New University of Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood says he’s honored to be taking over a program in a city he’s visited many times before. The former Oklahoma State coach and 18th coach in Illini history met with reporters for the first time Monday in Champaign. Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman says the two of them hit it off instantly in their first face to face meeting Saturday.
Interim Head Coach Jamall Walker picked up a victory in the Illini's NIT opener, 82-57 over Valparaiso at State Farm Center Tuesday night. Malcolm Hill led the Illini with 25 points. Leron Black added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, as the Illini advance to the second round to face the winner of Boise State and Utah, who play later Tuesday evening.
John Groce has been fired as head coach of the Illini basketball team, effective immediately. "Under his leadership, regrettably, we were not able to sustain the level of competitive excellence that we expect at the University of Illinois," said Athletic Director Josh Whitman.
