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Illinois AD Josh Whitman’s Patience with Brad Underwood Pays Off in First Final Four Berth Since 2005
Illinois men's basketball team secured a 71-59 victory over Iowa in the Elite Eight to reach their first Final Four since 2005, marking a significant tournament milestone.
- On Saturday, Illinois defeated Iowa 71-59 in the Elite Eight, securing the Fighting Illini's first Final Four berth since 2005.
- Head coach Brad Underwood reached this milestone after 26 years of coaching, including stints at Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma State before joining Illinois in 2017.
- Freshman point guard Keaton Wagler earned South Region MVP honors after scoring 25 points in the victory. The roster features four players from Eastern Europe, reflecting Underwood's strategic recruiting emphasis.
- Athletic director Josh Whitman provided consistent administrative support throughout the program's rebuilding process, which Underwood credited for the team's resilience. Players and staff celebrated emotionally after the victory.
- The Fighting Illini head to Indianapolis to face UConn in the Final Four this Saturday. Illinois aims for its first national title after years of development under Underwood.
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Brad Underwood Used European Recruiting To Help Illinois Reach Final Four
One of the side effects of college sports adding NIL is the influx of European players into college basketball. In the past, most Euros would stay in Europe and play professionally because they could make money. Now, there's money to be made in college basketball and these kids know they can get better exposure for a potential NBA career. Illinois, which defeated Iowa on Saturday to reach its first Final Four in over 20 years, is led by several …
·Nashville, United States
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The Billings Gazette+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
Illinois AD Josh Whitman’s patience with Brad Underwood pays off in first Final Four berth since 2005
HOUSTON — Josh Whitman glanced at his phone for a moment Saturday night amid all of the hugging, celebrating and reflecting on Illinois’ 71-59 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight. The Illinois athletic director had 110 text messages in…
·Billings, United States
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
15%
C 75%
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