Basketball

How Illinois Basketball can Bounce Back vs Indiana

Illinois Basketball head coach Brad Underwood addresses the teams struggles vs USC, and furthermore, what needs to change vs Indiana.

Published

3 months ago

January 14, 2025

Kirkland Chappell

Nov 28, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad underwood reacts to game play during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images

Brad Underwood’s Vision for Progress vs the Hoosiers

Coach Brad Underwood has been working tirelessly to get Illinois Basketball back to form ahead of Tuesday’s matchup against Mike Woodson and border rival Indiana.

The Hoosiers, sitting at 13-4, are coming off a tough 85-60 loss to Iowa and, like the Illini, are eager to rebound on their home court. Arizona transfer Oumar Ballo (7′, 265 lbs.) has been a force in the paint for Indiana, averaging 14 points, 9.8 rebounds, and nearly 2 blocks per game. Given Illinois’ recent struggles on the boards, Ballo’s presence poses a significant challenge as both a defender and an offensive threat. Adding to the Illini’s concerns, Mackenzie Mgbako, Myles Rice, Trey Galloway, and former Illini transfer Luke Goode have all demonstrated the ability to get hot from beyond the arc. Luckily for Illinois, Indiana will not have Malik Raneau out there on the floor tonight/

All considered, following an uncharacteristic loss to USC, how does Coach Underwood plan to flip momentum once again? According to the Illini coach, they must stay true to their identity and play their game, despite the absence of Kasparas Jakucionis.

Jan 11, 2025. Champaign, Illinois, USA. Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) stands on the bench and watches. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

How Illinois Basketball Can Be Better vs IU

“Well, let’s not forget, we’ve got a lottery pick that didn’t play,” said Underwood, “So, everybody gets a little out of their role… becomes a little bit different, and that can’t happen. You just have to do it longer and harder. But, you’re role can’t change. We had guys trying to do too much, and not staying within what has been very successful for us.”

Furthermore, he states, “We were fine in the Penn State game. A lot of times you can handle that initially hand that one “okay” then the second one… it’s sure not going to be that easy. I thought we had guys do some things uncharacteristically, and just flat. You put it all together, and you get the USC game.”

The Illini Coach concluded, “So, we’ve got to get back, whether KJ is in the lineup or not, we got to get back to elevating each other on the offensive side, and playing much much harder, and more aggressively on the defensive side.”

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Kirkland Chappell

Kirkland is an expert source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.