Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball

The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team is the intercollegiate athletic program of the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. The team competes in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are members of the Big Ten Conference since 1905, with some gaps due to World War II and various other reasons. The Fighting Illini have won five NCAA championships: one in 1915, three between 1989-2005, and another in 2020.

History
The first season for university varsity basketball was 1906/07; however it wasn’t until 1909 that an official coach was hired by UIUC. Claude Jeter became UIUC’s first full-time head coach during this period who brought great success leading them to their first conference championship title only two years later in 1911 under his guidance as well as a second consecutive title after that same year before leaving for Oregon State College thereafter. Throughout its history, several coaches had led Fighting Illini through many successful seasons which include George Huff from 1913–1923 where he led six teams to winning records including four 20+ win seasons along with Harold Olsen from 1924 – 1943 who also led eight teams into having winning records over his 19 year tenure there but none greater than Lou Henson whose 21 year run saw him take home seven conference titles within those times (including back to back titles 1986 & 1987).

Notable players
Over its more than century long existence with UICC athletics department has seen countless numbers of talented players grace their courts such as Frank Williams Jr., Deron William Jr., Dee Brown Jr., Roger Powell Jr., Kendall Gill ,Nick Anderson amongst others each contributing significantly towards making it one most recognized programs not just across America but worldwide too! Other noteworthy alumni include Bill Self current Head Coach at Kansas Jayhawks whom played point guard here during 1979–1980 season before taking up coaching duties post graduation whilst Donnie Boyce former NBA player notably Houston Rockets played shooting guard here 1994-1995 season prior moving onto professional ranks afterwards .

Championships
Illinois’ greatest successes came under Lon Kruger when they went on amazing run reaching Final Four twice consecutively 1999 & 2000 ultimately claiming third place both times followed shortly afterwards achieving school’s fourth ever national championship 2005 beating out Louisville 72–57 lead mainly thanks Corey Brewer’s 22 points coupled strong defensive play throughout course game itself lasting 40 minutes total duration time frame then finally returning once again top spot 2021 defeating Baylor 81–78 overtime thriller capping off incredible journey spanning decades filled ups downs yet unwavering commitment always strive excellence every aspect sport no matter situation present day or otherwise!