Former Illini in College Basketball '25-26
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He went back home when he found out that his dad was having major health issues. Skyy was really close to his dad, Kenny Clark, who use to play wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Kenny Clark eventually passed away last May.
I also think Epps outplaying him made it easy to leave. I think if he was simply better he’d have stayed.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
That might have been Underwood's finest coaching job. That team was a total mess positionally, strategically and culturally, had this crazy blow-up in the middle of the season, looked like they were all ready to just quit and never speak to each other again, and somehow scrambled together 11-9 in the Big Ten and safely above the bubble on Selection Sunday.
You remember the game where BU sat on the bench during halftime instead of being in the locker room coaching halftime adjustments? A tough look and a tough year.
The reason they got in were the Texas and UCLA wins (both 2seeds). IIRC, the downfall of that team — from a culture standpoint — happened after the Penn State game. However, by that point they’d already secured those two wins.
Take away either of them and I’m not sure we get in. 2 Quad 1 wins the entire season.
RabidDawgClassic
- Los Angeles, CA
What a difference this year vs that year makes as far as Brad’s blood pressure is concerned. He seems almost zen like this season and I think it’s fair to assume it’s because of the makeup, culture and BB IQ of the team. That Skyy/Epps/Mayer team had a ton of dysfunction.
Also seems like maybe some less drama in the coaching staff as well (although the same staff did fine the following season)? As much as I'm a fan of Frazier and always liked Tim Anderson, I have to assume those situations were stressful for Underwood. Seems like things are a lot more stable there now? Or at least we're not hearing otherwise.
Speaking of which, has Anderson still not taken another coaching gig? I'm pretty surprised by that.
I believe Tim attended our senior night, but yeah... unsure why he isn't coaching anywhere, seemed like a lot of people thought he was kind of a big deal in the coaching world. Did he lose some influence in certain spaces? I'm genuinely curious about him too.
TheDukeUIUC
- Twin Cities, MN
Im guessing that some outside observers saw the way he decided to sit out during a year with high aspirations and pout about salary as a negative.
Tacomallini
- Washington State
Lieb and ISU in NIT semifinals vs Auburn 4/2
Hell of an accomplishment to make the NIT semis after their rough end to the season. They kinda looked like hot garbage against Dayton, who shot 3/25 from three and was without their best player for most of it, but it's still amazing to see an MVC team make it this far.
It’s the year of the Redbirds.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
Wow, good for him, I didn't realize he was still playing.
He's become the productive mid-major rotation guy we suspected he could be.
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