Former Illinois Basketball Player Reflects on Tournament Run

Brett Melton, a Mahomet-Seymour High School graduate, was part of the 2001 Elite Eight team coached by Bill Self.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a college basketball game, with sharp planes of orange, blue, and white representing the energy and intensity of the sport.A former Illinois basketball player reflects on the enduring community and culture of the program, even after a tough tournament loss.Champaign Today

WCIA 3 caught up with former Illinois basketball player Brett Melton at Champaign's Gameday Spirit store as he shared his thoughts on the Illini's recent March Madness run. Melton, a Mahomet-Seymour High School graduate, was part of the 2001 Elite Eight team coached by Bill Self. Although disappointed by the loss to UConn, Melton emphasized the importance of the Illini basketball community coming together to support the current team.

Why it matters

As a former player, Melton's perspective provides insight into the enduring legacy and tight-knit culture of Illinois basketball, even as the program experiences the ups and downs of tournament play.

The details

Melton, who played the last two years of his college career at San Diego, said he was able to reconnect with former Illini players from the 'Flying Illini' and 2005 teams at the tournament game in Indianapolis. Despite the loss, Melton believes the current Illini team is set up for continued success in recruiting top talent from around the world.

  • Melton was part of the 2001 Elite Eight team coached by Bill Self.

The players

Brett Melton

A former Illinois basketball player and Mahomet-Seymour High School graduate who was part of the 2001 Elite Eight team.

Bill Self

The head coach of the 2001 Illinois basketball team that made the Elite Eight.

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What they’re saying

“We went to Indy for the game. Got to see all the former players from the Flying Illini to the '05 team, to some of the guys I was on the team with. It was cool to see everybody come back and support this current group.”

— Brett Melton, Former Illinois Basketball Player

“In the moment and as a player you want to win and you're competitive and you want to be the best. But as you get older you realize it's family. It's culture and we're just there to support them just like those who were there to support us.”

— Brett Melton, Former Illinois Basketball Player

The takeaway

Melton's reflections highlight the enduring sense of community and shared experience among Illinois basketball players, past and present, that transcends individual tournament results. The program's culture of support and camaraderie remains a source of pride, even in the face of disappointment.