When you think about the Brad Underwood era at Illinois, you're talking about a program that has been completely rebuilt from the ground up. From those early, scrappy teams that were learning how to win, to the powerhouse that stormed to a Big Ten title and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Underwood has coached some truly special players in Champaign. So, we decided to do something fun: draft the best of the best.

Illini insiders Isaac and Robby Nardini teamed up with Alex from Armchair Illini to conduct a high-stakes player draft, selecting the top athletes who have worn the orange and blue under Brad Underwood. The rules were simple: build the strongest team possible from the pool of players who have suited up since Underwood took the reins in 2017.

The conversation kicked off with the obvious cornerstone picks—think All-Americans and future NBA talent—but quickly got interesting as they debated the glue guys, the defensive specialists, and the role players who made those deep tournament runs possible. Who went first overall? Was it the explosive guard who could take over a game, or the big man who anchored the defense? And what about the unsung heroes who made the winning plays in March?

This draft isn't just about stats; it's about legacy. It's about the players who defined an era and helped turn Illinois basketball back into a national powerhouse. Whether you're a die-hard fan who remembers every game or just getting into the program, this breakdown will have you debating your own picks. So, lace up your sneakers and get ready to see how the best of the Underwood era stacks up.