The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

7/2/24 Hour 1: How important is this season for Bret Bielema?; Judd Wagner talks USMNT disappointment at Copa America

Lon and Derek discuss how crucial the 2024 season is for Bret Bielema and his Illinois tenure and what it could mean financially in the future of college football. Later, former Centennial High School and current Wofford soccer player Judd Wagner joins the show to share his thoughts on the USMNT's continued disappointment.

7/1/24 Hour 2: Reactions to first Illini hoops summer practice video; Top moves from NBA Free Agency

Derek and Kyle share their biggest takeaways from Illini basketball's first summer practice video released over the weekend including hype around Kasparas Jakucionis and whether they're buying Ty Rodgers' jumpshot. Jimmy recaps some of the top NBA free agency moves.

7/1/24 Hour 1: Jeremiah Fears decommits from Illinois; Why it fell through, what it means, and what's next

Derek and Kyle discuss 2025 commit Jeremiah Fears decommitting from Illinois basketball and what happened that led to the parting of ways. The guys discuss what Fears' future holds and what it means for the Illini's recruiting efforts.

6/28/24 Hour 2: Expectations, player comps for Illini hoops newcomers

Lon and Derek discuss some early summer workout buzz from Illini basketball and share some expectations and former Big Ten player comparisons for some of the Illini's newcomers. The guys also hit on a variety of other topics.

6/28/24 Hour 1: Thoughts on Lakers drafting Bronny James; Dave Wischnowski talks Bears, Illini, Cubs

Lon and Derek share their thoughts on the Lakers drafting Bronny James. Later, former Chicago Tribune reporter Dave Wischnowski joins the show to discuss the Bears, Illini, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Cubs.

6/27/24 Hour 2: Shannon shares emotions after being drafted; Illini WR commit Brayden Trimble joins the show

Lon and Derek discuss Jay Bilas's coverage of Terrence Shannon's legal situation during the NBA Draft. Hear from Terrence Shannon as he shares his thoughts after being drafted by the Timberwolves. Later, Illinois 2025 WR commit Brayden Trimble joins the show to discuss his recruitment and upcoming senior season at Mt. Zion.

6/27/24 Hour 1: Terrence Shannon drafted in the first round by the Timberwolves; What makes Minnesota a good fit?

Lon and Derek discuss Terrence Shannon Jr. being drafted 27th overall by the Timberwolves in the NBA Draft and what makes Minnesota a great fit and opportunity for Shannon.

6/25/24 Hour 2: How much do the Cubs miss Willson Contreras; Jeff Jones (Belleville News-Democrat) talks Cardinals' resurgence

Lon, Derek and Kyle discuss yet another blown Cubs save and how much they miss Willson Contreras. Later, Jeff Jones from the Belleville News-Democrat joins the show to share his insight on how the Cardinals have managed to turn things around and put themselves in the playoff mix.

6/25/24 Hour 1: How will Terrence Shannon Jr. translate to the NBA?; Illini's history of first round draft picks

Lon and Derek discuss Terrence Shannon Jr.'s NBA Draft stock and how his game could translate to the NBA right away. The guys go through some of the Illini's past first round picks and how they panned out.

6/24/24 Hour 2: Is Will Riley a starter from Day One?; Underwood talks Riley, Shannon, brand new roster

Lon and Derek discuss whether they think Will Riley will start for Illinois from day one and some other high school targets on Orlando Antigua's radar. Later, hear from Brad Underwood as he discusses the Riley addition, Terrence Shannon's upcoming NBA Draft selection, and more.

6/24/24 Hour 1: Will Riley commits to Illinois!; What it says about Illini's step-up in recruiting and where Illinois program has risen to

Lon and Derek discuss Illinois landing a commitment from 5-star wing Will Riley and the statement it makes about how much Brad Underwood and co. have stepped up their recruiting prowess. The guys discuss how far the Illinois program has come from a recruiting perspective.

6/21/24 Hour 2: Lakers hire JJ Redick; Piper's Will Riley feel pre-decision; Lunney talks Franklin addition

Derek, Kyle and Jimmy discuss the Lakers hiring JJ Redick and whether they think it can work along with ESPN's latest mock draft and Terrence Shanon's draft position. Derek gives his final vibe on Will Riley's upcoming decision. Hear from Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney on reuniting with Zakhari Franklin and his offense.

6/21/24 Hour 1: Could college sports be headed towards a super-conference or tier system?; Where does Illinois fall in the current college sports landscape?

Derek, Kyle and Jimmy discuss Josh Whitman's comments about a "cut line" in college athletics and where Illinois stands in a college sports world that includes the biggest powers separating at the top.

6/20/24 Hour 2: What's the latest on revenue sharing in college athletics and Title IX's impact?; Josh Whitman meets with the media

Derek, Kyle and Jimmy discuss the latest news surrounding revenue sharing in college sports and how Title IX can complicate things. Later, hear from Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman as he meets with the media during his annual roundtable.

6/20/24 Hour 1: Terrence Shannon's jersey to officially be honored in rafters; Illini to play Arkansas on Thanksgiving

Derek and Kyle discuss Josh Whitman's announcement that Terrence Shannon Jr.'s jersey will be honored in the rafters. Later, Derek, Kyle and Jimmy discuss Illinois' latest addition to its nonconference schedule with a matchup against Arkansas on Thanksgiving.

6/19/24 Hour 2: Making sense of mess of an NL Wild Card race; Bret Behrens (WCIA) reflects on TV career

Lon, Derek and Kyle discuss the mess of an NL Wild Card race that includes the Cubs and Cardinals. Later, Bret Behrens from WCIA joins the show to reflect on his fondest TV memories as he prepares to leave the station.

6/19/24 Hour 1: Mike Claiborne remembers the life & legacy of Willie Mays; Where does he rank all-time?

Mike Claiborne joins the show to share his thoughts and stories about Willie Mays amid his passing. Lon and Derek discuss his remarkable career and where he ranks all-time in baseball history.

6/18/24 FULL SHOW: Celtics win NBA Finals; Cubs have hit rock bottom; Will Riley nearing decision

Lon and Derek discuss the Celtics cruising their way to an NBA Championship and how dominant they've been throughout the season. Kyle airs his sorrows about the state of the Cubs. Derek updates the final stages of Will Riley's recruitment with a decision imminent.

6/17/24 Hour 2: Coleman Hawkins to Kansas State; Illini land Zakhari Franklin; Bielema talks latest additions

Lon and Derek discuss Coleman Hawkins committing to Kansas State and Illini football landing WR transfer Zakhari Franklin. Later, hear from Bret Bielema as he shares thoughts on Franklin and his team heading into the summer.

6/17/24 Hour 1: Reaction to Not Guilty verdict in Terrence Shannon trial; Should his jersey hang in the rafters?

Lon and Derek share their reactions to Terrence Shannon Jr. being found not guilty of rape in the ongoing Kansas trial and reflect back on everything that's transpired over the past six months. Later, the guys discuss why Shannon's jersey should go up in the State Farm Center rafters.