The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 2 - Illinois head coach Brad Underwood stops by The Herd
Mar 31, 2026
Brad Underwood, Illinois head coach known for international recruiting and a Final Four run. He discusses spotting Keaton Wagler’s potential. He explains building European pipelines and how Illinois evolved into a battle-tested, physical team. He weighs NIL’s effect and why role players and culture matter.
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Money Alone Doesn't Buy Championships
- Colin Cowherd argues NIL is 'jet fuel' only for programs with excellent coaches and culture; spending alone hasn't produced Final Four results for the top spenders.
- He cites Kentucky, BYU, Duke, Arkansas, Louisville as expensive rosters that didn't reach the Final Four.
How Illinois Found Keaton Wagler
- Brad Underwood first noticed Keaton Wagler's potential in summer practices and a July scrimmage where veterans declared him 'got it'.
- Underwood recalls a heated scrimmage in Orlando where Wagler was the best player on the court and that shifted the staff's view quickly.
How Illinois Built A Reliable Europe Pipeline
- Illinois built its European pipeline by nurturing long-term relationships, sending staff overseas every 4–6 weeks and running clinics like the one in Belgrade.
- Underwood credits Tomislav Vitsic and player networks for vetting character and accelerating recruitment of twins and Andre Stojakovic.