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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Penn State

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 18: Head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 18, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 05: Illinois Fighting Illini Head Coach Brad Underwood talks with Illinois Fighting Illini guard Andres Feliz (10) during the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini on February 5, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. I am not giving up on Brad Underwood

I see too many people thinking that I am giving up on Brad Underwood as the head coach of the program. That is not the case. Not yet, anyway. I think he deserves more time than he has been given.

I do have issues with Underwood, though. I think his rotations are off. I have stated this before, so there is no reason to rehash it. Summing up the rotations, play more freshmen and stop worrying about seniority.

The other issue I have with Underwood is his halftime adjustments or lack thereof. Illinois is doing well in the first half of game this season, but they continue to get trounced in the second half. They can’t close out games and this hurts the overall record.

I also realize this is year two of the Underwood regime. We had to put up with five years of the John Groce era in which he only made one NCAA tournament and that was on the backs of Bruce Weber’s players. Year two was a disaster, but Underwood should get more time.

Underwood also has a good class of 2019 coming in that will help fix a big hole in the team too. Getting Kofi Cockburn and Antwan January into the program should help put wins on the board. Underwood’s recruiting ability is proving to be solid.

Next. 2020 CB Dontae Manning receives Illini offer. dark

So, while I have issues with a few things that Underwood is doing, I still think he should get more time. Next season will really determine whether or not he should be the coach moving forward.

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