Brad Underwood recognizes Illinois’ brutal schedule helps improve the program

Illini basketball coach Brad Underwood is well aware of his responsibility to encourage his teams to compete toughly.

In this way, Underwood and his staff continue to develop game plans that should help Illinois stay at the forefront of the best teams in the country.

This season is no different. The Illini play against teams like Tennessee, Duke, Arkansas and a much-improved Missouri team.

Underwood told reporters last week that the schedule, which calls for an expanded Big Ten with the addition of UCLA, Oregon, Washington and USC, is viewed as an advantage.

“There’s no downside to playing against those teams,” Underwood said. “I think today’s players want to play in big games. I’ve always wanted to play in games like that.”

Without giving specifics, Underwood suggested that it would be better for Illinois to play these important games as the NCAA tournament approaches.

“I think it’s helped elevate our program,” Underwood said. “I like to think so. That’s why we’ve tried so hard to get into those games and get into one of those networks… I don’t see any downside to playing those games. If you win some of those games, you’re in a really good position.”

The Illini finished 69-31 in Big Ten play over a five-year span, the best mark in the league. Even with a new roster, Illinois is trying to win its third Big Ten tournament title since 2021.

Zain Bando is a staff writer for Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on X @zainbando99

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