The massive shift since Madison Square Garden
Both teams have endured a major shift.
INDIANAPOLIS — A key factor in the recruiting process for Illinois head coach Brad Underwood is whether a player can pass the “personality test. ” “I hope I’m not known for wins and losses,” Underwood said. “I hope I’m known for impacting people’s lives and creating memories.
” In making that impact, Underwood instilled a level of competitive spirit in his players that can never be questioned. The use of those tests has certainly paid off, and as a result, the Illini locker room is tightly knit and full of winners. It’s a unique group of guys that enjoy time around one another and share similar qualities: driven, high-character and focused on the process.
After a stretch of demoralizing losses in February, it seemed as if this Illini roster had lost the sense of unity that saw them win 12 straight games earlier in the season. After Illinois’ overtime loss to Wisconsin in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, veteran guard Kylan Boswell saw an opportunity to turn things around. Boswell hosted a team meeting at his apartment, reinforcing the core principles and encouraging his team to find that togetherness.
It was found at the perfect time. In return, the Fighting Illini see themselves in the Final Four for the first time since 2005. Now, although the Fighting Illini have already fallen victim to the Huskies this season (74-61 at Madison Square Garden), Illinois fans expect this one to be a completely different game.