Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Who will benefit most from Underwood’s system?

By Zachary Leslie

Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) defends in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) shoots the ball as Michigan Wolverines guard Duncan Robinson (22) defends in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Everyone should know that the Illinois basketball team now has themselves a real head coach.

No, it is not Tony Bennett or Greg Marshall. However, it is a very talented coach with a nice track record as an assistant (Frank Martin and Bob Huggins) and as a head coach (Stephen F. Austin and OK State). Brad Underwood is the new coach of the Illini, and he brings a system that works with him to Champaign.

Underwood was only at Oklahoma State for one year, but he turned a 12-20 team into a 20-12 overall record and an NCAA tournament appearance. He took a team that was No. 306 in offensive efficiency to No. 6 in one season.

At Stephen F. Austin, people may remember his upsets over VCU and West Virginia. He was also 53-1 in conference play there, too. This guy wins, and he can flip a program around in only one season. Underwood is a highly respected head coach around the nation, and his system is highly coveted because it fits modern NBA play.

Who on this current roster will benefit the most? I have one specific candidate…

Jalen Coleman-Lands

Jalen Coleman-Lands came into this season having broken a record. He holds the record for most three-pointers made by a freshman in Illini history. The expectations are high for Coleman-Lands. He stumbled out of the gate this season, but still managed to prove he is among the best shooters in the country. He does often jack up crazy shots and turn the ball over, but in Underwood’s system, he should thrive.

Underwood needs shooters and Coleman-Lands certainly fits that bill. He will stretch the defense, and he has a quick release. This allows the Illini to get up a shot in the first seven seconds like Underwood wants.

Most people would probably expect him to not be a solid defender, but he really is. Coleman-Lands has developed into a capable defender which allows Underwood to give him some serious minutes. Now obviously he has work to do, though.

During the offseason, I would like to see him start to figure out how to cut well. This team will need backdoor cuts from the perimeter threats and Coleman-Lands should suffice.

If Coleman-Lands continues to stroke it well, he will find unlimited success in this new system. Adding Trent Frazier, Da’Monte Williams, Javon Pickett, and Mark Smith (hopefully) won’t hurt anything either.

All of these guards will be able to drive and get Coleman-Lands open looks. Oh, and don’t forget we still have Te’Jon Lucas. This team is going to put up points next season, and look for Coleman-Lands to be a big reason why.

Next: Illini showing heart is greatly appreciated

My bold prediction for Coleman-Lands next season is that he will finish with All-Big Ten Second-Team honors.

Home/Illinois Basketball