CHAMPAIGN — Brad Underwood was center stage for Monday night's 96th annual Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Banquet after watching the festivities from a side table last season not long after being hired.
Underwood's first season was one of change at Illinois. New coaching staff. New style of play.
A handful of new players.
The 2017-18 season, Underwood readily admitted, was also one of frustrations. Numerous close losses, including three overtime games in Big Ten play. A 14-18 overall record and early exit from the Big Ten tournament.
But Underwood also stressed this past season was one of growth.