Illinois' Brad Underwood Banking On Offense To Offset Defensive Learning Curve

Shandel Richardson | Jul 10, 2024

Mar 23, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood looks on during the second half against Duquesne Dukes in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports / Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood understands defense is the most difficult adjustment entering a season with so many new players.

The Illini have two starting lineups full of newcomers for next season but Underwood feels he has an edge in the preparation process.

They have plenty of offense. Lots of offense to speed the defensive learning curve.

"It's all going to fit together," Underwood. "There will be some growing pains. As I always say, the defensive side is the hardest side to learn but we feel like we've got a group that fits and that we're not going to have to search as much on the offensive side to those fits."

Incoming freshman Will Riley and transfers Ben Humrichous and Tre White should have no problem producing points. Another advantage for Underwood is fielding a group with so many experienced players.

Five have already produced at the Division I level. Riley, Morez Johnson and Jason Jakstys, who are all coming from high school, are capable of stepping in. The other two newcomers, Kasparas Jakucionis and Tomislav Ivisic, are international players with NBA talent

"That's the fun part," Underwood said. "I'd much rather have guys that have the talent to go do some things. We've got some European guys that have played at a very, very high level. That is a wealth of knowledge. The competition makes their transition a little bit easier." 

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

Follow our coverage and updates on Facebook

Twitter: @IlliniNowOnSI