Lincoln's Alexander family cherishing Illini's Final Four journey

Geoff Alexander's father Neil won tickets to the 1981 Final Four shortly after taking over as Lincoln High's boys coach.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:00am

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Geoff Alexander, an assistant coach for the University of Illinois men's basketball team, is cherishing the Illini's journey to the 2026 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis. Geoff's father, Neil Alexander, won tickets to attend the 1981 Final Four in Indianapolis shortly after taking over as the boys basketball coach at Lincoln High School.

Why it matters

The Alexander family's connection to the Final Four spans generations, highlighting the enduring passion for college basketball in the Lincoln community. Geoff's involvement with the Illini's historic run also showcases the pipeline of talent and coaching expertise flowing from the local high school level to the national stage.

The details

Geoff Alexander, now an assistant coach for the University of Illinois, attended his first Final Four in Indianapolis as an eighth grader when his father, Neil Alexander, won tickets to the 1981 event shortly after becoming the boys basketball coach at Lincoln High School. The Alexander family's longstanding ties to the Final Four and the local basketball community have made Geoff's current role with the Illini's 2026 Final Four team all the more meaningful.

  • Geoff Alexander attended his first Final Four in Indianapolis as an eighth grader in 1981.
  • Neil Alexander won tickets to the 1981 Final Four shortly after becoming the boys basketball coach at Lincoln High School.

The players

Geoff Alexander

An assistant coach for the University of Illinois men's basketball team, cherishing the Illini's journey to the 2026 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis.

Neil Alexander

Geoff's father, who won tickets to attend the 1981 Final Four in Indianapolis shortly after taking over as the boys basketball coach at Lincoln High School.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years later, to have my son be a part of this, it's just incredible. The journey has come full circle.”

— Neil Alexander, Father of Geoff Alexander

The takeaway

The Alexander family's deep roots in the Lincoln community and their enduring passion for college basketball have created a multi-generational connection to the Final Four, underscoring the lasting impact that local high school programs can have on shaping the next generation of coaching talent and basketball excellence.