Learning curve not as steep for young, but experienced Illini

Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette Brad Underwood press conference at Ubben in Champaign on Tuesday, June 25, 2019.CHAMPAIGN — This summer is different for Illinois men's basketball compared to a year ago in one simple, clear way.

Last summer, Illini coach Brad Underwood and his staff spent the bulk of their time teaching a roster with twice as many newcomers as returning players. Progress wasn't exactly expedient.

This month? Underwood and Co. have jumped right into summer workouts with a young, but experienced, team on campus.

"We're light-years ahead," Underwood said before Tuesday afternoon's skill workout at Ubben Basketball Complex. "We can actually start thinking about schemes and getting…