Illinois transfer Stefan Vaaks criticizes Providence coach after portal move
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 6:19 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
Former Providence basketball player Stefan Vaaks publically disputed remarks made by Providence coach Bryan Hodgson regarding his recent transfer to Illinois. Vaaks stated he holds no regret regarding his decision to leave the program despite warnings from his former coach. This exchange surfaced on social media as the Illinois program prepares for the upcoming season following a 2026 NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance. Illinois enters the new campaign after losing roster talent to the transfer portal and the professional level, with Vaaks expected to help stabilize the team. The Fighting Illini are scheduled to begin their season on November 2 with a home game against FDU.
- •Stefan Vaaks transferred to Illinois after playing for Providence.
- •Providence coach Bryan Hodgson previously warned Vaaks about potential regret over leaving.
- •Illinois reached the Final Four in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
- •The Illinois season opens at home against FDU on November 2.
- 6:19 PMYahoo Sports — Illinois basketball news: Star Providence transfer goes viral for roasting old school
"The Illinois basketball program is just a couple of months away from kicking off its 2026 season. The Fighting Illini are coming off an impressive NCAA Tournament run that culminated in a trip to the Final Four, where they lost to the UConn Huskies in tough fashion. While Illinois lost some talent this offseason to both the transfer portal and the […] The post Illinois basketball news: Star Providence transfer goes viral for roasting old school appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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