261 days ago Illinois played its last game of the season, a 78-76 win at home over fellow top-25 team Iowa, and the Illini were preparing for a NCAA Tournament berth.
COVID-19 ended that season abruptly, and ended the Illini’s tournament hopes. Now with new protocols in place, the Illini begin their highly anticipated season on Wednesday as part of a three-game-in-three-days tournament with non-conference teams at State Farm Center.
“I wish we were playing league games only, but we’re not,” said head coach Brad Underwood in a Tuesday media session via Zoom.
But regardless of opponent, Underwood and the Illini are eager to get back on the court.