If learning from past mistakes was a theme, Brad Underwood has certainly adapted. The Illinois Fighting Illini kept the momentum going after last year’s Elite Eight loss to the eventual Champions UConn. They have been battling together as a team all season, trying to replicate and surpass what they did last year. Their stars have changed, their unit has changed, but the goal remains the same. With the team’s solid performances, fans are beginning to question whether Illinois has a shot at a deeper March Madness run, perhaps, the National Championship as well.

On the podcast The Field of 68: After Dark, the host Chris Childers asked former college coach Matt McCall, “Certainly, Brad Underwood has done an incredible job of elevating the expectation for this program. But are they, Matt McCall, the most complete team in college basketball?”

“To say they’re the most complete team in college basketball, I don’t know if we can say that. I think Illinois can win a national championship. I really believe that. I’m looking at the Big Ten and I’m looking at Michigan State, Michigan, and Illinois. They’re the top tier of the Big Ten,” responded McCall.

Although it is the Michigan Wolverines reigning over the Big Ten conference right now, Michigan State and the Fighting Illini are not far away either. Illinois, with Underwood at the helm for his 8th run in Champaign, is standing proudly at a 12-3 record, 4-1 in the conference.

Certainly, McCall’s comments are not unfounded. “I think Illinois can win it all. Brad Underwood as a coach continues to not being set in his ways. To me that is the most impressive thing about Coach Underwood… The floor is completely spaced, and he went international with his recruiting. He lost some players, lost some really good players, Terrence Shannon, terrific player, and their team is outstanding. I think they can win it all. I really believe that.”

Illinois had a losing record for a while before management decided to bring in Brad Underwood. He helped them win two Big Ten titles, as well as make the postseason four years in a row. While the roster has changed, Underwood did an absolutely fantastic job with bringing over transfers, as well as international scouting. Tomislav Ivisic, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Ben Humrichious have been performing steadily for the Illini this season.

Underwood’s Fighting Illini “defensively challenged?”

On The Field of 68: After Dark, former NBA player Jerel McNeal raised a concern about the Fighting Illini and their defense. “I think it’s a step too far, and I do think it’s an overreaction to be shooing them in for a Final Four or a national title just yet.” McNeal complimented the team’s offense, by saying “It checked all the boxes” but was slightly cynical about them defensively.

“I feel like they could be defensively challenged at times. You know, maybe not as physical as they used to be. One of his main things, and I really liked the slogan, was that he wanted everyday guys. Uh, these ain’t everyday guys. Some of the talent that he has, these are once a year guys, once in a lifetime guys.”

Regardless of his criticism and fears about the team’s defense, McNeal showers praise on Underwood. He talked about how Coach had changed the culture of the Illini, and his offensive brilliance. While they are going for only a marginal increase in their average rebounds from 41.3 in the previous run to this year’s 45.9 rpg, they have picked up on blocks at 4.6 per game currently. However, their offense bringing 87.9 ppg is certainly an excellent number.

Interestingly, the Illini won by a large margin in most of their matchups, even holding the Little Rock Trojans to 34 this season. It remains to be seen whether the Illinois Fighting Illini will manage to subvert their defensive criticisms and push for a deep playoff run this year.

Nevertheless, fans will be hoping to continue their five-game winning streak against USC on January 11th. As for the deep March Madness run and a National Championship, only time will tell.