Illini fans meet 2024-25 basketball team at CU Kiwanis Tip-Off

(WCIA) — Illinois’s 2024-25 men’s basketball roster has several new faces, and fans had their first opportunity to get to know them at the annual CU Kiwanis Tip-Off.

Fans gathered at the I Hotel for the 100th annual CU Kiwanis Illinois Basketball Tip-Off Banquet, a tradition that head coach Brad Underwood has become fond of in his seven seasons at the helm.

“We had one of these when I got hired and I made the statement, I said, within five years, you better have season tickets or you’re not going to be able to get them,” said Underwood. “To be able to have that come to fruition means a lot. I’ve said this is one of the best basketball jobs in the country because of the fans.”

Athletic director Josh Whitman joined Underwood to introduce each member of the 2024-25 roster, which only includes one returning starter, Ty Rodgers.

The CU chapter of Kiwanis International brings together leaders from around the community to focus on impacting children in Champaign County.

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