the key matchups heading into the Sweet Sixteen. He shares insight on what the Illini must do to advance and how they stack up against the Cougars. Pat McAvoy of Baseball Now and Sports Illustrated stops by to preview the upcoming St. Louis Cardinals season, highlighting expectations and key storylines. Pat tells us why it's not doom & gloom for the Red Birds in 2026. Tristan Thomas adds more Illini coverage, discussing their tournament run and what's clicking at the right time. He also touches on the Parkland Cobras and their continued postseason success. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Sunny Verma from Locked on Illini and Orange & Blue News weighs in on whether Illinois are playing their best basketball at the perfect time. The discussion highlights a key KenPom stat that could give Illinois an edge over the Houston Cougars in the Sweet 16. The guys break down how that advantage might impact the matchup. Plus, the countdown is on for MLB Opening Day as excitement builds for the St. Louis Cardinals season.

WICS-TV & Fox Illinois' Carson Gourdie breaks down the Sweet 16 matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball and the Houston Cougars, diving into what to expect and how Brad Underwood may approach the game. He also shares insights on Illini spring football and what early storylines are emerging. Later, Dr. Daniel Thompson recaps the Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball. The conversation wraps with a look back at the women's season and what's next for the program. Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer and "The Legend" Dave Wischnowsky join the show to break down Illinois advancing to the Sweet 16. The guys discuss Andrej Stojakovic's performance against VCU and the re-emergence of Tomislav Ivisic in the tournament. Attention then turns to a high-stakes matchup against Houston. We preview the key factors, matchups, and what Illinois needs to do to keep their season alive. A must-listen hour!  Follow The Drive on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

The Illini men are headed to the Sweet 16 after an impressive victory over VCU. Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down what's clicking for Illinois and what lies ahead against #2 Houston. The focus then shifts to the Illini women as they prepare for their matchup against Vanderbilt in the 2nd round. We preview the key storylines, matchups, and what Illinois needs to do to advance.

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins us t0 break down Illinois' win over Penn and looking ahead to their matchup with VCU. He shares key insights on what carried the Illini in the opening round and what challenges await in the next game. The conversation also dives into expectations for Illinois moving forward in the tournament. Plus, we debate a fun hypothetical: would you rather the Illini win one national title and be mediocre for five years, or make the Elite Eight every season? Evan has your tourney bets with Etched in Stone and our Friday Toasts!

We opened Hour 1 by recapping Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball's dominant NCAA Tournament win over the Penn Quakers men's basketball. It was a historic night for David Mirkovic! The Illini controlled the game from start to finish, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower.  Then, Dr. Daniel Thompson joined the show to preview the upcoming matchup for Illinois Fighting Illini women's basketball. He broke down what to expect as they prepare to face the Colorado Buffaloes women's basketball.

Hour 2 continues the Illinois vs. Penn preview with great insight from WCIA3 Sports Director Glenn Kinley joining the show. The conversation dives deeper into matchups and what the Illini need to do to advance. The guys also give their final score predictions for the game. Plus, Evan introduces a very strange contest for listeners to win a brand new Illini crewneck sweatshirt.      

The NCAA Tournament is here! We preview Illinois vs. Penn in the NCAA Tournament with insight from Carson Gourdie of WICS-TV and Fox Illinois. Valerie Guevarra and Emilie Chi from The Daily Pennsylvanian join the show to provide the Penn perspective. The discussion breaks down key matchups, strengths, and potential X-factors on both sides. It's a well-rounded look at what to expect as the Illini and Quakers get set to clash.

Isaac Ambrose joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament bracket and assess the odds for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball. The conversation dives into key matchups, potential upset alerts, and how the Illini stack up against the field. The guys also reveal their Final Four picks and debate which teams have the best path to a title run. Plus, another edition of “Etched in Stone” locks in the day's best bets.

Tristan Thomas from WCIA3 Sports joins the show to break down what the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball must do to make a deep postseason run. He highlights the importance of consistency on both ends of the floor and improved shot selection in key moments. The conversation also touches on leadership and the need for veteran players to step up in high-pressure situations. Plus, Keaton Wagler earns recognition as a Consensus All-American, capping off an outstanding season.

"The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down Illinois basketball and their NCAA Tournament outlook. He shares insight on matchups, expectations, and what the Illini need to make a deep run. What will help or hinder the Illini? The conversation covers both strengths and potential concerns heading into March Madness. Plus, Evan Stone delivers his Five Tournament Guarantees with bold predictions for the bracket. We get an official report "From the Office of Evan Stone."

Rapheal Davis joins the show to break down the NCAA Tournament and evaluate how Big Ten teams stack up nationally. He offers insight into matchups, strengths, and potential pitfalls for the conference. Davis also gives praise to AP Second Team All-American Keaton Wagler and dives deep into Illinois, analyzing their postseason outlook. He doesn't hold back, delivering a strong and candid opinion on what the Illini are—and aren't—capable of in March. Who did Rapheal call "soft" and what will carry Illinois on a deep run?

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to talk all things Illini basketball as both teams prepare for the NCAA Tournament. We break down the outlook for the Illinois men and what they need to make a deep run. Will this team be carried more by its scoring ability or by its defense? Plus, we discuss the Illinois women entering the tournament as the youngest team in the field and what that could mean for their run. 

The brackets are set and the Illini are dancing. The Illinois men's team earns a 3-seed and will face Penn in the first round, while the Illinois women's team lands a 7-seed and takes on Colorado. We break down both matchups and what the paths could look like for each team in the tournament. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports also joins us to discuss the teams across the bracket that could be on upset alert.

Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 Sports joins us for live reactions after Illinois falls to Wisconsin 91–88 in the Big Ten Tournament. We break down the key moments that swung the game and what went wrong for the Illini down the stretch. Tristan shares his perspective from courtside and what the loss means heading into the NCAA Tournament. Plus, our biggest takeaways from a wild finish in Chicago.

We react live to Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and break down everything that happened on the court. From the biggest moments to the turning points that decided the game, we give our immediate takeaways. Plus, what the result means for Illinois moving forward in the postseason.

We preview Illinois vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament and what the Illini need to do to advance. The guys break down the key matchups, including how Illinois can attack Wisconsin's defense. Later, they dive into a Chicago Bears Mock Draft and discuss potential targets at DE & DT. The hour wraps up with another edition of Etched in Stone.

Our coverage from the Illini NFL Pro Day, highlighting which Illinois players impressed scouts ahead of the upcoming draft. The show broke down key performances and what they could mean for players hoping to boost their draft stock. Brad Sturdy from Illini Guys joined the us to talk about upsetting Brad Underwood and the current direction of Illinois basketball. The conversation also turned to the Illini's postseason outlook and what needs to happen for the team to make a deep run.

Alex Kyi from Armchair Illini joins the show to talk Illinois basketball and preview the Big Ten Tournament. He also shares his thoughts on Bret Bielema's updated coaching staff and what it could mean for Illini football. Later, the guys dive into another edition of Etched in Stone with Evan's bets for tonight. Plus they reveal the winner of the Tuesday Draft. And they wrap up by debating Bam Adebayo's 83-point performance versus Kobe Bryant's legendary 81-point game. Evan explains why Bam's game was NOT that impressive.

Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down Keaton Wagler's impressive season and his latest accolades as an All-American. We also discuss David Mirkovic's post game play and the team's mindset heading into the Big Ten Tournament. Later, the conversation shifts to the NFL and the latest rumors involving Maxx Crosby. They also talk about what the potential move could mean for the Chicago Bears.

The Great Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer is back with us! We talk about the end of the Illini regular season, preview the Big Ten Tournament, and even a little banter about Kyle's beloved Miami Dolphins. Plus, who is the one team he wouldn't want to run into in the tournament? It's Tuesday and it's Spring Time! So we're drafting our Best Gardens. What we're planting might surprise you. Vote for who wins on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

Keaton Wagler was named Freshman of the Year, highlighting a strong debut season. How good is his year compared to the last 5 FOTY winners?  Doug Bucshon of Orange & Blue News joined the show to break down the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball season and what to expect in the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. The conversation focused on how Illinois can position itself for a postseason run and the key factors that will determine success. The hour also featured the latest updates and major moves from around the NFL as teams continue making deals during NFL Free Agency.