Alabama 2024-25 Opponent Preview: Illinois Fighting Illini

Nov 13, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) blocks Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Buru Naivalurua (12) during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

After suffering their first loss of the 2024-25 season last Friday night on the road at Purdue, the Alabama Crimson Tide will return to action Wednesday night for yet another tough matchup, this time against the Illinois Fighting Illini.

The Crimson Tide and Fighting Illini will meet on a neutral-court, as both teams will make their way to Birmingham, Alabama for the C.M. Newton Classic. Illinois is also coming off a win, with this game likely to be their toughest opponent so far this season however.

Taking a deeper look at Alabama’s opponent however in particular, here is everything you need to know about the Fighting Illini entering Wednesday night’s game.

Illinois Fighting Illini Team Overview

Team Name: Illinois Fighting Illini

Conference: Big Ten

Arena: State Farm Center, Champaign, Illinois

2024-25 Record: 3-0 overall

Ranking: No. 25 in AP Poll, No. 20 in Coaches Poll

The Illinois Fighting Illini will be the second consecutive Big Ten opponent for the Crimson Tide, coming to Birmingham undefeated at 3-0 overall. In addition to that, Illinois is also a consensus Top 25 team nationally, ranked at No. 25 in the latest AP Poll, as well as No. 20 in the USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll.

Illinois Fighting Illini Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Brad Underwood

Associate Head Coach: Orlando Antigua

Assistant Coach: Geoff Alexander

Assistant Coach: Zach Hamer

Assistant Coach: Tyler Underwood

Assistant Coach: Kwa Jones

The head coach of the Fighting Illini is Brad Underwood, who is currently in his eighth season in Champaign. Under the guidance of Underwood, Illinois has had five-straight 20+ win seasons dating back to the 2019-20 campaign, and have also made the NCAA Tournament each of the last four years.

Illinois Fighting Illini 2024-25 Stats

Averaging…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/alabama-2024-25-opponent-preview-015005661.html

Author : Roll Tide Wire

Publish date : 2024-11-20 01:50:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.