Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini play at State Farm Center in Champaign, bringing Big Ten basketball to the heart of Illinois. Under Brad Underwood, the Illini have become a consistent conference contender and NCAA Tournament team. Illinois's orange and blue colors and the Orange Krush student section create an electric atmosphere. The program has reached five Final Fours and won a Helms title. Illinois's location in a basketball-rich state attracts talent. The Fighting Illini's rivalry with Northwestern and Missouri adds regional stakes.

Illinois reached the 2005 national championship game under Bruce Weber, falling to North Carolina. The Fighting Illini have made 33 NCAA Tournament appearances. Deron Williams, Dee Brown, and Ayo Dosunmu are among the program's NBA alumni. The 1989 Flyin' Illini reached the Final Four. Illinois's 1915 Helms Foundation national championship is claimed but not NCAA-recognized. The rivalry with Missouri, the Braggin' Rights game, extends to basketball.