The Drive on ESPN 93.5

07/13/26 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas Continues Illini Talk, MLB Home Run Derby Predictions & Are the Cardinals Buyers or Sellers?

Tristan Thomas sticks around for Hour 2 of The Drive as the conversation continues on Illinois basketball, including more thoughts on Keaton Wagler, Will Riley, and the Illini's future. The guys then shift to baseball with a full preview of the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, making their picks for who will take home the trophy before debating one of the biggest questions facing St. Louis: should the Cardinals be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline? With the club sitting at the halfway point of the season, the crew weighs the roster's strengths, weaknesses, playoff outlook, and what moves could define the second half.

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07/13/26 Hour 1: WCIA's Tristan Thomas Breaks Down Keaton Wagler's Summer League Breakout, Cardinals Reach Midseason & Conor McGregor's UFC 329 Nightmare

WCIA 3's Tristan Thomas joins The Drive in-studio to break down Keaton Wagler's impressive Summer League performance with the Los Angeles Clippers, Will Riley's development, and the latest Illinois basketball storylines. The guys also evaluate the St. Louis Cardinals at the halfway point of the MLB season, discussing what's gone right, what needs to improve, and what to expect in the second half.

Plus, a recap of Conor McGregor's disastrous UFC 329 return after his comeback ended just 69 seconds into the main event with a devastating knee injury against Max Holloway, raising major questions about his future.

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07/10/26 Hour 2: Cardinals vs. Braves Preview, JJ Wetherholt Signs, Summer Blockbuster Draft & Friday Toasts

The Cardinals open a pivotal weekend series against the Atlanta Braves, and we break down the pitching matchups, key storylines, and what St. Louis needs to do to keep building momentum in the National League race. We also discuss top prospect JJ Wetherholt officially signing his first professional contract, what the deal means for the former first-round pick, and why Cardinals fans should be excited about one of the organization's brightest young stars.

Later, we dive into one of our most entertaining Friday debates as Soccer takes on Star Wars in a battle of global popularity and cultural impact. Which one comes out on top?

We also reveal the winner of this week's Summer Blockbuster Movie Draft, react to listener votes, and finish the show with our weekly Friday Toasts, recognizing the people, performances, and moments that deserve a little extra appreciation heading into the weekend.

It's the perfect Friday mix of Cardinals baseball, baseball prospects, sports, movies, pop culture, and plenty of laughs on The Drive.

07/10/26 Hour 1: Keaton Wagler's NBA Summer League Debut & Brian Ames Talks Illini ReBounders Golf Outing

Former Illinois star Keaton Wagler made his long-awaited NBA Summer League debut with the Los Angeles Clippers, and we break down what stood out despite a challenging first game. We discuss Wagler's performance, what it means moving forward, and why Illini fans shouldn't overreact after one Summer League appearance.

Later, Brian Ames joins the show to preview the annual Illini ReBounders Golf Outing, discussing how the event supports Illinois basketball, the excitement surrounding the program, and what fans can expect as the offseason continues.

Plus, we recap the latest Illini headlines and look ahead to another busy weekend in the sports world.

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07/09/26 Hour 2: Kyle Tausk Talks Illinois Basketball Summer Workouts, Illini vs. UConn & Top Freshmen to Watch; Draft Day - Best Summer Blockbusters of All Time

Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer joins the show to break down the latest from Illinois basketball summer workouts, what the newly announced Illinois vs. UConn matchup on December 4th at the United Center means for the Illini, and which freshmen are already generating buzz heading into the season. We dive into where Brad Underwood’s roster stands this summer, what early takeaways matter most from offseason practices, and which young players could make an impact sooner than expected.

Plus, the crew wraps up the hour with another edition of “Draft Day,” this time building the ultimate list of summer blockbusters. Be sure to vote for who you think won!

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07/09/26 Hour 1: Illinois-UConn Set for Dec. 4 at United Center, Cardinals-Brewers Preview & Cubs Fall to Orioles, Illini Headlines

Illinois basketball's marquee non-conference matchup with UCONN is locked in for December 4th at the United Center in Chicago. We break down what the high-profile showdown means for Brad Underwood’s team, how it strengthens Illinois’ schedule, and why it could be one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Plus, we preview the Cardinals vs. Brewers matchup, recap the Cubs’ loss to the Orioles, and Kurtis Allen gets back in the studio to cover the latest Illini Headlines.

07-08-26 The Drive Hour 1 Evan Stone and Pierce the Fierce talk about Cubs Cardinals 4th of July series and World cup!

Evan Stone and Pierce the Fierce talk about Cubs Cardinals 4th of July series and World cup!

7-02-26 Hour 2 Illinois Football Schedule - Do you like popcorn???

Carson and Evan break down the Illini football schedule. How many wins are on the schedule? We find out Quinn doesn't like popcorn, but she does like crime.

7-02-26 Hour 1 - Carson Gourdie in Studio - Cubs/Cards/White Sox - NBA Free Trades - USA!

Carson Gourdie is IN STUDIO to kick off the show as we talk about the HOT Cubs and surprising White Sox start. Jaylen Brown traded FOR WHAT???? And the USMNT beats Bosnia to move on to the Round of 16. What is a red card anyways?

07-01-26 Hour 2 More World cup talks, NBA offseason updates and Lebron, and NFL upcoming season

Hour 2 Evan and Pierce talk about World cup matches as well as NBA offseason and the upcoming NFL season!

07-01-26 Hour 1 Cardinals vs. Braves Recap, World Cup USA talks, Pierce the Fierce Redemption

Hour 1 Evan and Pierce talk about game one between Cardinals and Braves, as well as the match-up for USA Mens soccer, and Pierce the Fierce gets a chance at redemption!

6-30-26 Hour 2: Tuesday Draft! Isaac Ambrose Joins The Show

Hour 2 Kicks off with Evan and Quinn discussing Cardinals/Cubs and then jumping into the Tuesday Draft! Greatest Iconic Games of all time!

06/29/26 Hour 2: Cardinals-Cubs 4th of July Series Preview, NBA Headlines & World Cup Recap

The Drive looks ahead to one of the biggest baseball weekends of the summer with an early breakdown of the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Fourth of July showdown at Wrigley Field. Kurtis and Evan discuss the pitching matchups, division implications, and why the rivalry series could help shape the National League race heading into the All-Star break.

Later, the guys hit the latest NBA headlines, including free agency buzz, trade rumors, and the biggest stories around the league following the draft. The hour wraps with a recap of the latest action from the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, including key results, standout performances, and what to watch as the tournament moves toward the Round of 16.

06/29/26 Hour 1: 5-Star Recruit Visits Illinois as Chris Hightower Takes on Pierce "The Fierce" Intern in Name That Coach

Illinois basketball continues to generate recruiting buzz as the Illini host a highly touted 5-star prospect for an unofficial visit. Kurtis and Evan break down what the visit could mean for Brad Underwood's program and recap the latest headlines surrounding Illinois athletics. Later, Chris Hightower returns to the studio for another entertaining showdown, challenging Pierce the Intern in a spirited edition of "Name That Coach." Sports talk, recruiting updates, and plenty of laughs fill Hour 1 of The Drive.

06/26/26 Hour 2: Cardinals vs. Marlins Weekend Preview, Chris Hightower Talks NBA Draft & Chicago Bears Hallmark Movie, Friday Toasts

On Hour 2, Chris Hightower stays in studio to continue breaking down an exciting NBA Draft for Illinois basketball and what it means for the Illini moving forward. We also preview this weekend's Cardinals vs. Marlins series, discussing what's at stake as St. Louis looks to keep building momentum before a tougher stretch of the schedule. Plus, we have some fun with the news that the Chicago Bears are getting the Hallmark movie treatment, and wrap up the week with our favorite Friday Toasts.

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06/26/26 Hour 1: Morez Johnson Breaks Silence on Illinois Exit as Chris Hightower Talks Illini in the NBA Draft

Former Illini forward Morez Johnson explains why he transferred, saying he "didn't feel comfortable with my future being" at Illinois, and we break down what his comments mean for the program. Plus, Chris Hightower joins us in studio to discuss a memorable NBA Draft night for Illinois basketball, the futures of the Illini draft picks, and what it says about the direction of the program.

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06/25/26 Hour 2: Illinois vs. North Carolina Set for Nashville; Breaking Down the Illini Basketball Schedule & Team USA's Historic World Cup Bid

The guys react to Illinois Fighting Illini and North Carolina Tar Heels announcing a matchup in the 2027 Nashville Hoops Showdown, then take a deep dive into Illinois' basketball schedule, biggest challenges, and early expectations for the season while covering the latest Illini headlines.

Plus, United States men's national soccer team looks to make World Cup history, and Evan gets a lesson on common figures of speech in another entertaining edition of the show.

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06/25/26 Hour 1: Former Illini Marcus Domask Joins the Show; Brian Teague Talks Bulls & NBA Draft Breakdown

Former Illini star Marcus Domask joins the show to discuss his basketball journey, life since Illinois, the excitement surrounding the NBA Draft, and his upcoming youth basketball camp. Plus, some breaking news on his infamous Bonneville!

Then, Bulls insider Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports breaks down the Bulls draft haul, what No. 5 pick Keaton Wagler brings to the Los Angeles Clippers, Kylan Boswell's NBA outlook, and the biggest winners and losers from draft night.

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06/24/26 Hour 2: Sunny Verma on Wagler-to-Clippers & Bulls Big Night; Pierre Noujaim Breaks Down Ayo's Massive Payday; Biggest Draft Bust Results; Intern Pierce vs. A Map

Illinois basketball insider Sunny Verma from Locked On Illini joins the show to discuss Keaton Wagler's selection by the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 5 overall pick in the NBA Draft. How does Wagler fit with the Clippers' roster? What expectations should Illini fans have for his rookie season? And what does another top-five pick mean for the future of Illinois basketball?

Later, Pierre Noujaim from Fox9 Minneapolis joins us to break down former Illini star Ayo Dosunmu's new five-year, $112 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. We'll discuss why Minnesota made Ayo a top offseason priority, how his playoff performance boosted his value, and whether this deal could become one of the league's better bargains over the next several seasons.

Plus, we reveal the results of our Biggest Draft Busts of All Time Tuesday Draft and debate who got it right.

And in today's edition of Intern Pierce vs. The World, we discover that reading a map may be harder than expected. Can Pierce successfully navigate basic geography, or will another challenge end in disaster? Tune in to find out.

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06/24/26 Hour 1: Keaton Wagler Drafted No. 5 Overall by Clippers; Cardinals Announce Major Front Office Changes

Illinois star Keaton Wagler officially became the second-highest NBA Draft selection in program history Tuesday night when the Los Angeles Clippers selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Wagler's remarkable freshman season included consensus All-America honors, Big Ten Freshman of the Year, the Jerry West Award, and a trip to the Final Four. He now joins an organization looking to build around a talented young core and is the highest Illini draft pick since Deron Williams went No. 3 overall in 2005.

We'll break down why the Clippers viewed Wagler as the perfect fit at No. 5, what his NBA role could look like immediately, and how his selection continues Illinois' recent pipeline of NBA talent.

Plus, the St. Louis Cardinals announced significant organizational changes as Bill DeWitt III was promoted from President to Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, Anuk Karunaratne was elevated to President of Business Operations, while Bill DeWitt Jr. remains Chairman and Principal Owner. The move represents the next phase of the Cardinals' long-term succession plan and further separates baseball operations under Chaim Bloom from the club's business operations.

We'll discuss why many Cardinals fans are reacting skeptically to the announcement, what it means for the future direction of the franchise, and whether this signals meaningful change or simply a reshuffling of titles.