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player ready...Illinois’ hiring of Brad Underwood stunned two Division I coaches contacted by the Tribune on Saturday afternoon.
One thought that Illinois would get a bigger name, given the reports that Josh Whitman could offer $25 million. The other was shocked that Underwood would leave Oklahoma State after one season.
In general, both coaches applauded the move, with one raving about it.
Here’s what they said:
Coach 1
“A really good coach, a really good offensive coach. He commands a lot of respect in the profession. Lots of guys have gone to see him about what he does offensively, like a (John) Beiliein.”
“I don’t know his personality, but this a guy who’s ahead of game when it comes to his offense.”
“He left after one year? Illinois is a better job but that’s surprising. He must have had a (tiny) buyout.”
(Underwood had a five-year, $6.3 million deal with Oklahoma State. But it paid him a modest $1 million in 2016-17.)
“He was probably making nothing at Stephen F. Austin. And there wasn’t a ton out there (high-paying jobs last year. You’ve got to make hay when sun shines.”
“This could be a Bill Self-ish hire for Illinois. He can win, so therefore, he can recruit.”
Coach 2
“He was at Western Illinois for a long time. Then he became a (Bob) Huggins guy with the same defensive mentality (heavy pressure). He inherited a Stephen F. Austin team that was loaded. It has the best home-court advantage in the league. Now he DID win there (89-14, 3-for-3 NCAA tournament berths).”
“He didn’t light the fire at Oklahoma State. He JUST got the job. I’m shocked. I can’t believe Illinois came after him so fast. For $25 million, the number people kept throwing around, I was thinking Archie (Miller) or Buzz (Williams) or Gregg Marshall. I was ready for a big splash. But I think Underwood is a good coach, a very good coach. Recruiting will be key. I don’t know the last time he recruited (the state of Illinois) but Illinois is more of a national job anyway.”
“I think he’s a good guy – straight and narrow. He’s not overly enthusiastic but a tough Frank Martin/Huggins guy with dry humor. He’s a good guy.”
Twitter @TeddyGreenstein