Best of The Herd

Live from Chicago, we’ve got a hot one and Brad Underwood stopping by, but first a story half of you will love and half will hate. The Bulls cut Jaden Ivy after his Instagram posts blasted Pride Month, and from people I trust at Purdue and in the league, he hasn’t meshed great in locker rooms.

Here’s my rule: don’t blow up the workplace. I’d keep a contrite employee who made a mistake before I’d keep someone who’s disruptive, and a public‑facing team has every right to move on.

We’ve got people from all walks of life, so be professional, respect each other, help each other, and be accountable.

Elite talent buys you grace, which isn’t fair but it’s real; the world isn’t black and white. I get that many Christians feel sidelined, yet timing and place matter when you bring religion or politics into the job.

Different organizations draw lines in different spots—OKC moved off Josh Giddey while Chicago offered a landing. If Ivy were dropping twenty‑nine a night, there’s a good chance he gets another talk and another try.

Best career advice I ever heard in Vegas: at work, steer clear of politics and religion.

Now to UConn’s Dan Hurley and that shoulder‑to‑shoulder moment with the ref after beating Duke: it looked awkward, but both said it was nothing. Hurley’s high‑octane and quirky, not threatening, and Duke fans should own the loss.

You grind to get into contention, and once you’re there you’re calmer; the tense part is the long winter months when a skid can feel endless.

On NIL, money without culture doesn’t buy titles; the richest rosters fizzled while well‑run programs kept advancing. Cash is jet fuel if your coach and locker room are right, and a blowtorch if they’re not.

Coach Underwood, you found Keaton Wogler, a six‑six guard who wasn’t hyped—how fast did you know he was the real deal?

Kylan Boswell said in July, ‘this one’s got it,’ and a bruising Florida scrimmage proved it when Keaton was the best player on the floor. We figured out his role from there and leaned into his toughness and demeanor.

European recruiting can be a minefield—agents, film, distance—how do you avoid getting burned?

Our staff built real relationships, travels over every month or so, and even ran a clinic in Belgrade. We signed Tomas first, leaned on him to vet character, added his twin and a teammate, and brought in Andrej Stojakovic for a perfect fit.

What jumps off the UConn film, and why have you guys been such a strong second‑half team?

Their culture is ruthless in the best way—they never spike or sag, and they can beat you from many angles. We’re deeper now with eight starters, battle‑tested from some street‑fight games, and a much better version than we were in November.

Is this Final Four truly wide open? I watched Michigan’s ball movement look like an NBA team.

Any of the four can win if they bring toughness, rebound, and hit shots. Michigan’s got the tournament’s standout and a rim protector who changes everything, but nobody’s safe if they slip.

Last one on NIL: do you miss the old days, or do you like being able to plug holes through agents and the portal?

I’m pro‑NIL because it keeps elite players in college and the game’s never been better. Like the NBA, a few may earn more, but role players who buy in are our backbone.

Appreciate it, Coach—Illinois is sharp, intentional, and efficient, and the European scouting edge shows. College hoops right now has pro‑grade spacing, shot‑making, and finishing; it feels one star shy of the NBA, and it’s a blast to watch.