Brad Underwood returns to Decatur Area

FORSYTH, Ill. (WAND) - Brad Underwood returned to the Decatur Area for the first time in five years.

"It's great to be back," said Underwood. "It's a great Illini town. We love being here."

Underwood received a very warm welcome from more than 200 Illini fans at Hickory Point Golf Course.

The Illini head basketball coach took part in a special edition of WSOY's Sport Talk, hosted by none other than Mark Tupper.

"I'm sure Tupps got a million questions that I won't answer." said Underwood. "But no, I'm sure he'll be excited as everyone is. We've got a lot of new faces."

Those new roster was a main topic of conversation, in addition to the Illini's incredible run to the Elite Eight last year.

But more than anything it was a chance to thank the Illini faithful in the Decatur Area.

"For me this is a big thank you," said Underwood. "We sold out season tickets before our schedule was even out. And it's a great opportunity just to say thank you to a lot of great fans here in Decatur and the surrounding areas."