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Illinois' Brad Underwood Earns Coach of the Year Candidacy
Underwood's strategic adjustments and player development have propelled Illinois to an elite offensive season.
Feb. 21, 2026 at 6:03pm
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Illinois head coach Brad Underwood has been named to the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list, an honor he has more than earned this season. Underwood has led the Illini to historically elite offensive production, shifting the team's identity to a more surgical, efficient style while still maintaining their up-tempo identity. The emergence of freshman point guard Keaton Wagler as a lottery-pick talent has been a key part of the team's success, as has Underwood's ability to retain key veteran players like Jake Davis and Ben Humrichous in an era of high roster turnover.
Why it matters
Underwood's inclusion on the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list recognizes the remarkable job he has done in developing Illinois into one of the most efficient offenses in college basketball history. His ability to adapt the team's playing style and unlock the potential of young stars like Wagler, while also keeping veteran leadership in place, has been crucial to the Illini's rise.
The details
Illinois currently sits at No. 1 in KenPom's offensive efficiency metric with a 132.5 rating, the best mark since the stat began tracking in 2002. Underwood has shifted the team's identity to a slower, more surgical pace while maintaining their offensive firepower. The emergence of freshman point guard Keaton Wagler as a lottery-pick talent has been a key part of the team's success, as has Underwood's ability to retain veteran players like Jake Davis and Ben Humrichous.
- Underwood was named to the Naismith Coach of the Year watch list on February 20, 2026.
- Illinois suffered a Black Friday loss to UConn earlier this season, prompting Underwood to install Wagler as the primary point guard.
The players
Brad Underwood
The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team, who has led the program to historic offensive success this season.
Keaton Wagler
A freshman point guard for Illinois who has emerged as a lottery-pick talent after Underwood installed him as the team's primary ball-handler.
Jake Davis
A veteran player for Illinois who has stepped up in an expanded role this season, earning a potential starting spot for the remainder of the year.
Ben Humrichous
A veteran player for Illinois who has provided excellent defense and timely shooting, playing a crucial glue-guy role for the team.
What they’re saying
“If you don't see the goods with Keaton Wagler then I don't know what to tell you, any teams would want the ball in this guys hands, the poise, intelligence, elite shooting and crafty finishing aren't going to disappear because he doesn't have a 40' vert”
— Drew Norton
“This ended up being a critical hold for Brad. Dude = Dawg”
— Dariush Takhtehchian, M.D.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
