Illinois fans are ecstatic for Brad Underwood after Illini reach third Final Four

Indianapolis, here come the Illini!

After 21 years, Illinois fans have waited long enough for a return to the Final Four, but the Fighting Illini are back after a hard-fought 71-59 win over Iowa. The last time Illinois was in the Final Four, the Illini reached the national championship game under Bruce Weber before losing to North Carolina.

Illinois reached the Final Four for the third time in school history

Kealon Wagler led the way again with 25 points. He was only 2-of-7 on 3-pointers, but he went 6-of-10 on two-point shots and most importantly, 7-of-7 from the line as the Illini were able to create some distance late in the second half behind solid free-throw shooting.

Brad Underwood joined Weber and Lou Henson as Illinois coaches that have reached the Final Four. Underwood started his career coaching at Daytona Beach Community College and has been working to this point for his nine seasons at the helm and was reflective in his post-game comments.

"You're only as good as the people you have around you. I'm blessed at home, I've been fortunate to be around great mentors, great coaches. I've just bided my time, found a group that's magical... we're living the dream," Underwood said.

Illinois fans celebrate a third Final Four appearance

Whatever criticisms Illinois fans may have had about Underwood in the past, it doesn't match the sheer joy they feel right now about a basketball program that has battled and fought its way back to prominence.

If there was ever a story that the journey is worth destination it's with Underwood. He has taken the hard road to get to college basketball's biggest stage, and he has a team of players that have taken on his identity. Now they have a week to recover before the fun begins all over again.