In some ways this is going to be a fun season given that we've just enjoyed a rise to national prominence and are coming off a 1 seed. I'm very much looking forward to it. It will be pivotal to the Underwood era for a number of reasons. Here's what's at stake:
- NCAA Tournament Reputation - Brad Underwood has never made it to the Sweet 16. People will forgive one big upset (Loyola) but with another Top 16 team this year Underwood needs to deliver in March Madness or he will get tagged as a coach that can't get it done. In a nutshell, this season is "Sweet 16 or bust."
- Fan engagement and NIL - Illini fans have bought into Brad Underwood. We have renewed rivalries with Michigan, Iowa, and Michigan State and other teams are talking about Illinois. Guys like Ayo, Kofi, and Curbelo are household names across college basketball. If this team contends for a Big Ten title and makes noise in the NCAAs, Illinois will be one of the most relevant teams in college basketball. The Illinois fanbase is hungry and if this team delivers the fans are going berserk. That will do amazing things for NIL potential for Illini players. We've already held off Kentucky for Kofi and we may be on even footing with the bluebloods for our top targets. If the fans lose confidence (it's still a fragile confidence, especially with the bad years still in our memory and the general football ineptitude.) then we could miss this unique moment to lead in NIL.
- Recruiting - We are going to have a ton of roster turnover after this season. The 2022 class is solid but incomplete. We're going to need a high-quality transfer big man and we want to do well so that every center across college basketball wants to be the next Kofi. We're also in on some studs in 2023. If those guys see Illinois as a legitimate contender for a national title (with a passionate fanbase willing to pay NIL $$$) then they will come here. If we land the 5* talent then this program is a perennial title contender. If this season is a bust then we're limited to guys ranked in the 50-150 range, which is good but not great.
- Player development - Everyone knows Kofi and Curbelo but whether this team is good or great will depend on the quality of the supporting cast. We are loaded up with potential but a lot depends on this new staff connecting with the entire roster and taking their game to the next level. Will the transfers make a name for themselves? Do the seniors keep adding to their game or do guys regress? Can we turn a 3* or 4* player into an NBA draft pick? Elite coaching staffs get elite results. Underwood has that potential here and if he exceeds expectations this year he will start being listed as one of the top coaches in the country. We know Underwood can build a winner but this year will tell us if he can sustain one.
