Illinois Coach Underwood Outlines Keys for NCAA Tournament Success

Illini need to improve 3-point shooting and defensive rebounding to make deep run, says head coach.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 2:08pm

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After Illinois secured a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament, head coach Brad Underwood outlined the keys for his team to make a deep run in the Big Dance. Underwood said the Illini need to shoot the ball better from 3-point range and improve their defensive rebounding, areas that have been issues for the team in recent games. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity for the full 40 minutes, especially when the team is making shots, to avoid the defensive lapses that have hurt them in crucial moments this season.

Why it matters

Illinois is looking to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament after a somewhat uneven finish to the regular season. Underwood's comments highlight the specific areas the team needs to shore up in order to advance and potentially make a Final Four appearance, which would be a major accomplishment for the program.

The details

Underwood said the Illini need to improve their 3-point shooting and defensive rebounding to have success in the tournament. Illinois has been a strong offensive rebounding team, ranking third in the country, but has struggled more on the defensive glass, sitting at 37th nationally. The coach also stressed the importance of maintaining focus and intensity for the full 40 minutes, noting that the team's lapses have often come when they are making shots.

  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament bracket was officially set on Sunday evening.
  • Illinois landed the No. 3 seed in the South Region.

The players

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team.

John Blackwell

A player who secured an offensive rebound that allowed Wisconsin to survive against Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“It'd be nice to shoot the ball a little better. I think we've got a group that can really do that. We haven't been great the last couple games from three.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach

“I think defensive rebounding. I think it's one possession. I don't think it's a lot. I think we're doing a lot of things really well. I was frustrated with our rebounding the last couple games in terms of just being nasty enough to go snatch a ball.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach

“It's just sustainability for 40 minutes. We can't take plays off and have lapses – especially when we make shots. That's when our lapses have happened. But I think we're in a good spot. And had a great practice yesterday. And we've addressed that. And we'll get that handled.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach

What’s next

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The takeaway

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