The Drive on ESPN 93.5

05/13/26 Hour 2: Can the TWolves come back against the Spurs; From the Office of Evan Stone: LeBron's future; Meet our new intern Pierce!

Can the Minnesota Timberwolves claw their way back into the series against the San Antonio Spurs? The crew breaks down what needs to change for Minnesota, including defensive adjustments, star performances, and whether they still have enough momentum to flip the matchup.

 

Plus, another edition of “From the Office of Evan Stone” dives into the future of LeBron James and what could be next for the NBA superstar as speculation continues around the final stage of his career. The show also officially welcomes new intern Pierce to the team and puts him through his first on-air introduction.

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05/13/26 Hour 1: Illinois vs Duke announced for Home-And-Home Series; The latest on Andrej Stojakovic's future at NBA Combine; Chris Kwiecinski of FOX 32 talks Bears schedule

The University of Illinois and Duke University officially announced a marquee home-and-home basketball series, giving Illini fans a massive non-conference matchup to look forward to over the next two seasons. The guys break down what the series means nationally for Illinois and how it could impact the program’s growing reputation under Brad Underwood.

Plus, the latest from the NBA Draft Combine on Andrej Stojaković and his future as scouts continue to evaluate his stock heading into the draft process.

Chris Kwiecinski from FOX 32 Chicago joins the show to react to the Chicago Bears schedule release and break down the biggest matchups, toughest stretches, and prime-time storylines for the 2026 season.

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05/12/26 Hour 2: Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated & Redbird Rants talks Cardinals early season success; Tuesday Draft - Best Chicago Athletes; Cooper goes on Summer Break

Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated and Redbird Rants joins the show to discuss the Cardinals’ strong start to the season, what’s fueling their early success, and whether it can continue over the long haul.

The guys also hold a Tuesday Draft featuring the best Chicago athletes of all time, sparking plenty of debate and nostalgia, before sending Intern Cooper off in style as he heads into summer break.

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05/12/26 Hour 1: Andrej Stojakovic's NBA Draft Stock is on the rise - Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports tell us the latest; Illini Men's Basketball Schedule breakdown

Andrej Stojakovic’s NBA Draft stock continues to climb, and Brian Teague from Chicago State of Mind Sports joins the show to break down why scouts are becoming increasingly intrigued by his upside and overall fit at the next level. Are the chances of him leaving Illinois on the rise?

The guys also dive into the latest outlook for the Illinois men’s basketball schedule, highlighting key matchups, difficult stretches, and opportunities for the Illini heading into the season.

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05/11/26 Hour 2: Keaton, Kylan, & Andrej rep Illini at NBA Draft Combine; Cam Wagner chooses Oregon over Illinois; Evan's World Cup Preview

Illinois is well represented at the NBA Draft Combine as Keaton Wagler, Kylan Boswell, and Andrej Stojakovic all look to boost their draft stock in front of scouts and executives.

The guys also react to top in-state recruit Cam Warner committing to Oregon over Illinois and what it means for the Illini moving forward.

Plus, Evan previews the upcoming World Cup and discusses the biggest storylines and teams to watch heading into the tournament.

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05/11/26 Hour 1: Rick Horton talks Cardinals season; Pierre Noujaim from Fox 9 Minneapolis on T-Wolves tying series with Spurs; Illini Headlines

Rick Horton joins the show to break down the Cardinals’ season, including what’s gone right lately and where the team still needs to improve as the summer approaches.

Pierre Noujaim from Fox 9 Minneapolis also stops by to discuss the Timberwolves evening up their playoff series with the Spurs and what changed after Game 3.

Plus, the latest Illini headlines, including updates from Illinois football and basketball.

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05/08/26 Hour 2: Steve Greenberg from Chicago Sun-Times talks Cubs insane win streak; Ravi Lulla of Hurrdat Sports weighs in on who "won" Big Ten Football offseason; Our Friday Toasts!

Steve Greenberg from the Chicago Sun-Times joined the show to discuss the red-hot Chicago Cubs and what’s fueling their incredible winning streak.

Later, Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports broke down the Big Ten Conference football offseason, debating which programs made the biggest moves and who came out on top heading into 2026.

The hour wrapped up with the crew’s weekly Friday Toasts, celebrating the best moments from the week in sports and beyond.

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05/08/26 Hour 1: Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illinois basketball offseason & high school recruitment; Illini football's Friday Night Games; T-Wolves vs Spurs Game 3 Preview

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer joined the show to break down a busy offseason for Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball, including the latest on roster movement and high school recruiting targets.

The guys also discussed the impact of Friday night games on Illinois Fighting Illini football and what it means for fans and national exposure.

Plus, a full preview of Game 3 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs, including key matchups and what Minnesota needs to do to regain control of the series.

05/07/26 Hour 2: Illini basketball predicted to win National Title in 2027; Illinois Football to win 9 games?; Spurs SPANK Timberwolves in Game 2

Could Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball really cut down the nets in 2027? National title expectations are already building in Champaign and one analyst says it will happen. Who do they think Illinois will beat in Detroit next year and why?

The conversation also shifts to Illinois Fighting Illini football and whether a 9-win season is realistic heading into the fall.

Plus, the San Antonio Spurs completely dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 2, evening the series in emphatic fashion. Can the "Champaign T-Wolves" bounce back at home?

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05/07/26 Hour 1: NCAA Releases new March Madness Bracket; Jacob Infante returns to talk Bears & NFL Free Agency - Joey Bosa to the Bears?; Cubs on an absolute tear over the last 20 games!

The NCAA officially unveiled its new-look March Madness bracket, sparking plenty of debate about the changes and what they could mean for teams heading into next season’s tournament. Who loves it and who hates it?

Jacob Infante joins the show to break down the latest around the Chicago Bears and NFL free agency, including whether pass rusher Joey Bosa could realistically end up in Chicago.

Plus, the Chicago Cubs continue their incredible run, staying red-hot over their last 20 games as they surge up the standings. How good has the hitting been while injuries to the pitching staff mount?

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05/06/26 Hour 2: Ayo Dosumnu is back for T-Wolves vs Spurs!; Bears are favorites to land David Njoku; Best sporting event you've ever seen in person

Hour 2 centers on Ayo Dosunmu returning for the Timberwolves matchup against the Spurs, adding a big boost to Minnesota’s lineup. The guys also dive into rumors that the Chicago Bears are favorites to land David Njoku, and wrap things up by sharing stories and listener reactions about the best sporting events they’ve ever seen in person.

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05/06/26 Hour 1: Illini Men's Tennis Head Coach Brad Dancer talks Super Regional vs Ohio State; Thunder beat Lakers, and Jordan vs LeBron debate fires up again; Evan vs Jerry West & Bob Cousy

Hour 1 features Illini men’s tennis head coach Brad Dancer previewing the Super Regional matchup against Ohio State. The show also dives into the Thunder’s win over the Lakers, which sparks another round of the never-ending Jordan vs. LeBron debate. Plus, Evan stirs things up with some takes involving NBA legends Jerry West and Bob Cousy.

 

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05/05/26 Hour 2: Jordan vs LeBron debate ahead of Lakers vs Thunder & HEATED texts; Tuesday Draft - Best Fiction Moms

The Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James debate heats up ahead of the Lakers vs. Thunder matchup as listeners flood the show with passionate and heated texts defending both NBA legends.

Plus, the Tuesday Draft returns with the crew picking the best fictional moms from TV, movies, and pop culture.

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05/05/26 Hour 1: Tom Michael returns to the University of Illinois; Chris Hine talks T-Wolves stealing Game 1 from Spurs, TSJ says he'll dunk on Wemby; Cardinals & Cubs get big wins

We discuss the return of Tom Michael to the University of Illinois as the new Deputy Director of Athletics and what it means for Illini athletics moving forward.

Chris Hine from the Minnesota Star Tribune retutns to the show to break down the Minnesota Timberwolves stealing Game 1 from the Spurs, plus Terrence Shannon Jr.’s confidence after saying he plans to dunk on Victor Wembanyama.

We also recap big wins for both the Cardinals and Cubs as both teams continue strong starts to the season.

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05/04/26 Hour 2: Chris Block follows up on Golden Tempo's Kentucky Derby win and why he knew it was a possibility; Jeff Jones talks Cardinals, previews series vs Brewers; Do you wear Jerseys?

Hour 2 featured Chris Block breaking down Golden Tempo’s victory in the Kentucky Derby and explaining why he believed the horse had a real chance to win heading into the race.

Later, Jeff Jones joined the show to discuss the recent play of the St. Louis Cardinals and preview their upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The hour also included a fun conversation debating whether adults still wear sports jerseys and which ones are acceptable to own.

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05-04-26 HOUR 1: Recapping a huge weekend of Illini Sports; Cardinals & Cubs Grades after 1 month of the season; Evan Stone's Star Wars Thoughts

Hour 1 recapped a huge weekend for Illinois Fighting Illini sports, highlighting some of the biggest performances and storylines from across the university. The Men's Golf team prepares for the NCAA Tournament, Tennis advances in the Super Regional, baseball prepares to wrap up the season, softball finishes theirs, and track & field prepare for the regular season finale.

The show also handed out one-month report card grades for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, breaking down what’s gone right — and wrong — through the first month of the MLB season.

Plus, Evan Stone shared his thoughts on all things Star Wars in a fun conversation about the legendary franchise and "May The Fourth Be With You."

05-01-26 Hour 2: Carson Gourdie talks Bret Bielema's presser & why Freshmen will get a lot of playing time; More on Andrej Stojakovic in the NBA Draft; We pick Kentucky Derby horses; Friday Toasts

Hour 2 featured Carson Gourdie breaking down Bret Bielema’s latest press conference and why Illinois freshmen could see significant playing time this season. The guys also continued the discussion surrounding Andrej Stojaković and what his NBA Draft decision means moving forward. Don't worry - he's most likely coming back.

Later, the crew made their picks for the Kentucky Derby before wrapping up the week with another edition of Friday Toasts!

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05-01-26 Hour 1: Michael Rand from Minneapolis Star Tribune talks Terrance Shannon Jr's HUGE night for T-Wolves & win over Denver; EVERYTHING you need to know about The Kentucky Derby with Chris Block

Hour 1 features Michael Rand from the Minneapolis Star Tribune breaking down Terrence Shannon Jr.’s huge performance for the Timberwolves in their win over the Denver Nuggets. The guys discussed what Shannon’s breakout night means moving forward for the T-Wolves in the NBA Playoffs and why Illini fans should be excited about his NBA future.

Later, horse racing expert Chris Block stopped by with everything listeners need to know ahead of the Kentucky Derby, including top storylines, contenders, and betting insight for one of racing’s biggest weekends.

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04-30-26 Hour 2: Chris Kwiecinski of FOX32 Chicago talks Bears draft and gives an early outlook on the 2026 season; Chris Hine of the Minnesota Star Tribune talks Ayo Dosunmu's impact on the T-Wolves

Hour 2 dives into how the Chicago Bears performed in the 2026 NFL Draft, now that we're one week removed.

The guys also get into the impact that Illini great Ayo Dosunmu has had on the Minnesota Timberwolves during their playoff push, talk the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan, and talk about the new additions to the Illini Hall of Fame!

04-30-26 Hour 1: Pierre Noujaim of Fox9 Minneapolis talks Ayo Dosunmu & T-Wolves in the NBA Plaoffs,; Illini Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Announced

Hour 1 featured a conversation with Pierre Noujaim from FOX 9 Minneapolis, who discussed Ayo Dosunmu’s impact with the Minnesota Timberwolves during the NBA Playoffs and what his continued development means moving forward. The show also highlighted the newly announced Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing some of the top names and achievements in Illini sports history.