Illinois Coach Brad Underwood Vows Quick Return to Final Four

Underwood disappointed after loss, but says Illini won't wait 21 years to get back to national semifinals.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:52am

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After Illinois' 71-62 loss to UConn in the Final Four, head coach Brad Underwood expressed his disappointment but also his determination to quickly return the Illini to college basketball's biggest stage. Underwood, 62, said the program won't wait another 21 years like the gap between their last two Final Four appearances in 2005 and 2026.

Why it matters

Illinois' run to the 2026 Final Four was the program's first since 2005, ending a long drought for a team with a proud basketball history. Underwood's comments signal his intent to make the Final Four a regular occurrence for the Illini, rather than a rare occurrence, which will be crucial for maintaining the team's momentum and fan excitement.

The details

In his postgame remarks, Underwood acknowledged that he felt this year's Illini team was good enough to win the national championship, making the loss even more disappointing. However, he emphasized that the team just needs to 'keep knocking on the door' to eventually break through, noting the randomness and single-elimination nature of the NCAA Tournament.

  • Illinois last made the Final Four in 2005.
  • Underwood is in his 9th year as Illinois' head coach.

The players

Brad Underwood

The 62-year-old head coach of the Illinois men's basketball team, who led the Illini to their first Final Four appearance in 21 years.

Luther Head

A member of the Illinois team that last made the Final Four in 2005.

Dee Brown

A member of the Illinois team that last made the Final Four in 2005.

Deron Williams

A member of the Illinois team that last made the Final Four in 2005.

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What they’re saying

“We got Illinois back to the level where we're in Final Fours again. As long as I'm a ball coach, we better not take 21 damn years to get back.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Men's Basketball

“I feel sad. I'm sad. If you want to know the truth, I'm sad.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Men's Basketball

What’s next

Underwood and the Illini will look to build on this season's Final Four appearance and quickly return to college basketball's biggest stage.

The takeaway

Brad Underwood's comments show his determination to make the Final Four a regular occurrence for Illinois, rather than a rare achievement. After ending a 21-year drought, the coach wants to ensure the Illini don't wait that long again to reach the national semifinals, signaling his intent to maintain the program's momentum and fan excitement around the team.