Persistence.

It’s Illinois head coach Bruce Weber’s word for his senior class.

Good word. But it’s not the best word.

Try perfection.

And I’m not talking about this year’s record.

This year’s senior class is as close to perfect as any Illinois senior class has ever been.

There have been only two home losses. Michigan State four years ago. Purdue last year. The Purdue loss was avenged on Senior Night 84-50.

Lots of top schools continually win at home.

But how many have the bling to go with it?

The seniors have a championship ring for each year on campus.

Three Big Ten titles. One Big Ten Tournament title.

And they are not done yet.

Nick Smith – he has an additional Big Ten title ring. Plus an elite eight appearance.

“He’s been here forever,” Weber said. “Five years. Five titles. You can’t do better than that.”

Not even in the history of Illinois basketball.

These seniors have had the best run in school history.

The seniors have been an integral part of all the Illinois teams they have been on, but never have been the stars.

First there was Frank Williams and Corey Bradford. Then Brian Cook. Now, there is the entire junior class.

“It’s especially about the seniors right now,” Weber said. “That is who we should acknowledge.”

Too bad everyone was preoccupied.

Even on their senior night, these guys couldn’t be the stars.

Junior guard Dee Brown’s shooting touch and 24-point first half wouldn’t let it happen.

Brown hit seven threes in the first half – good enough for second all-time in school history for threes in a game.

Brown tied the record in the second half.

So much for the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.

“He was hot,” said Illinois junior guard Deron Williams. “We tried to get him the ball.”

Brown was part Allen Iverson, part Michael Jordan.

He was in control of every Illinois offensive possession like Iverson.

It was shocking when Brown missed. Very Jordan-esque.

As were Brown’s mannerisms.

Jordan shrugged to Magic Johnson in the broadcast booth during the NBA Finals against Portland.

Dee high-fived Orange Krush members after hitting his first three.

The celebration was almost as fun to watch as Brown’s performance.

Was there any doubt Brown’s fadeaway three with 1.1 seconds left in the first half was going in?

“We were trying for a lob to Luther and there goes the ball to Dee,” Weber said. “Swish. What a great moment for the kids.”

And for all in attendance.

After a display like that, I wanted to stand up and applaud Brown.

Journalism ethics be damned.

I came into the Purdue game figuring to write on the seniors. Instead I spent a good part of my column talking about Brown.

I don’t think the seniors will mind. They will take another win.

And another piece from a championship net.

“It was a fun night,” said Illinois senior guard Luther Head. “We celebrated the seniors leaving and a Big Ten championship.”

It’s tangible proof of the group’s run at perfection.