It has been a roller coaster of a season for the Illinois basketball program, and there is no clear stop in sight.
The Illini have seen some pretty high highs this season, but we have also been to the depths of confusion on why this team is losing games. At times it feels like Illinois can win the national championship, but there are also times when I think we would struggle to win the MAC.
This season could end up resulting in Illinois falling in the first round of the NCAA tournament or we could make a magical run to at least the second weekend. It all depends on what Illinois basketball team shows up in that particular game.
No one really knows how this roller coaster is going to end or when it will come to an end. There is one thing we know for certain. Brad Underwood has done a good job building the Illinois basketball program.
Brad Underwood is in some rarified air when it comes to coaching the Illinois basketball team
Listen, I know there are issues with Underwood. I have my own issues with him. I would like Dain Dainja to play more. I want to see more playing time from the freshmen. And when in the world are we going to win in the postseason?
While all of those issues, and more, are still on the table, that should not take away from the good work Underwood has done for this program and the fanbase.
On Saturday, in what was a terrifying win for Illinois 95-85, Underwood helped lead the Orange and Blue to the 20th win of the season. With the victory, Illinois has now had five straight 20-win regular season campaigns with Underwood at the helm.
In five seasons under John Groce, Illinois managed one such season. Bruce Weber had five 20-win regular seasons in nine seasons as the head coach of the Illini. Bill Self and Lon Kruger didn’t make it five seasons.
You have to go back to Lou Henson to find the last Illinois basketball coach to have five straight regular seasons of 20 or more wins. Henson had nine straight regular seasons of 20 or more wins from 1982-83 through 1990-91.
If you take a step back and look at everything, Underwood has done a pretty good job at Illinois. He is recruiting well, as he has had and continues to have top recruits come into the program. Illinois is seeing regular season success with a regular season Big Ten crown. We have also won the Big Ten Tournament.
The only thing to check off on Underwood’s coaching resume is a deep NCAA tournament run. That could come in the next few years. As of right now, it is time to acknowledge the success Underwood has had as the head coach of the Illini. Five straight 20-win regular seasons is something we haven’t seen in over 30 years. It is time to give Underwood his flowers.