Overview
The Illinois Fighting Illini play at State Farm Center in Champaign, a program with a passionate orange-and-blue fan base and a history of producing some of the most memorable teams in Big Ten basketball. Illinois basketball is best known for its up-tempo, high-energy style and for fielding one of the greatest teams never to win a title. The Illini remain a proud program with strong in-state recruiting ties and consistent NCAA Tournament expectations.
History & Legacy
Illinois's signature season came in 2004-05, when the Fighting Illini started 29-0, won the Big Ten regular-season and tournament titles, and advanced to the national championship game before falling to North Carolina 75-70 to finish 37-2. That team is widely regarded as one of the best in college basketball history never to win a title. Illinois has never won an NCAA championship despite multiple Final Four appearances across its history, including trips in 1952, 1989, and 2005.
Source: RateGame Editorial
ConferenceBig Ten
Championships0
School Founded1867
Home VenueState Farm Center
RivalsNorthwestern; Indiana
Conference Titles18 (Big Ten regular season)
All-Time IconDeron Williams — 2005 national runner-up
ColorsOrange and Blue