Coach Brad Underwood is already focused on the future of his Illinois program, beginning this season with a renewed approach and goals aimed at achieving another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
To accomplish this, Illinois needs to successfully navigate its nonconference schedule. Unusually, their non-Big Ten games conclude in mid-February with a neutral site matchup against Duke at Madison Square Garden on February 22, broadcast on FOX.
Underwood remarked on Wednesday at Atkins Golf Club that arranging a schedule for a team like Illinois, particularly facing a top program like the ACC’s Blue Devils during the Big Ten season, is more challenging than it appears. He also noted his preference for a home-court atmosphere to enhance his team’s chances of victory, highlighting the coordination needed with both conferences to make this game happen.
At the time of reporting, conference schedules for the regular season are still being finalized.
“Every team has its own approach,” Underwood mentioned while discussing scheduling logistics. “We sell out the State Farm Center, and I’ve always said that I want to host major games here in Champaign. It’s important to reward our fans, and having these games on campus is great for college basketball. I will continue to advocate for those marquee matchups—at least one or two each year, depending on availability. We are planning ahead to ensure we have strong opponents lined up.”
Illinois’ nonconference schedule includes several teams with tournament experience, such as Arkansas during Thanksgiving, Tennessee in December, and the annual “Braggin’ Rights Game” against Missouri in St. Louis.
The Illini will kick off the season on November 4 against Eastern Illinois at State Farm Center. Their first road challenge will be against Alabama on November 20 in Birmingham, having reached the Final Four last season.
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