The college basketball offseason is officially in full swing. Just one day after the NCAA championship game, the transfer portal opened, and the movement has already begun for local programs. Here’s a breakdown of the early roster moves shaping the landscape for Illinois and DePaul.

DePaul secured a major offensive weapon in Wofford transfer Kahmare Holmes. The 6-foot-3 sophomore, a first-team All-Southern Conference selection, brings a proven scoring punch to the Blue Demons' backcourt. Last season, he averaged an impressive 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting efficiently from the field. Holmes is the second transfer to join new head coach Chris Holtmann, following 7-foot Fresno State center Wilson Jacques. These additions are crucial for a DePaul squad looking to rebuild after an 8-12 Big East campaign and the departure of key seniors.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Fighting Illini made a significant splash by landing Providence standout Stefan Vaaks. The 6-foot-7 Estonian freshman, named to the Big East All-Freshman Team, averaged 15.8 points and 3.2 assists this past season. Ranked as a top-10 player in the portal by ESPN, Vaaks provides an immediate answer for an Illini backcourt facing the losses of Keaton Wagler to the NBA draft and the exhausted eligibility of Kylan Boswell. He continues Illinois's strong tradition of integrating international talent, joining players like the Ivišić twins and David Mirković.

Speaking of Wagler, his departure for the NBA draft marks the end of a historic freshman campaign in Champaign. The former No. 261 recruit transformed into a consensus All-American and the Jerry West Award winner, shattering multiple Illinois freshman records. His move to the pros, while expected, leaves a major scoring void for Coach Brad Underwood to fill as he reshapes his roster for another Big Ten title run.