Underwood: Illinois Basketball Prepared for “Great Challenge”

Underwood: Illinois Basketball Prepared for “Great Challenge”

After locking down the 2024 Big Ten Tournament Championship, Brad Underwood’s crew is ready to battle on the road to Phoenix. The first stop on the Illinois Basketball postseason tour takes them west to Omaha Nebraska. A good scenario for the Illini faithful, in terms of location, as fans will be within relatively easy travel distance. A tough draw in the East region of the bracket however for Illinois, with the likes of UConn, Iowa State, and Auburn lurking. However, it’s March Madness. Everyone is good, and Illinois will need to be at the top of their game no matter what. Especially to break past that dreaded round of 32, into the Sweet 16 and beyond. First things first, however, as Brad Underwood prepares the red-hot Illini for a “Great Challenge” vs the OVC Champion Morehead State Eagles.

Preston Spradlin’s Eagles are soaring their way into March Madness. They enter the round of 64 with a 28-6 record, as well as a conference tournament title. A very good mid-major squad, that has a ton of excitement surrounding the program. Certainly, the type of sweetheart team that can sneak up on a high seed, and create the “Madness” that makes this tournament so special. Underwood is doing his work to ensure nothing of the sort comes to fruition.

Underwood Comments on The Team Health/Injuries

Coach Underwood spoke to the press on Wednesday and provided some injury/health updates ahead of Thursday’s matchup.

“I’m excited to be here with this group,” Underwood states. “We’re coming into this tournament, obviously off of the Big Ten Championship. I feel like it’s different than the past few years. This group is very healthy, we are playing our best basketball, I feel like we are whole.” Said the Illinois Basketball coach. “Which is something that, through the long course of a season, there’s always ups and downs, trials and tribulations, and so on. Sickness, injuries, whatever, you have to deal with that. I think we are in a very good place injury wise, I think we are in a good place with sickness and all that.

Coaches’ Comments on Morehead State

Underwood also spoke on Thursday’s matchup vs the Eagles from Morehead Kentucky.

“Omaha. I’ve been in this venue one other time, when I was in the tournament, back when I was an assistant at Kansas State.” Brad said. “It’s one of the great basketball cities, great venues, so we are really excited to be here.” stated the Illini coach. “We’ve got a great challenge tomorrow in Morehead State. Playing awfully well, earned the right to be here (Morehead State), extremely well coached and got a lot of respect for their program.

How to Win in March

Underwood was asked how this team plans to sustain a deep run in March, despite the recent history early exits. Simply stated, “They don’t know history,” says Illinois leader. “That’s only because you guys talk about it.” said Underwood. “This is a new group, a veteran group. It’s one game at a time, every day at a time. We have a saying, Everyday guys” says Brad. “Every great program, there’s been a ton of them that have ups and downs in the tournament. One of the reasons I like this group is that we are health, and that’s a big thing going into the NCAA tournament.” states Brad.

Of course, in reference to some of the random injuries and illnesses that seemed to have plagued Illinois in the tournament. Certainly, from a broken Ayo nose, to pink eye effecting your three point shooters, and more, Illinois had a streak of bad tourney luck.

“It’s one game at a time. I think you have to understand the abruptness of the end. This group’s old, I think they truly understand that” Quoted Underwood.

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