Brad Underwood made headlines at Big Ten Media Days for saying international players are “easier to coach because they care more.” But was that quote misunderstood?

Sunny Verma was there in the room when Underwood said it, and in this episode, he explains what Brad really meant, why it actually makes sense, and how Illinois has quietly become the Duke of Europe when it comes to recruiting international basketball talent. 🏀 Basketball Segment: The real meaning behind Underwood’s “they care more” comment Why Illinois is targeting more experienced, mature European players How success stories like Tomislav Ivišić, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Mihailo Petrovic are changing the Illini brand overseas The economics of NIL and why European players bring fewer distractions Why Illinois’ global recruiting shift might be the future of college basketball 🏈 Football Segment: Sunny also grades Illinois’ performance vs #1 Ohio State unit by unit — from Luke Altmyer’s struggles to a quietly solid day for the defense. Find out why Illinois’ 18-point loss was closer than it looked, and which players earned passing marks heading into the bye week. 🎙 Hosted by Sunny Verma — the daily voice of Locked On Illini, bringing you real talk, no spin, and full Illini coverage every day. 

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Welcome to Locked On Illini, your one-stop show for all things Illinois Fighting Illini football and basketball! Join host Sunny Verma as he brings you in-depth analysis, game previews, post-game breakdowns, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Whether you're a die-hard Illini fan or just looking to stay updated on the latest in college sports, this is the podcast for you. Tune in on YouTube and your favorite audio platforms for fresh episodes and all the insights you need to stay ahead of the game. Get ready to be Locked On Illini! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of Illini basketball and football! 

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For your next listen, check out the Locked On College Football podcast! From NIL deals to never ending conference realignment rumors, Spencer McLaughlin gets you ready for an exciting season on the gridiron! Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.