Former Illini Coach Lon Kruger Cheers on Final Four Run, Son Kevin's Involvement

Kruger reflects on his family's time in Champaign and praises the culture and success of the current Illinois team.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the action and intensity of a college basketball game, conveying the spirit of the Illini's successful tournament campaign.A cubist interpretation of the energy and movement of a high-stakes college basketball game, reflecting the Illini's dynamic Final Four run.Champaign Today

Former University of Illinois men's basketball head coach Lon Kruger shared his thoughts on the Fighting Illini's Final Four run this year, praising the team's culture, coaching, and his son Kevin's involvement as an assistant coach. Kruger, who coached at Illinois from 1996-2000, said he's proud to see the program's success under current head coach Brad Underwood, who he has a connection to through their shared history at Kansas State.

Why it matters

Kruger's comments provide an interesting perspective from a former Illini coach who has a personal connection to the current team through his son Kevin. As a respected figure in college basketball, Kruger's endorsement of the program's culture and direction under Underwood carries weight and underscores the continued success of the Illinois basketball program.

The details

Lon Kruger, who was the head coach of the Fighting Illini from 1996-2000, spoke highly of the current team and head coach Brad Underwood, saying 'The culture there is so good, and what Brad has got going is so good.' Kruger also discussed his son Kevin, who is currently an assistant coach for the Illini after briefly attending Centennial High School in Champaign. Kruger said his son 'had such good memories, he loved his time in Champaign, and of course Brad and his staff were great to him.' Additionally, Kruger praised the team's style of play, noting their ability to 'move the ball, they make the extra pass, they protect the rim, [and have] great rebounding' - qualities he believes have been key to their deep tournament run.

  • Lon Kruger was the head coach of the Fighting Illini from 1996-2000.
  • Kevin Kruger, Lon's son, has been the Assistant to the Head Coach with Illinois since July 2024.

The players

Lon Kruger

A former head coach of the University of Illinois men's basketball team, who coached the Illini from 1996-2000.

Brad Underwood

The current head coach of the University of Illinois men's basketball team.

Kevin Kruger

The son of Lon Kruger, who is currently an assistant coach for the University of Illinois men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'The culture there is so good, and what Brad has got going is so good. And to see him have success and go to the Final Four and all that, it couldn't be better.'”

— Lon Kruger, Former Fighting Illini Head Coach

“'He had such good memories, he loved his time in Champaign, and of course Brad and his staff were great to him.'”

— Lon Kruger, Former Fighting Illini Head Coach

“'His wife Allison grew up in Champaign and went to the U of I, so it was kind of a going home for her and for Kevin in a way as well. It worked out great and I'm looking forward to the weekend now.'”

— Lon Kruger, Former Fighting Illini Head Coach

“'Watching them is a little bit of a throwback. They move the ball, they make the extra pass, they protect the rim, great rebounding. All those things that you want in a team to have a chance to go a Final Four certainly existed, but then they had to step up, execute and win some tough games along the way, and they've done that. They're very deserving.'”

— Lon Kruger, Former Fighting Illini Head Coach

The takeaway

Lon Kruger's positive reflections on his family's time in Champaign and his praise for the current Illinois basketball program under Brad Underwood highlight the continued success and strong culture of the Fighting Illini. Kruger's endorsement of the team's style of play and his son Kevin's involvement as an assistant coach add an interesting personal dimension to the Illini's Final Four run.