Brad Underwood Warns Illinois’ Young Players After Win vs. Sam Houston State

Coach Brad Underwood’s Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team is 3-1 on the season after a home win over the Sam Houston State Bearkats that was a little too close for comfort after the first half.

The Fighting Illini led 45-40 at that pont of the game against coach Chris Mudge’s team before turning up the heat in the second half, outscoring the Bearkats 63-46 en route to a 108-86 victory.

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Following the game, Underwood was in a bit of a dour mood as he shared unfiltered takes on what his young players must improve upon to avoid future losses.

Nov 13, 2026; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ethan Brown (34) drives the ball past Sam Houston Bearkats guard Yoda Oke (1) during the first half at State Farm Center. Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Underwood picked up a bottle of Gold Peak iced tea at the postgame podium to demonstrate what he presumably wants his young players to do less of, in favor of more studying and honing of other skills.

His comments were shared by Carson Gourdie of WCIA-3 Champaign.

“Here’s their cell phone. That is what they look at. Then they play a video game. I am amazed they know their ABCs and speak English. Now it’s our job to help them know what to say.

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Underwood knows his young players must improve to meet the challenges of veteran teams and opposing players in their way going forward.

“When you are the best player in high school, you get away with a lot,” Underwood said.

“Quiet teams lose.”

Illinois’ freshmen, including lead guard Quentin Coleman, have been impressive in the early going, with Coleman named to a preseason award watch list.

Coleman and fellow freshman Ethan Brown both scored in double digits for Underwood’s team, while the Illini’s third dynamic freshman, Lincoln Williams, was held to just five points in 18 minutes after starting the game.

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Brown and Coleman were both efficient, shooting a combined 8-for-11, but Coleman’s three turnovers were a sore spot that Underwood and his staff…

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Publish date : 2026-11-14 13:00:00

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