Speed—or the lack of it—was Illinois’ Achilles’ heel last season. That’s the message head coach Brad Underwood passionately delivered during the team’s official media day on October 2, as he discussed the Illini’s renewed identity and game plan for the upcoming season. The conversation wasn’t just about tactics—it was a glimpse into a program determined to rediscover its fast-paced rhythm. But here’s where it gets interesting: Underwood isn’t merely talking about running harder. He’s talking about a full-system reset that could reignite Illinois basketball.
Reflecting on last year’s challenges, Underwood didn’t mince words: the tempo just wasn’t there. “One of the issues we had last season was, frankly, we didn’t play fast enough,” he admitted. He noted that while players like KJ and Will were still adjusting to that fast-break mentality, the addition of Mihailo brings an element the team has sorely lacked—natural speed and confidence in transition situations. That observation alone could be the spark fans have been waiting for.
Illinois’ statistics tell the same story. Last season, the Illini ranked a disappointing 299th nationally in fast-break points, averaging only 7.2 per game across 35 contests. To put that in perspective, that pace barely scratches the surface for a program known for athleticism and aggressive offense. It was a far cry from the previous year, when Terrence Shannon Jr. transformed the team’s transition attack into one of the most threatening in the country. His fearless drives to the rim, ability to draw fouls, and knack for finishing in motion gave Illinois a high-octane edge few teams could match.
That energy disappeared last season—and Underwood wants it back. The current strategy focuses on reviving that run-and-gun identity by minimizing overreliance on half-court sets and creating easy bucket opportunities before opposing defenses can get organized. In simpler terms: get out, run, and score before the other team even realizes what hit them. It’s basketball in its purest, most thrilling form.
And this is the part most people miss: the offense’s return to form might start with defense. A subtle but crucial adjustment in defensive philosophy is underway. “We’re trying to be more active, more creative about forcing turnovers and being aggressive,” Underwood explained, hinting that this year’s defensive scheme will fuel the offensive surge he’s seeking.
Underwood and new defensive coordinator Camryn Crocker are prioritizing disruptive defense—leveraging the team’s size, reach, and athleticism to unsettle opponents. The goal is to turn defensive stops into instant offense. Picture longer arms in passing lanes, swift rotations that produce steals, and defenders who see every possession as an invitation to push the tempo. When executed well, that kind of pressure defense doesn’t just suffocate opposing teams—it transforms into the fast, flowing offense Illinois fans have been missing.
Of course, there’s room for debate here. Can a team that struggled with consistency last season really thrive in a system demanding constant speed and intensity? Some argue that playing faster can lead to more mistakes. Others believe it’s exactly what Illinois needs to unlock its full potential.
So, what do you think—is Underwood’s renewed focus on speed the key to bringing Illinois back to its explosive best, or is the team risking chaos by upping the tempo? Share your take in the comments—because this season, the conversation might move just as fast as the game itself.
