Through Sickness & Health: Why Illinois Bench Arrives in March More Ready Than 2024

Illinois’ 2024 NCAA Tournament run to a regional final doesn’t likely happen without key reserve contributions and they arrive in March 2025 with a much more prepared bench.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 20, 2025

MILWAUKEE — If you’re forced to point to an advantage to the injuries and illness Illinois has been forced to endure in this 2024-25 season, it might very well show itself now.

At some point Friday night when No. 6 seed Illinois needs a lift off its bench, Illini head coach Brad Underwood will be able to point to multiple players . . .

 

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

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

Listen

May 2 - Hr1 - S4Ep38 - Stojakovic Selects Illinois

Listen

Andrej Stojakovic Selects the Fighting Illini - #480

Listen

Apr 25 - Hr2 - S4Ep37 - Illini Spring Football with Matt Stevens

Listen

Apr 25 - Hr1 - S4Ep37 - Illini Hoops, Golf & Bears News

Listen

Serbian PG Mihailo Petrovic Commits - #479

Listen

Portal Kombat – April 21, 2025 Edition - #478

Listen

Apr 18 - Hr2 - S4Ep36 - WNBA, NFL Draft & Masters

Listen

Apr 18 - Hr1 - S4Ep36 - Portal Kombat Updates - Hoops & Gridiron

Listen

Portal Kombat – April 13, 2025 Edition - #477

Listen

Apr 11 - Hr2 - S4Ep35 - Guests Galore

Listen

Apr 11 - Hr1 - S4Ep35 - Portal Kombat & Ballpark Food Recommendations

Listen

Portal Kombat – March 30, 2025 Edition - #476

Listen

Mar 28 - Hr2 - S4Ep33 - Illini Seasons End

Listen

Mar 28 - Hr1 - S4Ep33 - Illini Seasons End

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.