Stefan Vaaks Shades Providence HC Bryan Hodgson in Video After Transferring to Illinois

As he prepares for the 2026-27 season, Illinois guard Stefan Vaaks hasn't forgotten what Providence coach Bryan Hodgson told him on his way out the door.

Vaaks recounted Tuesday that Hodgson said he'd "regret" leaving the program. That hasn't been the case for the sophomore so far:

This isn't necessarily a revelation because Hodgson sent that exact message during his introductory press conference at Providence in March:

Hodgson had to project outward confidence to the players he inherited, the ones who'd be looking toward the transfer portal.

The Friars are coming off two straight losing seasons and haven't made the NCAA tournament since 2023. Hodgson hasn't exactly built a long track record, either. As a head coach, he has worked for a total of three years across spells at Arkansas State and South Florida.

"Well, we're gonna try to be good" isn't exactly a message that will resonate.

Of course, Hodgson does open himself up for some mockery by making this pitch specifically to Vaaks.

Illinois reached the Final Four in each of the past two seasons. The Fighting Illini have become a consistent winner under Brad Underwood, and they've done well to develop talent for the pros. Kasparas Jakučionis and Will Riley were first-round picks in 2025, and Keaton Wagler went fifth overall this past June.

Maybe Providence overachieves in Hodgson's first year. For Vaaks, who's projected as a second-round pick in Bleacher Report's early 2027 mock, Illinois represented a much safer bet.