Good Morning, Illini Nation: Key summer focus

Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:

The basketball world is small enough that even with 10 newcomers on the 2024-25 Illinois roster there wasn't a true "Who are these guys?" moment when (most of) the team convened last month at Ubben. The new Illini either played against each other at some point in their basketball lives or had friends or acquaintances in common.

"There have been more connections than we thought," Illinois assistant coach Tyler Underwood said.

Time off the court together has still been important, though. That included some time on the sand courts playing volleyball. Kylan Boswell looked like a natural at setter, while Morez Johnson Jr. would clearly be a force at the net. Introducing Kasparas Jakucionis to ranch dressing was also apparently a summer highlight.

"That was a big moment for him in the American culture," Underwood said, adding that it was Jakucionis who suggested going to Pizza Hut as soon as he arrived in the U.S. (He knew).

"They’re all just getting ingrained, getting in touch with the culture and getting a feel for Champaign," Underwood added.

That aside, integrating what's nearly an entirely brand new roster came with some important first steps. Underwood said there were three priorities outlined to the team at the beginning of summer workouts — "be on time, listen and compete."

"Being competitive is a huge part of our program," the Illinois assistant continued. "We compete in every facet whether it’s in the weight room, whether it’s in the nutrition area or whether it’s on the court. We’re always striving to be great. It’s the ‘every day guy.’ Show up. Do your job.

"Whether it’s the first Monday in June or the first Monday in April, we’re going to have the same mentality, the same effort and the same mindset every day. Just trying to ingrain that early in the summer."