Could Illinois basketball add another marquee non-conference matchup?

Illinois basketball head coach Brad Underwood spent over 30 minutes with the media, answering questions about the upcoming season and offering insight into Illinois’ non-conference scheduling. He hinted at the addition of at least one more Power Conference opponent.

Illinois basketball has already scheduled five non-conference games against Power Conference programs: Texas Tech, Alabama, UConn, Tennessee, and Missouri. The matchup with Texas Tech will take place at the State Farm Center, while the Alabama game is set for the United Center in Chicago.

With two marquee non-conference games already set in the state of Illinois, it’s possible the next addition will be a true road game or another neutral-site contest. Based on past scheduling patterns, potential dates for an added matchup include December 2–3, December 9–10, or December 13.

Here are a few potential opponents and venues that would offer excitement and accessibility for Illinois fans:

Creighton in Kansas City:

Kansas City is a short drive from Creighton’s Omaha campus, making it a convenient neutral location. Both teams have high-powered offenses, and this matchup could easily turn into a shootout with both teams pushing the 100-point mark.

BYU in Kansas City or Denver:

Either location would serve as a reasonable midpoint between the two campuses. BYU enters the season with sky-high expectations, led by potential #1 NBA Draft pick AJ Dybantsa. This game would give fans a chance to see one of the most electrifying freshmen in the country.

Florida in Tampa Bay:

While the location would favor the Gators, Tampa’s Amalie Arena will host NCAA Tournament games this March (Rounds 1 and 2). Florida is the defending National Champion and is expected to enter the season ranked in the top 10. This matchup would offer a high-profile, tournament-caliber test.

Houston at the Toyota Center:

Like Tampa Bay, Houston will be a March Madness host site, set to feature the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. The Cougars have been one of the nation’s top programs in recent years. A rematch of the 2022 NCAA Tournament Round of 32 game between Illinois basketball and Houston would bring both intensity and intrigue.

Other programs that could make for compelling matchups include Baylor, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M.

Coach Underwood has made it clear he wants to continue scheduling high-quality opponents. It’ll be exciting to see who Illinois adds to an already loaded schedule.

He certainly isn’t backing down from building one of the toughest non-conference slates in the country.

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