Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball

. The Illini were selected as a 12-seed in the NCAA tournament; losing their opening-round game to Virginia Tech by a score of 54-52. This was the first time the Illini failed to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament since 1999.

2004-2005

In 2004-2005 the Illini went 37-2, tying the NCAA record for most wins in a season. They lost in the National Championship to the North Carolina Tar Heels. The Illini won the Big Ten regular season and tournament which was held in Chicago. They gained a #1 seed in the "big dance" and posted one of the most memorable games in NCAA history against Arizona. Down 15 points with around 4 minutes left, the Illini sparked a run led by Luther Head and Deron Williams. The game was sent into overtime and the orange and blue pulled off the one point win to advance to the Final Four in St. Louis. Against the Louisville Cardinals in the Final Four they won in their final victory of the season. The Illini had all 5 starters; Deron Williams, Luther Head, Dee Brown, James Augustine, and Roger Powell, Jr.; eventually play in the NBA. Deron Williams and Dee Brown both joined the Utah Jazz roster where Williams still plays and Luther Head plays for the Houston Rockets. Coach Bruce Weber also won many Coach of the Year awards.

References

External links

* [http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ill/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/05-06_mbk_guide05.pdf Illini Basketball History]
* [http://www.illinibasketballhistory.com Illinibasketballhistory.com]