Over the past five-plus years, Brad Underwood and Illinois have been oh-so close to a Final Four berth several times. The No. 1-seeded squad featuring Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn was capable. The Elite Eight unit led by Terrence Shannon Jr. had the pieces. But neither of those teams broke through. The 2025-26 Illini did make it , however. Keaton Wagler led the way on a tremendously balanced Illinois team that steamrolled its way into the final weekend before stumbling against UConn. Heading into 2026-27, the Illini are set to return five of their eight rotation members from a year ago. But to put together another deep run (and perhaps snag that ever-elusive national title), Illinois needs its players to make both individual and collective improvements.…