Brad Underwood scraps Illinois basketball offense for new system

Illinois Basketball Scraps Its Offense for a Play-Call-Free System

“It wasn’t easy,” Brad Underwood said after an Illinois home exhibition win over UIC, detailing the thought process behind an offseason overhaul of the Illini offense for the 2026-27 season. Illinois is throwing out college basketball’s most efficient offense of all time to run a completely new system.

The Duality of Brad Underwood.Go behind the scenes with Coach as the preseason begins on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/pzsbvcbUiO

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The team’s new look was pitched to the coach by Tyler Underwood, his son and Illinois’ offensive coordinator. At first, the coach felt skeptical about altering a formula that had worked so well, especially knowing they would already have to navigate the departure of Keaton Wagler. Ultimately, the scheme won him over after a 10-day study period.

Inside the Spread Concepts and Heavy Movement

The new Illini offense strips away traditional play-calling in favor of a free-flowing structure built around heavy off-ball movement. Ball screens have become rare, marking the most substantial tactical shift from previous years.

The system relies on clear priorities: getting into the paint to collapse the defense while spacing shooters in the corners and at the top of the key. Players meet daily to discuss concepts and add wrinkles, operating much like a football team with separate coordinators. Brad Underwood noted that stepping back has created a singular voice for the players and given his own input more weight when he chooses to intervene.

Tracking the Historical Track Record and What Comes Next

Whether this radical departure pays off remains an open question. The lack of set plays makes the Illini a difficult scout, but it also removes the safety net of drawing up a quick bucket when halfcourt offense stalls. It is still unknown how frequently the team will lean on baseline-out-of-bounds or sideline-out-of-bounds plays to manufacture easy points.

Illinois head coach brad underwood reacts during an ncaa college basketball game against nebraska saturday dec in champaign i

Yet, the staff has history on its side. Underwood’s 2016-17 Oklahoma State team had the No. 1 offense in the country, per KenPom, proving his adaptability across different rosters. While dropping an exceptionally efficient system for an untried, play-free approach carries obvious risks, the Underwood father-son duo has a track record deserving of some trust.