During the offseason for No. 25 Illinois (3-0), two significant topics dominated the discussion. One was the significant roster churn, and the other was the challenging schedule coach Brad Underwood had set for the 2024-25 season. The real intrigue came from speculating about how these two aspects would interact and whether it was a wise decision to test them all. Of course, it's too late to change now as the Illini prepare to face No. 8 Alabama (3-1) on Wednesday. This matchup seems particularly ill-timed after their recent defeat in West Lafayette. But as Underwood has repeatedly hinted since Illinois' post-Elite Eight exit from the NCAA Tournament, his team is now playing for the highest stakes. College basketball's lower-tier teams don't prepare you for the big showdowns in early April.Men's Basketball in Alabama: Where Are You?
Tell us where you’re watching the game from tonight #Illini | #HTTO pic.twitter.com/14wosTcFQK— Illinois Athletics (@IlliniAthletics) November 20, 2024And the journey itself is half the fun. It will be exciting to see how this fresh-faced Illinois team comes together as they face a schedule filled with college basketball powerhouses. Starting with Wednesday's (sort of) neutral-site showdown, here are the Illini's top-five must-see matchups of 2024-25:Most Challenging Opponent: Alabama
Despite their loss last week in West Lafayette, the Tide still pose a significant challenge for the Illini this season. Bama guard Mark Sears is a star, and his athletic teammates will change the pace and intensity of the competition. This Wednesday's game will be a big test for Illinois.Brother Against Brother: Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic
The clash between twins Tomislav Ivisic (Illinois) and Zvonimir Ivisic (Arkansas) is sure to be one of the most captivating events of the regular season. These 7-foot towers have influenced each other greatly, and fans will be eager to see who comes out on top on Thanksgiving.Border War: Illinois vs. St. Louis
The Tigers aren't expected to be competitive on a national level this season, but strange things often happen in the annual Border War. In the past four seasons, the teams have alternated as blowout winners. During a recent five-year stretch of Illini wins, their average margin of victory was a narrow 4.8 points. St. Louis will be buzzing as usual.Freshman Class Clash: Illinois vs. Potential No. 1 Draft Pick
A chance to match two of the best freshman classes in the nation, including likely No. 1 overall NBA Draft selection Cooper Flagg, is worth the price of admission. Whether it's at Madison Square Garden or in front of a flatscreen at home, this matchup will be exciting.Big Ten Showdown: Illinois vs. Purdue
If the college basketball gods are kind, the Illini will face the Boilermakers at the State Farm Center in their final game before postseason play, with a Big Ten regular-season championship on the line. Even without Zach Edey in the middle, Matt Painter has put together another strong team led by guard Braden Smith and tough teammates.How to Watch: Illinois Basketball vs. Alabama (Game 4)3 Big Questions for Illinois Basketball vs. AlabamaIllinois Basketball vs. Alabama: Scouting the Crimson TideIllinois’ Top 5 Non-Con Wins of Brad Underwood Era – With Alabama Looming
