Underwood is a student of the game and I believe he has implemented superior schemes on both offense and defense.
The NBA has led the way in the modernization of basketball with the 3-point/layup/free throw only optimal shot charts. Pace and space. The “booty ball” iso game was a backup strategy last year but KJ is finally the point guard he’s always wanted to run this offense.
On defense the optimal strategy is the inverse of the offense’s. Limit 3PA, don’t foul, protect the rim.
For roster construction, you want 5 shooters on offense and positional size on both ends. You also want to have everyone playing their natural positions.
The only suboptimal part of this roster is the youth and lack of continuity. That will matter less in March and the goal is to make the Final Four with a shot at the title.
I don’t know if it will pan out in the end but the basic theory behind this roster is fantastic. That is why the ceiling of this team is so high. We have a built-in schematic and roster advantage like none I’ve seen before at Illinois.
