Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: 5 changes since John Groce was fired

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run on the court before a basketball game against the Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Illinois won 75-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders run on the court before a basketball game against the Missouri Tigers at Scottrade Center. Illinois won 75-66. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Illinois basketball
Dec 14, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the game against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1 Brad Underwood hiring

Since the Illinois basketball team fired John Groce, they needed to hire a new leader of this great program. That process was interesting for the fanbase to see play out.

There were many reports of potential head coaches throughout the time the position was available. I personally liked Gregg Marshall, but he clearly wasn’t the main man that Josh Whitman had his eye on.

I also saw reports of former Dayton and now current Indiana coach Archie Miller coming to an agreement with Whitman to be the next head coach. All of this information was wrong and the one guy that he tabbed as the next head coach was Brad Underwood.

Underwood came from Oklahoma State where he transformed a struggling team into an NCAA tournament program. He helped elevate players to their full potential and now he is tasked with doing the same with the Illinois program.

The hire by Whitman was excellent, in my opinion. Underwood has won everywhere he has been and that is what the Illini needed. They needed a winner and someone who can bring in talented players.

I am excited to see what Underwood can do with the current roster and the new players coming in. He has a bright future ahead of him and I believe this team will succeed.

Home/Illinois Basketball