To subscribe, click here

Sign up for our daily basketball newsletter here

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:

Meyers Leonard last played in the NBA during the 2022-23 season. A nine-game stint with the Milwaukee Bucks after missing the entire previous season because of shoulder and ankle surgeries. 

Those nine games marked the end of Leonard’s basketball career. He officially retired from the NBA this past March after playing 10 seasons in the league. How the former Illinois center announced his retirement, though, jumpstarted his next career.

Leonard, who has settled in Nashville, Tenn., now has six music videos posted to his Youtube page. The same six singles are available on various streaming platforms. 

And Leonard will be back in east central Illinois on Aug. 9 to perform them at Stoney Ridge Event Center (11823 E. 625th Ave.) just outside his hometown of Robinson. 

The “Meyers Leonard Summer Smash” will be for concert goers of all ages. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with tickets available then for $10. The concert itself is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. run through 11 p.m.

PSA! I’m having my first ever music show!
🤠Meyers Leonard Summer Smash🔨

The show will be on August 9th, 2025 in Robinson, IL! The event will be held in the 4 acre field of the Stoney Ridge – Event Center, just outside of Robinson. We’re going to have ourselves a good ol’ time! pic.twitter.com/XYvLwittmC

— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) July 19, 2025

“I’m bringing a full band from Nashville with me, and we’re gonna be ready to rock!” Leonard wrote on social media. “Please note, you will need to bring lawn chairs/blankets to sit and watch the show. Seating is not provided. I can’t wait to see all of you there, and thank you for the continued support of my music. I’ve truly been blown away.”