Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman has hired Oklahoma State men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood as head coach of the Illini.
Whitman released the news via twitter:
Welcome Coach Brad Underwood! #WeWillWin #ILLINI pic.twitter.com/9yqLI0Ce1x
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) March 18, 2017
Underwood will be introduced at a press conference in the Traditions Club at State Farm Center on Monday at noon.
In a statement Whitman said:
“In searching for a new coach, we were looking for a proven winner who would build upon our proud tradition while developing an unmistakable identity for Illinois Basketball. Brad’s teams play a fast, aggressive style and show unyielding toughness. They have a tremendous energy that I believe will ignite the Orange Krush and our fans to once again make State Farm Center one of the most intimidating venues in all of college basketball.”
Underwood spent just one season at Oklahoma State, guiding the Cowboys to the NCAA tournament. OSU lost to Michigan 92-91 in the NCAA tournament on Friday.
He was previously the head coach at Stephen F. Austin where he had an 89-14 record and guided the Lumberjacks to 3 NCAA tournament appearances.
Underwood inherits the 9th ranked recruiting class in the country, many of which were recruited by current Illinois interim coach Jamall Walker. Underwood told WCIA’s Bret Beherns:
Before he left, asked new #Illini coach Brad Underwood if he plans on keeping Jamall Walker. With a smile said, We'll work on that." pic.twitter.com/UG7Xlk8DVr
— Bret Beherns (@WCIA3Bret) March 18, 2017
Underwood succeeds John Groce, who was fired after five seasons.
