Illini Basketball Parents: Getting Exactly What They Signed Up For

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

January 4, 2025

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has revitalized a basketball program that was teetering on the brink of irrelevance under former head coach John Groce, who led the team from 2012 to 2017. Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman decided it was time for a change.

Enter Underwood—a beacon of hope for the Illini. On the court, Underwood portrays a tough, no-nonsense persona, signaling that when you face Illinois, you'd better come prepared to battle . . .

 

Premium Members Only. Please Subscribe To View The Full Article

  • One-stop destination for Illini sports news, analysis and interactive contents.
  • Weekly podcasts including "Sturdy for 30" and "I on the Illini"
  • Illini Guys Zoom Calls" during games and special events
  • Special appearances by "Illini Legends" and other national sports personalities
  • Video breakdowns and game analysis
  • Owned, managed and run by diehard Illini fans for Illini fans everywhere

Podcasts

Illini FB Recruiting Blitz & House Settlement Implications - 6.13.25 - S4Ep44

Listen

Illini Update Featuring 3-Star Illini WR Commit Kenyon Alston - #484

Listen

Illini Hoops & Football Schedules, Illini HOF Voting & More - 6.6.25 - S4Ep43

Listen

FB Portal Thoughts, Expectations, BB Update & for the 1st Time in My Life...#483

Listen

May 30 - Hr2 - S4Ep42 - Illini Recruiting, NBA Draft, Caitlin Clark & More

Listen

May 30 - Hr1 - S4Ep42 - FB & BB Contracts, FB & Golf Update & Brian Barnhart

Listen

May 23 - Hr2 - S4Ep41 - French Open, Indiana Pro Hoops & Softball

Listen

May 23 - Hr1 - S4Ep41 - Illini FB Recruiting, Golf and Track

Listen

High School Recruiting Takes the Spotlight - #482

Listen

May 16 - Hr2 - S4Ep40 - Chicago Sky, ACC Issues & Northwestern Stadium

Listen

May 16 - Hr1 - S4Ep40 - Coaching Contracts, NBA Draft, Football & Golf Updates

Listen

Bielema and Underwood Earn Contract Extensions - #481

Listen

May 9 - Hr2 - S4Ep39 - Saban, Podziemski & White Sox Struggles

Listen

May 9 - Hr1 - S4Ep39 - Illini Golf, Adkins Golf Club & Illini Recruit JC Anderson

Listen

May 2 - Hr2 - S4Ep38 - Kentucky Derby and NFL Draft Wrap

Listen

Subscriber Testimonials:

"I am a member of three different paid sites, [but] I wanted to tell you that the collective insight from the leadership of this place is second to none.  
 
It is remarkable how often I feel like I know what is going to happen before it happens. I am so appreciative of the obvious hard work that you guys are giving ....
 
You guys, in a short time, have shown me that you are the best at what you do."
Join the conversation here!

Not a member? Join our mailing list:

© 2025 LMBC Sports, LLC. All rights reserved. 

Use of any part of this site constitutes express acceptance of the Site Terms. LMBC Sports, LLC, including its Illini Guys website, is an independent media organization, and is not affiliated with the University of Illinois.