Brad Underwood understood that Trent Frazier was such a vital player to Illinois with his tremendous playmaking and work ethic.

After first season without Frazier, Underwood jokes that his players are tired of hearing about Frazier.

Last season, Illinois finished with an overall record of 23-10 after being knocked out of the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament by No. 5 seed Houston 68-53.

Frazier averaged 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in 31 games last season for Illinois. He was a key player for Illinois in the 5 seasons he was there.

Illinois opens the 2022-2023 College Basketball season as the No. 23 team in the nation and a serious contender for the B1G title winners.

Illinois only returns one of their seven top scorers from last season. Junior forward Coleman Hawkins (5.9 points per game last season) is the most experienced player on the team.

Underwood is going into his 6th season as head coach of a talented team of highly recruited players.