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Maywood Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Reaches First Final Four in Over Two Decades
The Fighting Illini's historic March Madness run evokes memories of their last Final Four appearance in 2005.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:51pm
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The Illinois Fighting Illini are headed to the Final Four for the first time since 2005, when a talented roster led by Deron Williams, Dee Brown, and Luther Head fell just short of a national championship. Head coach Brad Underwood has built something special in Champaign, guiding a team that blends veteran leadership with dynamic young talent. As the current Illini prepare for their Final Four matchup, they carry the hopes of the fanbase and the legacy of that legendary 2005 squad.
Why it matters
Illinois' return to the Final Four after a 21-year drought is a significant milestone for the program and its passionate fanbase. The comparisons to the 2005 team, which is widely regarded as one of the best in college basketball history, add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this year's squad.
The details
The 2004-05 Illinois team, led by Deron Williams, Dee Brown, and Luther Head, finished the season 37-2 and reached the national championship game before falling to North Carolina. That team featured five players who went on to the NBA, including Williams, who was the third overall pick in the 2005 draft. The current Illini squad has drawn numerous parallels to the 2005 team, including their ability to overcome double-digit deficits in the Elite Eight.
- Illinois last made the Final Four in 2005.
- The 2004-05 Illinois team finished the season 37-2, tying the NCAA record for most wins in a season at the time.
- The 2005 Illinois team spent the entire season ranked No. 1 in the country, becoming the first team in program history to finish unanimously atop the final Associated Press poll.
The players
Deron Williams
The point guard for the 2005 Illinois team, who was the third overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and went on to play 12 seasons in the league, earning All-NBA second-team honors twice with the Utah Jazz.
Dee Brown
The face of the 2005 Illinois program, who was named The Sporting News National Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Brown was selected 46th overall in the 2006 NBA Draft and played professionally in nine different countries.
Luther Head
The leading scorer for the 2005 Illinois team, who was selected 24th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft and played six seasons in the league.
James Augustine
A starter for the 2005 Illinois team who eventually reached the NBA.
Roger Powell Jr.
A starter for the 2005 Illinois team who also eventually reached the NBA.
What they’re saying
“This season was enjoyable. This team was enjoyable to coach.”
— Bruce Weber, Head Coach, 2005 Illinois Team
What’s next
The current Illinois team will face the winner of the other Final Four matchup in the national championship game on April 7, 2026.
The takeaway
Illinois' return to the Final Four after a 21-year drought is a testament to the program's resilience and the hard work of head coach Brad Underwood and his players. The comparisons to the legendary 2005 team, which came within a game of winning a national championship, only add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding this year's Illini squad.
