Smith: Illini, Underwood Ready For Greatest Test Yet

By Larry Smith - Co-Host & Executive Producer, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

Illinois coach Brad Underwood has used a number of high-pressure tests to form his roster into what he hopes will be a Big Ten - and national - championship contender. (Photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

December 26, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Six years ago, the Illini men's basketball team woke up on Christmas morning to find little more than coal waiting for them under the stat tree.

Illinois went into the 2018 holiday season with a paltry 4-8 record after a double-digit loss to hated rival Missouri in the annual . . .

 

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

Whitman's Illini State of the Nation & the NBA Draft - 6.27.25 - S4Ep46

Listen

Zach Hamer Illini Asst BB Coach Talks KJ, Will & the NBA Draft - #486

Listen

Illini FB Recruiting Update, If Illini FB was a Movie & NIL & NBA Draft "What If" #485

Listen

Illini BB International Players & Cearah Parchment the newest IlliniGal - 6.20.25 - S4Ep45

Listen

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

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.