Good Morning, Illini Nation: Will to win

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:

Tre White didn't do much winning last season at Louisville. The Cardinals finished the year 8-24 overall and just 3-17 in the ACC. Eight straight losses closed out their 2023-24 campaign.

So, it stands to reason, White arrived at Illinois this spring with winning on his mind.

"I feel like I’m a goofy guy off the court, a fun guy, but the main thing I want to bring to Champaign is winning and that culture of like that dog mentality," White said. "I feel like that’s going to keep our team going, keep us going, and I just want to show the team how far we can go. I feel like this year we really could make it to that final dance.

"I got here super early. I tried to get here the first day I could. At first it was just me and two other guys working out every day. Now it’s like day 40 or something like that, and it’s 10 guys working out 3-4 times a day. I’ve never had that all throughout high school, all throughout my couple years in college. I feel like it’s nothing but a culture of winning here."

White averages 3-4 workouts per day at Ubben Basketball Complex. It's a work ethic derived from his parents, Sarah and Anthony.

"I would definitely say it’s just because of my upbringing, having to be tough and my parents always making sure I’m doing more than the next man," White said. "My pops always made sure we were going to the gym at night. He’d always say there’s somebody across the world going to the gym twice as much as you. I feel like it’s a snowball effect of that, and that’s just how I am."