Good Morning, Illini Nation: Different Final Four perspectives
Apr. 1—Illinois' Brad Underwood and Connecticut's Dan Hurley are coming at the Final Four from opposite directions. Underwood will be coaching in the first Final Four of his career.
Hurley is in his third after winning an NCAA championship in 2023 and 2024. Paths that provide different perspective on the next biggest game of their careers. "I've said it many times," Underwood said.
"Coaches win games. I've got a great, great staff that makes me look good. We've been able to assemble a group of players that I love coaching.
Administrators win championships. It's having that support and people that fight for you and make it possible. We play in the best league in the country, so anything's possible when it comes to winning a national championship.
"I've never doubted us getting to a Final Four would happen. I have thought we have had other teams capable, but I also know how doggone hard it is to do it. " Hurley's latest Final Four team hasn't had the same kind of run as his title winners.