CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois basketball program gave its fans something to cheer about this holiday season, beating rather longtime rival the Missouri Tigers in St. Louis 97-73.
Just last year, the Tigers blasted Illinois 93-71, but this year's group appears to be a little different.
"I grew up watching a lot of Illinois games, and this team reminds me of the 1988-89 team with (Stephen) Bado and Kendall Gill when it comes to their size, athleticism and skill. They're one of the best teams we will play all season," Dennis Gates, head coach of Mizzou's men's basketball team, said.
How did Underwood and his staff do this? Let us be honest: coaches are vital, but players play the game. Illinois assistant coaches Geoff Alexander, Tim Anderson, Chester Frazier and Tyler Underwood are good at finding the right "fit" and fulfilling needs.
Anderson said to WQAD, "We have a special group this year; being connected is big, I love this team. Everyone is brought in, it doesn't matter who it is. Players hold each other accountable, but in a different way. It's great to be a part of this here at Illinois.”
Last week's performance has gotten the attention of the national media. Basketball analysts and companies ranked Illinois fifth in the country this week. It's the highest ranking since it received a number-one seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament.
Games are not played on paper, but this week it is ranked ninth in KenPom and tenth in BPI.
"I'm glad our program has received national attention. It's great our players and coaches have put in a lot of hard work. Our fanbase is great, they will let us know when we lose as well (laughter), but to me, they're the best," Anderson added.
In the world of the transfer portal, you can get players who sometimes don't work out.
"There's a lot of work to do. This time around I think we got it right. They may not be the flashy players, but they are older, they were starters on previous teams. When we recruited them they all had one goal in common, they said they wanted to win games,” he said.
Anderson was also thankful for the freedom head coach Brad Underwood has given the staff.
"What they don't see (is) what we do every day. He leads and he allows us to do what we do best. It's a special group and we don't take a day for granted," Anderson said.
Illinois fans got the holiday wish they wanted, by Illinois ending the Tigers’ four-game winning streak. Now the magical question is, can it erase the Sweet 16 drought?
Underwood said, "The Big Ten is tough, the goal is always to try to win Big Ten titles, but we want to be built for March."
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