How Brad Underwood was sold on Marcus Domask

Illinois basketball struck gold with Marcus Domask. After some productive years at Southern Illinois, Domask entered the transfer portal and briskly chose to commit to Brad Underwood and the Illini. Domask ultimately turned into one of the most memorable Illini basketball players in quite some time and served as the perfect second option behind superstar, Terrence Shannon Jr. However, Brad Underwood was on the Dan Dakich and discussed some characteristics that the Illini have looked for when recruiting players.

Underwood stated that they typically have four characteristics when recruiting and went on to share an interesting nugget regarding the recruitment of Marcus Domask.

Underwood was not sold right away.

“I didn’t want to take him. I watched film on him and I kept telling my staff, he’s a 6 ‘ 5″ power forward who can’t shoot. You guys got to convince me why we should take this kid. He was an average shooter but he was a power forward in the valley. We do a personality test and all of a sudden characteristics come back. Ultra competitor, win at all costs, great teammate, we find all these things out and said get him here now”

In his one year in Champaign, Domask averaged 15.9 ppg, 5.0 RPG, and 3.9 apg. He now plays a growing role with the Windy City Bulls, the G-league affiliate of the Chicago Bulls.

Brad Underwood didn’t initially want to take Marcus Domask last year…interesting nugget from his interview via The Dan Dakich Show #illini pic.twitter.com/cUAqkUbCBU

— 🆃ⓐ🅹🅷 ♕ (@Recru1t1ng_Guru) January 16, 2025

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