Brad Underwood Named Illini Basketball Coach

Status
Not open for further replies.
#551      
Sorry that isn't true. Frank Martin and Dalonte Hill were the chief recruiters for those guys. Hill had some legal problems which led him out of coaching but he was a tremendous recruiter along with Martin. Underwood is X and O guy

Makes even more sense that way because ksu also ran spread when Underwood was there. Maybe like the "OC" of that team.
 
#552      
I agree with everything you posted, but have a comment on the "dynamic recruiter" aspect.

I have no first hand experience with recruiting. I imagine the head coach role is different than the assistants' role. I imagine the head coach sells a vision, sells a future, etc. The assistant generates the leads, develops trust, cultivates the relationships, etc.

I don't think BU needs to have Groce like soft skills to be a dynamic recruiter. I think he needs to sell how the recruits will fit his scheme to their own best interest. If we have a staff that can work together in that regard I expect great recruiting.

Assistants help a lot, they do a lot of the ground work. But when it comes to relationships, the HC is even more important. Recruiting has changed, the emergence of the powerful national AAU programs has changed the landscape. Just having an ace recruiting assistant, like in the 80s, is not enough.
 
#554      
Assistants help a lot, they do a lot of the ground work. But when it comes to relationships, the HC is even more important. Recruiting has changed, the emergence of the powerful national AAU programs has changed the landscape. Just having an ace recruiting assistant, like in the 80s, is not enough.

Fair enough. Honest question - why was Groce the bridesmaid? Lack of success on the court the preceding year? "Grey" areas? Never having met Groce, just based on following the team I don't think he has leadership skills, and I think people instinctively follow leaders. I always thought he made the connection on a personal level but couldn't sell the vision.
 
Last edited:
#555      
Congrats on the great hire guys. Was hoping you guys would hire Holtmann but Underwood should have you back to the national stage just as quickly
 
#559      

Ryllini

Lombard
The only way Jerrance gets a chance at UI in 6 years is if Underwood fails. And if Underwood fails and Jerrance is on his staff, his chances deduce to zero.

His chances of getting a HC position at some other school are much better at KU (a blue blood) under a HOF coach. Illinois makes zero sense and actually a move to UI would decrease his chances. I doubt he wants to wait six years, but knowing him personally, he will wait for the right opportunity.



If you imply that Norm Roberts is the top assistant, that is because Norm Roberts has been with Self as a loyal assistant for a gazillion years. Norm has failed miserably though at 2 HC stints, so no, he is not getting another opportunity before Jerrance. It is quite possible that Norm Roberts may never become a HC again, he is not that marketable as HC. But a really good assistant.



LOL... Jerrance Howard had been the heart and soul of Illinois for so many years. He has to come back to learn what the Illini culture is??? Are we crazy here?

Come back for what? Get a chance to become an assistant again at a lower ranked school (UI vs. KU) under a lower ranked coach? No offense, I hope Brad Underwood becomes a huge success, but he is not exactly Bill Self. C'mon... Yet, your statement is to get a chance to coach at UI in 6 years? How?

He may have been the heart and soul, but what exactly is our culture? We had a nice run with Lou pre sanctions, 2 coaches that used us as a stepping stone, and 2 coaches that moved the needle down. You know him personally, but if his heart should still bleed orange and blue and he believes in BU and is asked to come join, he should come. He isn't exactly in any rumor mills being on the KU staff is he? I would say as it stands now he has just about as much to lose. After six years here under BU or Self, that would put him at close to 20 years of coaching experience, he will land on his feet. By the way, he would still be in his early 40's.
 
#560      

Illiini

In the land of the Nittany Lion
This Underwood is an elite type.






OK, it's a pun only those of a certain age will understand. Again, I crack myself up. :D

.
 
#563      

Illiini

In the land of the Nittany Lion
We don't know what's coming down the pica, but I'm thrilled that we've handed Underwood the keys.

Well, we're not starting with a completely clean sheet, but let's hope for a ribbon of success to return.
 
#565      

whitesxfan2012

Orange & Blue tweety bird
Louisville, KY
:hailtotheorange:Is everybody feeling good this morning?
The fun times have arrived.

The culture of the Illinois Athletics Department has vastly changed and dramatically improved. The positivity is spreading and Josh Whitman is the "grand slam" who is responsible for all these supporting cast members.

B-Wood is exactly the kind of guy Illinois basketball needs and more importantly the kind of guy Illinois fans deserve.

:hailtotheorange:
 
#567      

Deleted member 4960

D
Guest
Welcome Brad Underwood! Keep this recruiting class and turn these young men into winners. Can't wait to see an offense that generates lay ups!
 
#568      

SycIllini

Sycamore, Illinois
So is Underwood at the game Monday? In the stands or out of sight?
 
#570      
Good coach but lets be truthful it will all comedown to his ability to recruit and make at least some inroads in Chicago. I think a bigger key though may be to lock down the rest of the state Peoria, Springfield and the St. Louis suburbs. Chicago will always be tough as they really don't see themselves as a part of Illinois and don't tend to grow up as Illini fans
 
#571      
:hailtotheorange:Is everybody feeling good this morning?
The fun times have arrived.

The culture of the Illinois Athletics Department has vastly changed and dramatically improved. The positivity is spreading and Josh Whitman is the "grand slam" who is responsible for all these supporting cast members.

B-Wood is exactly the kind of guy Illinois basketball needs and more importantly the kind of guy Illinois fans deserve.

:hailtotheorange:

Good choice of words, whitesox. No longer will see any Charmin-soft mental makeup from our team. There will be nights that the shots won't fall and the team will be on the wrong side of the score. But I guarantee Underwood's teams will always come in well-prepared and will be relentless.

Self can say all he wants, but he knows the biggest threat to his consecutive title streak wasn't Drew, Weber (ha), Smart or any other.....it was Brad Underwood.:chief:
 
#572      

Trakis

Chicago, IL
Good morning, Illini. Today is a good day.
 
#573      

The Pontiff

Chicago, IL
Looks like there were signs as far back as March 8th [emoji6]

https://twitter.com/julesluttrull/status/839645633594142721


Actually, on Mar 12 there was a sign. Can't find the video or the original post from here (I think), but someone had posted that during Underwood's interview on Selection Sunday, he had mentioned he had only seen Michigan twice with the last being their first round game in the B1G tournament on Mar 9.

Why would a coach watch a tape of an IL/MI game before he knew Michigan was his first round foe?
 
#574      

ivwilsoniv

Aurora, IL
Actually, on Mar 12 there was a sign. Can't find the video or the original post from here (I think), but someone had posted that during Underwood's interview on Selection Sunday, he had mentioned he had only seen Michigan twice with the last being their first round game in the B1G tournament on Mar 9.

Why would a coach watch a tape of an IL/MI game before he knew Michigan was his first round foe?

I thought everyone watches Illinois basketball?! That's what I've been telling my wife at least.
 
#575      
Josh Whitman, man. Competent and delivers.

Feels good to have stability. Thanks JW.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.