The Drive with Lon Tay & Derek Piper

5/15/25 Hour 1: Underwood, Bielema receive contract extensions; Illini & Tennessee extend non-conference series

Lon and Derek discuss the announced contract extensions for Brad Underwood and Bret Bielema and what a realistic expectation should be for Underwood each season. Later, the guys share their thoughts on Illinois & Tennessee finalizing an agreement to meet for another two seasons in Nashville and Chicago and who else they'd like to see the Illini schedule.

5/13/25 Hour 2: Joe Henricksen (City/Suburban Hoops Report) on Brunson's ascension, state of Illinois high school hoops

City/Suburban Hoops Report and the Chicago Sun-Times's Joe Henricksen joins the show to talk Jalen Brunson's ascension into an NBA star, the current state of Illinois high school hoops, and some old Illini hoops recruiting insight. Later, the guys look back at the loaded list of 2016 recruiting class visitors the Illini brought in.

5/13/25 Hour 1: Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe MLB ban lifted; Next Question: Illini hoops

Lon and Derek react to the news of MLB lifting its ban for Pete Rose, Joe Jackson and other deceased figures, making them eligible for the Hall of Fame. Later, intern Daniel Herzog leads the guys through Next Question: Illini hoops edition.

5/12/25 Hour 2: Looking back on the COVID-era of sports; What to make of KJ's draft projection

Lon and Derek take a look back at what the COVID era of sports looked like, including virtual drafts and the canceled NCAA Tournament. Later, the guys discuss what to make of Kasparas Jakucionis's draft stocking following a negative projection by The Athletic.

5/12/25 Hour 1: Could Cubs/Cardinals actually be playing for the division?; Illinois athletics' most recent national championships

Lon and Derek discuss the Cardinals' 8-game win streak and whether the Cubs/Cardinals series this season could actually be for the NL Central crown. Later, the guys go back and look at Illinois' national championships in athletics on the heels of Illini golf's quest for one.

5/9/25 Hour 2: Biggest potential surprise for Illini hoops next year; How much personality will this team have?

Lon and Derek discuss what they think the biggest surprise could be for Illinois basketball, either player or team-related. Later, the guys share their thoughts on what the mix of personalities on the Illini hoops team could look like.

5/9/25 Hour 1: Cubs/Cardinals rivalry needs some new drama; Should we be concerned about Illini's RB depth?

Lon and Derek talk some baseball and discuss what's needed to juice up the Cubs/Cardinals rivalry again this summer. Later, the guys discuss their level of concern over the Illini's running back depth following the departure of Josh McCray.

5/8/25 Hour 2: Next Question: Illinois Basketball Edition (Part 2)

Derek and Kyle continue Next Question: Illinois Basketball Edition with questions about the now close-to-finalized Illini roster.

5/8/25 Hour 1: Illini hoops adds new point guard to walk on-type role; Next Question: Illinois Basketball Edition

Derek and Kyle discuss Illinois basketball adding an in-state point guard to a walk on type of roster spot. Later, the guys play Next Question: Illinois Basketball Edition with questions about Illini hoops.

5/7/25 Hour 2: Most athletic players in baseball history; Will some schools have an advantage with revenue sharing?

Lon and Derek run through some of the most athletic players in MLB history. Later, the guys discuss whether programs without football could benefit from revenue sharing and some other college sports thoughts.

5/7/25 Hour 1: Cardinals hot after 5 straight Ws?; Matt Silich talks NBA Playoffs

Lon and Derek talk about the Cardinals' recent win streak after sweeping the Pirates and if there's any pressure being put on the NL Central. Later, Matt Silich joins the show to discuss the NBA Playoffs and what to expect from the conference semifinals.

5/6/25 Hour 2: Illinois football getting preseason Top 10 love; Can Illinois be this year's Indiana?

Derek and Kyle talk some Illinois football and discuss some reasons for both optimism and skepticism for the Illini amid getting some preseason Top 10 love from Joe Klatt. The guys also discuss if it's fair to compare what Illinois could do in 2025 to last year's Indiana team.

5/26/25 Hour 1: Pair of Game 1s in NBA Playoffs deliver; Where does Nikola Jokic stack up all time?

Derek and Kyle discuss an electric night of NBA playoff action that saw two Game 1s come down to the wire. Later, the guys share their thoughts on Nikola Jokic's dominance and where he stacks up all time among NBA big men.

5/5/25 Hour 2: How much has hoops recruiting changed?; Lon weighs in on Trae Taylor Illini fake out; What's on tap for Cubs & Cardinals

Lon and Derek discuss how much basketball recruiting has changed nowadays and reminisce on some old stories. Lon shares his thoughts on Trae Taylor's fake out commitment to Illinois. Later, the guys discuss what's on tap this week for the Cubs and Cardinals.

5/5/25 Hour 1: What's the most compelling watch in sports right now?; Assistant coach search for the Illini?

Lon and Derek discuss what's the most compelling thing to watch in sports right now between MLB, NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs and more. Later, the guys share their thoughts on the potential for the Illini to add a new assistant coach and what they would be looking for.

5/2/25 Hour 2: Chris Block (Chris Block Racing Stables) previews Kentucky Derby; Trae Taylor pulls hat stunt on Illini during commitment

Chris Blocks from Chris Block racing stables joins the show to share his horse racing insight ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss 4-star Nebraska commit Trae Taylor pulling a wild fake out on the Illini during his commitment.

5/2/25 Hour 1: Newest Illini Andrej Stojakovic joins the show!; Thoughts on T-Wolves, other NBA playoffs storylines

Newest Illini commit Andrej Stojakovic joins the show to share why he chose Illinois, what he thinks next season's team can look like and what he hopes to accomplish in Champaign. Later, Derek and Kyle discuss the NBA playoffs, including the T-Wolves' domination of the Lakers and Jalen Brunson's polarizing play style.

4/30/25 Hour 2: What's up with the odd Bill Belichick situation?; Illini hoops a top national story this season?

Derek and Kyle discuss how interested they are in Hard Knocks and what they make of the very strange Bill Belichick situation that's made headlines. Later, the guys discuss whether they think the Illini's unique international-filled roster will be a top national storyline next college basketball season.

4/30/25 Hour 1: Are we losing faith in the Cardinals' young core?; How far will NCAA go in allowing eligibility for overseas pros?

Derek and Kyle discuss how strong the Cubs' position atop the NL Central is and whether there's enough to still be excited about with some of the Cardinals' younger players. Later, the guys share their thoughts on how far is too far for professional players coming over to play college basketball.

4/29/25 Hour 2: Is there any room to still add for Illini?; Early look at potential Big Ten standings

Derek and Kyle discuss whether or not Illinois is completely done adding to its roster after the Stojakovic addition and what, if anything, the roster could still use. Later, the guys share some early thoughts on teams that could be near the top of the Big Ten entering next season.