Playing With Steph Curry-Like Confidence Key For Illinois' Marcus Domask

Illinois guard Marcus Domask refuses to give up on his shot even when it's not falling

Illinois guard Marcus Domask did not have the best of opening in the Big Ten tournament. 

He shot just 3 of 16 but never let it deter him from shooting. Domask finished strong by averaging 20 points the final two games, including 26 against Wisconsin in the title game. 

"It's just basketball," Domask said. "People have off nights. Steph Curry has off nights. When I have an off night, I just remind myself that Steph, the greatest shooter ever, has off nights. It's just on to the next play, next possession and you just keep playing with confidence."

COLD TUB PIC EXPLAINED 

On Saturday, the Illini went viral after their social media account posted a photo of the team that included a shirtless Brad Underwood 

"I didn't know I looked that good with my shirt off," Underwood said a day later after clinching the championship versus Wisconsin. "I actually cold tub every day. We're fortunate we've got one in our practice facility. I'm a big fan."

UNDERWOOD READY TO COMPETE FOR TITLES

The question caught Illinois coach Brad Underwood off guard. He was asked if he was ready for a breakthrough by making the Sweet 16. 

Underwood said his goals are far greater. 

"It's not about checking a box," Underwood said when asked about the Sweet 16. "I came here to win a national championship ... We've had unfortunate draws. I think we've had some tough draws. Every program has had these moments you get upset, maybe don't play as well ... I think we're going in, in a place we're as healthy as we've been and we're playing well. This team doesn't know anything about any of that."

Cool Tub Pic Shows How Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Relates To Players

 Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com