Insights On Illinois Fighting Illini revamp with top NBA prospects and a familiar face

Men’s basketball took the spotlight at the Big Ten Media Days, with the Illinois Fighting Illini entering the season brimming with confidence after their impressive March run in 2024.

However, this year’s roster is set for a major transformation.

Gone are key players like Terrance Shannon Jr., Marcus Domask, and Coleman Hawkins.

Following a lopsided defeat to the UConn Huskies in the Elite 8, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood realized it was time to elevate the talent level of the program.

“If that was a national championship-caliber team, we needed to improve and get better,” Underwood stated. “We’re aiming for a national championship.”

With nearly a dozen newcomers joining the ranks, Underwood is feeling optimistic.

The Illini are stacked with projected NBA first-round talent, including Will Riley and Kasparas Jakucionis, along with Arizona transfer Kylan Boswell, a skilled point guard.

“This is the most talented roster I’ve ever been part of,” said Ty Rodgers, one of only two returning players from last season.

The new recruits are eager to adapt to Underwood’s intense coaching style and learn to work cohesively as a unit.

“He’s intense. I love Coach Brad, but he’s intense,” Rodgers remarked. “He truly wants the best for us and implements strategies to help us win. His resume speaks for itself.”

When asked how this team compares to last year’s, Underwood confidently replied, “We have a higher ceiling, for sure—I’ve been saying that since June.”

He’s excited about the offense, noting their size and shooting capabilities. Underwood believes they are grasping the offensive strategies quite well.

However, he expressed concerns about the defense, pointing out their youth and lack of toughness. Taking charge of the situation, he declared, “Right now, a seventh-grade team could score a ton on us. We need to improve.”

“Tonight at 5:30 PM, after Media Days, we’ll have a focused practice on defense,” Underwood added.

Though he has raised concerns about the defense, Underwood’s program has achieved the most Big Ten wins over the past five seasons and has earned respect in the media.

Despite the roster overhaul, the Big Ten preseason poll predicts Illinois will finish 4th in the conference.

“Now we need to prove it,” Underwood emphasized. “This group must recognize the pressure and expectations, but I’ve told them we’ll embrace that challenge.”

Moreover, the Illini might have a new fan favorite on campus in Boswell, who brings solid defense and exceptional three-point shooting, having hit 39% from beyond the arc last season at Arizona.

A Champaign native, Boswell grew up watching the team and felt compelled to return after Underwood’s relentless recruitment in the past.

“It’s truly special to come back home and see the team continue to improve over the years,” Boswell shared.

Illinois kicks off their season on November 4th against the Eastern Illinois Panthers.