As college basketball season approaches, Illinois coach Brad Underwood took the stage at Big Ten Media Days to share insights about his team and the upcoming season. Fans can sign up for a daily basketball newsletter from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey for more updates and analysis on Illinois and the world of college basketball.
Illinois Basketball Preview: Brad Underwood Addresses Media at Big Ten Media Days
As the 2022-23 college basketball season draws near, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood took the stage at Big Ten Media Days to provide insights about his team and the upcoming campaign.
Underwood's Optimism
Underwood expressed optimism for his squad, which returns four starters from last year's NCAA Tournament team. He highlighted the team's experience and leadership as strengths.
"We have a lot of experience coming back, and we have some really good leadership. I think we're a team that has a chance to compete for a Big Ten championship and make a run in the NCAA Tournament," Underwood said.
Key Additions
The Fighting Illini added several key transfers in the offseason, including Terrence Shannon Jr. (West Virginia) and Matthew Mayer (Baylor). Underwood believes these players will provide a significant boost.
"Terrence is a dynamic playmaker, and Matthew is a versatile wing who can shoot, pass, and defend," Underwood said.
Conference Outlook
Underwood expects the Big Ten to be one of the toughest conferences in the country, with several teams competing for the NCAA Tournament.
"The Big Ten is going to be really good this year. There's a lot of parity, and any team can beat any other team on any given night," Underwood said.
Fans' Expectations
Illinois fans have high expectations for the upcoming season after the team's success last year. Underwood acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in his team's ability to meet those expectations.
"We know there's a lot of excitement around this team, and we're excited to get started," Underwood said.
Top 5 FAQs Related to Illinois Basketball
1. Who are the team's key players to watch? A: Terrence Shannon Jr., Matthew Mayer, Kofi Cockburn
2. What are the team's strengths and weaknesses? A: Strengths: Experience, leadership; Weaknesses: Bench depth
3. How does the team fit into the Big Ten conference? A: Contender for Big Ten championship
4. What are the team's goals for the season? A: Big Ten championship, deep run in NCAA Tournament
5. What is the team's biggest challenge this season? A: Maintaining consistency and avoiding injuries
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