Underwood on Illini’s NCAA Sweet 16 Drought: “I came here to win a national championship”

Days before his Illini program looks to end a 19-year drought of not reaching a NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood says that is not the postseason goal.

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer

March 18, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Joe Pickrell/IlliniGuys)

MINNEAPOLIS — It’s not as if Illinois head coach Brad Underwood needs to be reminded his program hasn’t won two straight NCAA Tournament games in nearly two decades. 

No, the reminder might actually be from the seventh-year head coach himself to the public that a Sweet 16 appearance is not the . . .

 

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

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Oakland 66-54 Post Game Analysis - #424

Listen

Michigan State Spartans at the Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview #423

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - How Long Will B1G & SEC Play Nice, Illini Hoops Update & B1G Football Tiers

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Southern Illinois Edwardsville 90-58 #422

Listen

Nov 8 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4Ep13

Listen

Nov 8 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4Ep13

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat the Eastern Illinois Panthers 112-67 #421

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Illini November Struggles, NIL Effects, B1G Officiating, Illini Men's BB Expectations & B1G FB Tiers

Listen

Minnesota Golden Gophers Defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini 25-17 – Post Game Analysis #420

Listen

Minnesota Golden Gophers Defeat the Illinois Fighting Illini 25-17 – Instant Take #419

Listen

Nov 1 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4Ep12

Listen

Nov 1 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4Ep12

Listen

Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview #418

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Is Oregon an Illini Turning Point, Illini Exhibition Reaction & B1G Football Tiers

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Basketball Exhibition Loss vs Ole Miss #417

Listen