It took 21 years, but Illinois is back in the Final Four. Even though it’s been more than two decades, the feeling still hits former Illini star Dee Brown with a wave of emotion. He was a key part of the legendary 2005 national runner-up team, so the buzz around the Illini as they prepare to return to the biggest stage in college basketball is all too familiar.
From playing in basketball arenas to a football stadium, going from local media attention to constant national coverage and having thousands of fans come watch the team practice, Illinois is in a new stratosphere right now. However, as Brown says, the goal once you step on that floor, no matter how bright the lights, is the same.
“Our practice, our shoot around in St. Louis (in 2005), we had 20,000 Illinois fans come out to watch us shoot,” Brown said. “It added a different element … (but) there was no pressure. There was more like we’ve been performing and been playing on stages like that. So it was nothing new to you, but there’s more pressure to win, of course.”
Getting to this stage has been no cakewalk. Unlike the 2004-05 team that only lost one game leading up to the NCAA tournament, the 2025-2026 Illini have hit many roadblocks this season. This included a rough stretch in February where they didn’t beat a single NCAA tournament team. However, they turned it around after a players-only meeting ahead of March Madness, reeling off four-straight wins in the tournament that matters most.
This is the kind of success that puts teams in history books. Regular seasons are important, but it’s what happens in March that is remembered decades down the road. Illinois fans expect it, and now, they have a shot at glory once again.
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“When we came in, you know, we heard a lot about the ‘89 team and it’d been 16 years, and our fans dream of this,” Brown said. “They want it every year. That’s all they talk about. I understand how hard it is to get here and I just hope everybody enjoys this moment.”
At this point in the season, every team remaining is dangerous. In most pundits’ eyes, the winner of No. 1 Michigan and No. 1 Arizona has the best shot at the national title, while No. 2 UConn and Illinois come behind. However, UConn is vying for its third national championship in four years, and Illinois is extremely talented, meaning either program could very well make a splash.
According to Brown, now is the time when talent and guys who pour their heart out have to shine. The Illini have that across the board, with top-tier freshmen, veteran leaders, shooting top-to-bottom and the ability to play multiple different styles. It’s up to that talent, which has been on full display in Greenville, S.C., and Houston, to show out in Indianapolis.
“I think this time of year is the dudes versus the dudes,” Brown said. “Your dudes got to show up and play. And I think we have big-time players. You know, every year we have NBA first rounders – ain’t like Illinois is not producing pros. Brad has some legit pros. … The (Keaton) Wagler kid is a dude, and (David) Mirković is a dude, and I think he has a really good championship roster. … Got (Kylan) Boswell, who’s the tough guy with the glue.”
Illinois has finally broken through after multiple years of trying to get to the Final Four under Underwood, and Brown just wants to soak in this moment and enjoy it.
That’s his advice to the players and staff, too. Although the Illini may very well be back in this position soon, nothing is guaranteed. Especially in this new age of college athletics, where so many teams have the resources to completely change their identities year-to-year.
The Illini need to take full advantage of the opportunity in front of them while this group is still whole, especially with much likely to change regarding roster composition once the season is over.
“Do I believe we can continue to get here? I do,” Brown said. “But it’s still tough, especially with today’s landscape. The portal, the money – it’s just a different era and different times. So, I think it’s going to be even tougher to get to Final Fours for teams because of so much change. You don’t know what your roster is going to look like, what you’re going to lose.”
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