Story byThe News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Good Morning, illini Nation: Stefan Vaaks repping Estonia

Scott Richey, The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.Tue, Jun 30, 2026·2 min read

Jun. 30—Stefan Vaaks was at least able to start summer workouts with his new Illinois teammates before returning to Estonia, and the 6-foot-7 guard will be back in Champaign in just more than a week. In the interim, however, Vaaks has some national team duties and could play a key role in Estonia's attempt to qualify for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

Vaaks is coming off a strong showing in a tune-up game against Latvia, with 23 points and four assists in an 88-78 victory on June 26 in Tallinn.

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Estonia will be back in action Friday against Slovenia on its home court and again July 6 against host Czechia in Brno. Estonia went 2-2 in its first round of qualifiers, splitting a pair of games against Sweden in March, while topping Slovenia on Nov. 28 and losing to Czechia on Dec. 1 without Vaaks who was playing for Providence.

Vaaks made his senior national team debut in early 2025 in a pair of EuroBasket qualifiers against North Macedonia and Lithuania. He played a limited role off the bench, averaging 4.5 points.

Vaaks' role in Champaign for the 2026-27 season could match what he's taken on for Estonia this month. The Providence transfer is a likely day one starter for the Illini and has already impressed in his still brief time with the program.

"He's got great, great size," Illinois coach Brad Underwood said on his Saturday Sports Talk appearance. "Great feel. Great IQ. He's got to learn our system. We're in a big install time right now. His shot making — his ability to shoot the basketball — is at a very high clip. His instincts and IQ are very, very good. We've just got to get him wearing our uniform, our colors, and get him bought into all of that. Very strong. Great body. Gifted. Really, really excited for what that's going to look like."