Here’s a great idea: Run college basketball’s most efficient offense of all time, then kick it to the curb a season later. No, really. It actually is a good idea (maybe?), and that’s exactly what Illinois is doing in 2026-27.

Here’s coach Brad Underwood on Wednesday night

after the Illini's home exhibition win over UIC , explaining the thought process of remaking the Illini offense this offseason:

Brad Underwood details Illinois basketball's new-look 2026-27 offense

Apr 2, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois head coach Brad Underwood during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“It wasn’t easy,” Underwood said of switching to a new offense, one pitched to him by Tyler Underwood, his son and Illinois' offensive coordinator. “He presented it the right way.…