Lincoln Williams Earning High Praise from Brad Underwood After Joining Illinois

One thing Illinois basketball fans have learned over the years is that Brad Underwood isn’t afraid to put lofty expectations on his players. Sometimes those evaluations are met with skepticism.

Last summer, Underwood repeatedly praised freshman Keaton Wagler, calling him a special talent before he had ever played a college game. Plenty of fans questioned the hype at the time. Less than a year later, Wagler emerged as one of the nation’s top freshmen and an NBA Draft lottery pick.

Credit to Underwood.

So when the Illinois head coach recently mentioned Ayo Dosunmu while talking about incoming freshman Lincoln Williams, it was worth paying attention. No, Underwood wasn’t predicting Williams will become an All-American or one of the greatest players in program history. But he was highlighting something that made Dosunmu special from the day he stepped on campus. Competitiveness.

Lincoln Williams brings a competitive fire

Williams officially joined Illinois in June after one of the more unusual recruitments in the 2026 class. The Illini offered the Kankakee standout back in February 2024 and stayed involved throughout his recruitment, but academic hurdles delayed his path to Champaign.

Underwood and his staff waited until everything was in order before making Williams the final addition to one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.

“He ran into some challenges in high school,” Underwood said. “We had to wait and see and make sure that it was right. You guys know me by now. I’m not bringing anybody into the locker room or into our program that I think is going to be a distraction and/or present challenges.”

Once those issues were resolved, Illinois signed Williams in early June.

The 6-foot-5 guard had more than justified the patience, averaging 26 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks per game while leading Kankakee to a 29-2 record and earning first-team All-State honors.

The early returns in Champaign have only reinforced why the Illini stayed committed.

Williams’ adjustment to campus

“He’s been great here early,” Underwood said. “His attitude is terrific. His desire and want to be in the Illinois uniform is a big, big factor in him being here, but I love his talent and love his ability.”

Then came the comparison that should catch every Illinois fan’s attention.

“He plays with a chip on his shoulder,” Underwood said. “He’s got great competitive fire. He reminds me, in all fairness I don’t like comparing him, but Ayo when he got here. Just a competitive winner.”

Notice what Underwood emphasized. He compared Williams to Dosunmu because of his mentality.

Anyone who watched Dosunmu’s career at Illinois remembers how relentlessly competitive he was from the moment he arrived. He attacked every practice, every possession and every big moment with an edge that helped transform the Illini back into a national contender.

Underwood sees some of those same traits in Lincoln Williams. That doesn’t mean Williams will have Ayo’s career. Comparisons like that are unfair to any freshman.

But it does reveal how highly Underwood thinks of Williams’ makeup. Given his track record, it might be wise not to bet against him.

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