Brad Underwood’s intense ways invite fan scrutiny, but his Illinois players see a method in the madness
When Brad Underwood was introduced as Illinois men’s basketball coach seven years ago in Champaign, the idea of a national title seemed far-fetched. The John Groce era was a disaster and Underwood had never coached a team past the second round of the NCAA Tournament in three attempts at Stephen F. Austin and one year at Oklahoma State. “I dream big,” Underwood said that day in 2017. “Winning a ...
When Brad Underwood was introduced as Illinois men’s basketball coach seven years ago in Champaign, the idea of a national title seemed far-fetched.
The John Groce era was a disaster and Underwood had never coached a team past the second round of the NCAA Tournament in three attempts at Stephen F. Austin and one year at Oklahoma State.
“I dream big,” Underwood said that day in 2017. “Winning a national championship is something that can happen here.”
Underwood turned the program around in its third season in 2020, going 21-10, but the NCAA Tournament was canceled due to the pandemic. Early tournament exits the
