3. Brad Underwood needs credit for the lineup change
We are in year eight of the Brad Underwood era. He has been a great coach for the Illinois basketball program, but he is not without flaws.
Throughout the years, there have been lineup issues with the Illini. Someone isn’t playing well, and a bench player is really coming along. During those times, I have called for Underwood to have a lineup change, but nothing happens. It is almost like he doesn’t listen to me. Weird.
In the last observations article, after the loss to Nebraska, I wanted a lineup change. I wanted to see something different, as not just one but three Illinois starters were struggling greatly.
I was shocked to see a lineup change on Sunday. Underwood decided to change things up and try to get some new chemistry and energy on the team. He changed his stripes, and that was needed greatly.
Against Ohio State, Underwood had Kylan Boswell and Ben Humrichous come off the bench. The Boswell benching was way more surprising, but I was a fan of both decisions.
Tomislav Ivisic was back after his health issues, so he started on Sunday. Underwood also shifted a bit and started Morez Johnson Jr. and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn. These two decisions were huge for Illinois. Those two young players bring so much energy to the Illini, and it shows on the basketball court.
I think Illinois found a spark with the lineup they went with against Ohio State, especially in the second half. Underwood has had issues in the past, but you have to give credit where credit is due. Underwood made changes, and Illinois came out victorious.