After years of improvement and five straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the Illinois Fighting Illini are set to make a run during March Madness.
With strong leadership under head coach Brad Underwood, elite playmaking at every position, and a deep bench, Illinois has a realistic chance to cut down the nets when it’s all said and done in April.
Illinois Can Make a Run in the NCAA Tournament
Why Illinois Is a Legit National Championship Threat in March
The tournament experience for this team will be a significant factor, as the Fighting Illini continue to make it to the tournament, including a 2024 Elite Eight appearance, which was the longest run in almost two decades. The combination of experience and talent can shape up for an exciting tournament for the Big Ten program.
Illinois’ Offense Is College Basketball’s Best
First off, it starts with an elite offense for Illinois. This team can spray it from the three-point line, and every position is can fire from deep. They rely heavily on three-point shooting and have proven to be nearly unbeatable when hitting at least 35% of their shots from beyond the arc. If that doesn’t get you on board, the Illini are rated first in offensive efficiency across the country.
The Big Ten school is led by star freshman Keaton Wagler, who is averaging 18.5 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting over 43% from three. They are also waiting to get back guard Kylan Boswell, who was averaging 14.3 points per game and 3.4 assists before getting injured. The elite guard has missed the past seven games and is considered one of the elite defenders across college basketball. Overall, it’s a balanced lineup with all five starters averaging over 10 points per game.
Big Ten Strength Translates Well to the NCAA Tournament
Illinois will also be well-prepared thanks to the level of competition they have faced in its conference. The Big Ten, as of now, is projected to get a total of 10 teams into the Big Dance. The conference has battle-tested Illinois, as they have shown they can handle strong defenses while playing in a hostile environment. This is something that all teams will have to deal with once they get into the big dance.
The Fighting Illini have also shown a great deal of success over the recent years. Underwood has changed the culture of the program, delivering six-straight 20-win seasons and one of the best winning percentages in the Big Ten over the last half-decade. As a result, Illinois rewarded Underwood with a contract extension until 2031, showing the belief that they have the coach who can deliver a national title.
February Losses Can Shape a National Title Contender
Before their two heartbreaking losses against Michigan State and Wisconsin — both in overtime– Illinois won 12 straight games. The Illini didn’t get exposed; instead, they were tested, and it will make them a stronger team. February losses don’t get rid of title contenders. Historically, they’re what make them.
The two heartbreaking losses will be a learning experience. Another statistic on Illinois’ side is that every one of the past nine NCAA men’s basketball national champions lost at least one game in February. February builds character in championship-caliber teams that come March. Players start to get tired, dealing with injuries, but the ones who learn from the tough losses are usually the teams that are playing at the end of the tournament. The Illini didn’t get exposed. They got tested – and the Illini will improve because of it.
What It Takes to Win in March
Winning a national championship in the field of 64 teams requires multiple factors. Strong coaching, a talented roster, and a team that is battle-tested. Illinois checks all of those boxes. As of now, the Fighting Illini are a projected two seed in the tournament and, at worst, would receive a three seed. If Illinois can find its shooting form in the tournament and the right matchups, it will be a dangerous basketball team that nobody wants to play come March.
Illinois is 7-0 against top 100 KenPom opponents when the team makes at least 35% of its 3-pointers and 1-3 when it doesn’t. Whether the Illini are hot or cold in March could determine how deep a run they’ll make.
Illinois to win national title: +1500 – odds provided by FanDuel
Main Image: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
