Stokes and Coleman Shine in Preseason Exhibitions

Top college basketball prospects deliver strong performances during October exhibition games.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Stokes and Coleman Shine in Preseason Exhibitions

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College basketball standouts Stokes and Coleman showed early promise in their respective preseason exhibition appearances this October. The performance of these players helps set the stage as the college basketball season tips off in early November 2026.

Why it matters

Preseason exhibitions allow top talent to adjust to new roles and demonstrate their potential to scouts ahead of the upcoming season. These games provide a critical opportunity for players to solidify their positions within team rotations.

Stokes shot 4-of-9 from the field against Pittsburg State, while Coleman recorded eight assists and seven rebounds across 31 minutes of play against Cincinnati.

The players

Stokes

He is a highly touted basketball prospect who is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.

Coleman

He is a key contributor for the Illinois Fighting Illini who is expected to remain in the starting lineup this season.

Andrej Stojakovic

He is a standout player for the Illinois Fighting Illini who led his team with 24 points in an exhibition game.

Stefan Vaaks

He is a player for the Illinois Fighting Illini who recorded 19 points against Cincinnati.

The details

Stokes contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and two assists in his outing against Pittsburg State. Meanwhile, Coleman anchored the effort against Cincinnati with 14 points, as teammates Andrej Stojakovic and Stefan Vaaks added 24 and 19 points respectively.

October 2026: Exhibition games were played.
Early November 2026: The college basketball season tips off.

Season Trajectory

These early performances help establish the competitive hierarchy for the Illinois Fighting Illini and other major programs. The success of these key players in exhibition matches positions them to define the team's standing as the season begins.

Coleman's 31-minute performance against Cincinnati suggests he will carry a heavy workload in the Illinois rotation this season. His ability to facilitate with eight assists signals he could be a primary playmaker for the Fighting Illini.

The takeaway

Preseason exhibitions serve as a vital barometer for both coaching staffs and NBA scouts monitoring collegiate development. Fans should watch these statistical trends closely to predict which players will emerge as conference leaders when the regular season commences.