CHAMPAIGN — Tyler Underwood doesn’t hold back during Illinois’ practices. He hounds his teammates on the defensive end and doesn’t shy away from going right at them with the ball in his hands on offense.
For one, it’s how the redshirt sophomore guard is getting his primary basketball fix after he was denied a waiver for immediate eligibility by the NCAA after he transferred from Oklahoma State to follow his dad and first-year Illini coach Brad Underwood.
Secondly, his style of play — his competitiveness — is something he inherited from his dad.
Tyler Underwood’s presence on the practice court is notable for another reason, too, and one his teammates have noted since he arrived on campus this summer.