Navigated to BREAKING: Illinois Lands Croatian Forward Tony Bilić | Illini Legend Mike White Passes Away

BREAKING: Illinois Lands Croatian Forward Tony Bilić | Illini Legend Mike White Passes Away

December 16
26 mins

Episode Description

Illinois basketball quietly added another international piece to the roster, and while Tony Bilić isn’t a headline-grabbing transfer, his arrival says a lot about where the program is headed. In today’s episode, Sunny breaks down who Bilić is, his background in Croatian professional basketball, and why Illinois targeted him at this specific point in his development. We dive into the growing relationship with super-agent Miško Ražnatović, how this move strengthens Illinois’ Balkan pipeline, and why this addition is more about infrastructure than immediate minutes. Sunny also explains Bilić’s likely role this season, the areas he’ll need to improve to survive Big Ten physicality, and why this is a low-risk, long-term upside move. Plus, we reflect on the passing of Mike White and why his legacy permanently reshaped Illinois football and Big Ten offense forever


---------------------------------- 

Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! 

Email us at: talkillini@gmail.com 

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564192637267 

TALK ILLINI DISCORD: https://discord.gg/aQrbc8dT 

Follow Sunny's personal account: @theSunnyV 

Follow us on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/lockedonillini.bsky.social 

Article Referenced: 

For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. 

Everydayer Club 

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonillini.supercast.com/ 
 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Wayfair
Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less.
Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Wayfair. Every style. Every home.

Rocket Money
Take control of your finances and cancel your unwanted subscriptions with Rocket Money.
Go to https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONtoday.
 

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

See all episodes

Never lose your place, on any device

Create a free account to sync, back up, and get personal recommendations.