Feb 12, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; The Illinois Fighting Illini bench celebrates in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
The Illinois basketball program has seen a lot of growth in the last month, leading to a No. 5 ranking and an opportunity at greatness.
Brad Underwood is finally putting all of the puzzle pieces together at the right time. After a rocky start that saw Illinois lose to No. 2 Baylor, Missouri, and Rutgers, the Illini found themselves at a crossroads as the 2020-21 season was nearing the midway point.