Drew Pastorek

Cedar Rapids

Asst. Site Manager, The Champaign Room at SB Nation

I write about the Fighting Illini & host/produce the Oskee Talk podcast for @Champaign_Room. QC native. @UIndy alum. Still mad about 2005.

Featured in: Favicon

bvmsports.com Favicon

thechampaignroom.com Favicon

msn.com

sbnation.com

Articles

Illinois’ international investment is well worth the risk

2 weeks ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

TCR // Jack Jungmann On this episode of ‘Oskee Talk’ I’m joined by Pleas Honeywood to break down the commitment of Mihailo Petrovic and discuss Illinois’ international recruiting philosophy and the program’s global branding. We also recap the latest football transfer portal news and react to Luke Altmyer’s return, Pat Bryant’s selection in the NFL Draft, and Kerby Joseph’s huge payday. We end the episode by reflecting on the life of Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael.
Jakucionis’ ‘one-and-done’ is the best outcome for Illinois basketball

3 weeks ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

On this episode of ‘Oskee Talk’ I’m joined by Pleas Honeywood to discuss Kasparas Jakucionis & Will Riley declaring for the NBA Draft (5:42). We also examine KJ’s draft projections (11:31), and Riley’s pro potential (19:16). We also discuss DGL’s new destination (30:20), the David Mirkovic commitment & Illinois’ international recruiting approach (34:50), as well as the latest twist in the Morez Johnson saga (51:02).
Illinois’ returning players will be the keys to 2025 success

1 month ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

** NOTE: This episode was produced prior to the commitment of David Mirkovic **On this episode of “Oskee Talk” Pleas Honeywood joins me to recap the latest Illini basketball transfer portal transactions (3:31). We also examine the fallout of Morez Johnson’s departure (9:35), discuss ways to tweak the transfer process (26:34), and review who is returning to Champaign next season (45:21).
Kasparas Jakucionis was worth every penny

1 month ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

On this extended episode of “Oskee Talk” I’m joined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to wrap up the men’s basketball season, examine Illinois’ offensive efficiency, review some weird-but-true stats, and reflect on two of the most memorable Illini March Madness moments. Click HERE to listen!In part two we sound off about the KJ critics and list potential transfer portal targets.
How many wins can Illinois score this weekend?

1 month ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

On this week’s episode of “Oskee Talk” I review Selection Sunday and look ahead to men’s basketball’s matchup versus either Xavier or Texas, as well as examine the possibilities of another second-weekend run. I also preview women’s basketball’s first-round game against No. 9 seed Creighton. Click HERE to listen! How many combined wins do you expect from men’s & women’s basketball during the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament?
Illinois basketball has pulled us back in

2 months ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

On this episode of “Oskee Talk” I recap men’s basketball’s victories against Iowa & Michigan, discuss some of the rarities surrounding the Illini’s winning streak over the Wolverines, and look ahead to Purdue. I also recap the end of the women’s basketball regular season & preview the Big Ten Tournament. Finally, I discuss the latest Illini football updates. Join the conversation! Comment below, and make sure to download & subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you get your podcasts!Click HERE to listen!
Illinois basketball is facing an identity crisis

2 months ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

On this episode of “Oskee Talk” I’m joined by Brandt Dolce & Pleas Honeywood to revisit the Duke debacle and examine the roster to identify the type of player the “Illinois Guy” should look like. We also preview Tuesday’s matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes & discuss the NCAA Tournament outlook. Finally, we review women’s basketball’s west coast swing and look ahead to the regular season finale.
Illinois basketball is defying logic

2 months ago | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

This week on “Oskee Talk” I review men’s basketball’s week of improbable endings, including Saturday’s debacle against Michigan State. I also discuss how Brad Underwood needs to pivot in order to save the season. I also recap women’s hoops record-setting win streak, discuss Shauna Green maximizing her roster, and look ahead to the team’s west coast swing. Join the conversation! Comment below, and make sure to download & subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you get your podcasts!Click HERE to listen!
Illinois’ offense is starting to rev up

Feb 11, 2025 | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images More of this, please. On this episode of “Oskee Talk” I’m joined by Brandt Dolce to recap the Royal Rumble, revisit another up-and-down week for men’s hoops and preview UCLA. We also discuss the women continuing their winning ways and look ahead to Penn State. Join the conversation! Comment below, and make sure to download & subscribe to Oskee Talk wherever you get your podcasts!Click HERE to listen!
Illinois showed its character on Sunday

Jan 29, 2025 | thechampaignroom.com | Drew Pastorek

On this episode of “Oskee Talk” I’m joined by TCR’s Brandt Dolce & Please Honeywood to discuss the resiliency of men’s basketball, the team’s three-point struggles, the log term effects of Tomislav Ivisic’s absence & the ascent of Morez Johnson. We break down a successful week in women’s hoops and milestones for Kendall Bostic & Shauna Green as well as review the positive developments in the football program and make predictions for the upcoming Royal Rumble. Click HERE to listen!