AI and Personality Tests Propel Brad Underwood, Illinois to Final Four
Brad Underwood, head coach of the Illinois basketball team, has embraced innovative strategies, notably personality assessments and AI technologies, to elevate his squad to the Final Four for the first time since 2005. These approaches have significantly influenced player selection and development, fundamentally altering the team’s dynamics.
Transformative Assessments in Team Building
This season, the Illini’s success can be partially attributed to their use of an assessment tool named Profile, designed by Chad Brown. Originally created nearly 20 years ago, this tool serves as a personality test tailored specifically for athletes. It focuses on key values that lead to success in sports, distinguishing itself from traditional assessments like DiSC.
Brown’s assessment gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting with various athletics professionals, including Underwood’s agent. With the Illinois team struggling during a three-year NCAA tournament drought, Underwood was open to innovative solutions.
Key Player: Marcus Domask
One notable player influenced by this assessment was Marcus Domask, a transfer from Southern Illinois. Initially doubted by Underwood as not fit for the Big Ten, a positive evaluation of Domask’s character and work ethic prompted Underwood to reconsider. In his lone season with Illinois, Domask made a significant impact:
- Started 38 games
- Averaged 15.9 points per game
- Led the team in assists with 3.9
- Ranked fourth in rebounding with 5.0
His contributions helped catapult the Illini to the Elite Eight, earning him the Big Ten Newcomer of the Year accolade.
A New Coaching Philosophy
Underwood has acknowledged that understanding players’ personalities is crucial to building a cohesive team. He likens team management to running a Fortune 500 company, emphasizing the importance of knowing what makes each player tick.
Throughout his coaching career, Underwood has evolved from a traditional, rigid approach to a more flexible style. He now prioritizes relationship-building and emotional intelligence, although it has required some adjustment on his part.
As he explained, “I was way more rigid. I didn’t care if people wanted to know why. But now, it’s essential to communicate with my players and meet their needs.”
Integrating AI into Coaching
The recent addition of AI features in Profile has further enhanced Underwood’s ability to analyze player potential. This allows coaches to receive real-time feedback on various player attributes and routines.
While some coaches may initially resist new technology, Underwood sees the value of AI in understanding athletes better. “The AI stuff is really helpful,” he noted, expressing enthusiasm for the program and the current roster.
A Diverse Roster
Illinois’ current roster showcases a blend of talents, including:
- Keaton Wagler – a standout freshman
- Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivišić – twin brothers from Croatia
- David Mirković – a player from Montenegro
- Andrej Stojaković – a Greek-American influenced by Serbian basketball heritage
- Five transfers enhancing the team’s depth and experience
This variety not only reflects Underwood’s open approach to recruitment but also symbolizes a new era in college basketball, characterized by increased diversity and innovation.
As the Illinois basketball team prepares for the Final Four, they do so grounded in a philosophy that values personal connections, assessments, and innovative technologies. Underwood’s willingness to adapt is a testament to his commitment to both the team’s success and the evolving landscape of college athletics.
