Brad Underwood's Illini Team on Cusp of History as Coach Reflects on 100th Big Ten Win
Brad Underwood isn't dwelling on past losses, thanks to the success of his Illinois men's basketball team. With an eight-game winning streak and a Big Ten record that has no one behind them, Illinois is now just three wins shy of Purdue's Matt Painter for second place.
The Illini have been riding high all season, with their tall lineup proving to be a key factor in their dominance. This season, they're on top of the conference standings at 7-1, and with Saturday's match-up against Boilermakers (17-1) being their best chance to reach 89 wins, Underwood is getting ready for his 100th Big Ten win.
"I'm so simple, it's always kind of the next-game mentality," said Underwood. "But you know, I do reflect a little more now than maybe I used to."
When asked what would be on his mind if he could turn back time, Underwood revealed that it was the Loyola game in their first NCAA tournament appearance last year. The game ended in an upset win for the Ramblers over Illinois.
"That team was maybe one of the two best teams in the country that year," said Underwood. "That's still a huge disappointment, and I couldn't have grown that team better."
Reflecting on his past successes is not something he wants to do right now. When questioned about what's next for him after Illinois, Underwood expressed his gratitude towards having a great contract.
"I've got a great contract that allows me to keep moving forward and progressing," said Underwood.
However, Underwood also stated his dreams of success in the future. "I dream big and I dream bigger," he has always said.
In an interview, he mentioned that his first Illinois team was initially 4-14 but things have turned around dramatically since then. The entire program seems to be thriving under Coach Underwood.
Illinois' run is expected to continue as they aim for their first Final Four in over two decades and a chance to make it to the national championships.
Brad Underwood isn't dwelling on past losses, thanks to the success of his Illinois men's basketball team. With an eight-game winning streak and a Big Ten record that has no one behind them, Illinois is now just three wins shy of Purdue's Matt Painter for second place.
The Illini have been riding high all season, with their tall lineup proving to be a key factor in their dominance. This season, they're on top of the conference standings at 7-1, and with Saturday's match-up against Boilermakers (17-1) being their best chance to reach 89 wins, Underwood is getting ready for his 100th Big Ten win.
"I'm so simple, it's always kind of the next-game mentality," said Underwood. "But you know, I do reflect a little more now than maybe I used to."
When asked what would be on his mind if he could turn back time, Underwood revealed that it was the Loyola game in their first NCAA tournament appearance last year. The game ended in an upset win for the Ramblers over Illinois.
"That team was maybe one of the two best teams in the country that year," said Underwood. "That's still a huge disappointment, and I couldn't have grown that team better."
Reflecting on his past successes is not something he wants to do right now. When questioned about what's next for him after Illinois, Underwood expressed his gratitude towards having a great contract.
"I've got a great contract that allows me to keep moving forward and progressing," said Underwood.
However, Underwood also stated his dreams of success in the future. "I dream big and I dream bigger," he has always said.
In an interview, he mentioned that his first Illinois team was initially 4-14 but things have turned around dramatically since then. The entire program seems to be thriving under Coach Underwood.
Illinois' run is expected to continue as they aim for their first Final Four in over two decades and a chance to make it to the national championships.
This team's trajectory is quite remarkable, really - from 4-14 at the beginning to now being on top of the conference standings 
. I'd argue that Underwood's unorthodox approach, focusing on the next-game mentality, has been instrumental in their success 
. The fact that he's not dwelling on past losses and is instead looking ahead to bigger picture goals speaks volumes about his character 
. His reflection on the Loyola game, although tinged with disappointment, also highlights his growth as a coach 
. Now, with Illinois poised for a potential Final Four appearance, I'm curious to see how Underwood will navigate the pressure and continue to drive this team forward 
.
! It's gonna be crazy to watch them try to reach those 89 wins against Purdue this weekend.
. And let's be real, turning back time isn't even on the table for him 
. He's got a great contract and he's all about progression 
.
! That first team was like 4-14, but now look at them! The whole program is thriving under Coach Underwood 
. Illinois' run is gonna be epic 
! Can't wait to see what the rest of the season brings 
. Newsflash, it's just another coach getting a milestone with an Illinois team that was barely relevant a few years ago (4-14, bruh!). I mean, sure, they've turned things around, but it's not like they were the worst team in the conference or anything 
.
. Give me a break.
.
.
but honestly tho, Underwood seems like the kinda coach u wanna root 4 - humble, focused & always striving 2 b better 
like, who would've thought they'd go from 4-14 to a legit title contender? Their tall lineup is a game-changer, and it's no surprise they're killing it on the court 
. The fact that Underwood's reflecting on his past successes but not dwelling on them shows he's staying present and focused on the next game 
I think this team is on fire 
! 8-game winning streak? That's crazy