INDIANAPOLIS — A key factor in the recruiting process for Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is whether a player can pass the “personality test.”
“I hope I’m not known for wins and losses,” Underwood said. “I hope I’m known for impacting people’s lives and creating memories.”
In making that impact, Underwood instilled a level of competitive spirit in his players that can never be questioned. The use of those tests has certainly paid off, and as a result, the Illini locker room is tightly knit and full
of winners. It’s a unique group of guys that enjoy time around one another and share similar qualities: driven, high-character and focused on the process.
After a stretch of demoralizing losses in February, it seemed as if this Illini roster had lost the sense of unity that saw them win 12 straight games earlier in the season. After Illinois’ overtime loss to Wisconsin in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, veteran guard Kylan Boswell saw an opportunity to turn things around. Boswell hosted a team meeting at his apartment, reinforcing the core principles and encouraging his team to find that togetherness.
It was found at the perfect time. In return, the Fighting Illini see themselves in the Final Four for the first time since 2005.
Now, although the Fighting Illini have already fallen victim to the Huskies this season (74-61 at Madison Square Garden), Illinois fans expect this one to be a completely different game. Both teams’ rotations look a lot different than they did in late November. At Madison Square Garden, Mihailo Petrovic played 18 minutes and Brandon Lee played 11. Keaton Wagler only played 14, David Mirkovic only played 18 and Jake Davis only played eight.
March’s version of the Illini, however, includes those three names in the starting lineup. This version is also run through Big Ten Freshman of the Year Keaton Wagler and anchored by freshman forward David Mirkovic. It also can unleash a monster from the bench in Andrej Stojakovic.
“He likes the comfort of seeing the game for a few minutes and knowing where his opportunities are when he comes in,” Underwood said.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley texted Underwood after the two teams faced off in New York, asking Underwood to meet up once they reached Indianapolis. If Hurley thought that version of the Illini was worthy of a Final Four appearance, he’s in for a rude awakening come Saturday night.
Since that game, UConn’s senior big man Tarris Reed Jr. has developed into a monster on the glass and in the paint. Reed only tallied two points in November’s matchup but just exploded for 26 points, nine rebounds and four blocks in the Sweet 16 win over Duke.
Illinois will need to put its size to use and match the Huskies’ physicality for the entirety of the game to slow down Reed Jr. on the glass. Mirkovic will likely lead that charge, having grabbed 44 rebounds throughout the NCAA Tournament so far.
Freshman guard Braylon Mullins, who just produced a moment that’ll go down in March Madness history, had only two points in the first matchup. Now, the Huskies freshman has turned into a legit 3-point threat.
Grabbing a double-digit victory over Iowa while shooting 17% from deep was confirmation that this roster can win in the mud through defense, rebounding and interior scoring. But that motor will be put to the test against a much heftier opponent at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.
Even though Illinois managed to take care of Iowa, three triples won’t cut it against a UConn team that has won its last seven matchups against Big Ten opponents dating back to 2022. The Illini don’t need to be perfect, but they must find a way to knock some triples down.
