Illinois Fighting Illini

Representing the University of Illinois, The Fighting Illini, arguably one of the most unique names in all of NCAA. Representing the University of Illinois. The Fighting Illini lay claim to over twenty-five National Championships dating back to 1900.

Known for their basketball, 2004-2005 season is a prime example of how good the Illini are. The first Illinois men's basketball team to be ranked number one in the polls since Lou Henson's "Flyin' Illini" of 1989. Illinois won the Big Ten Tournament and were the overall number one seed in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, eventually losing to the University of North Carolina, the number two overall seed, in the finals, 75–70.