Top Ten University of Illinois NCAA Tournament Teams

It's only right that we do our part to cover the NCAA Tournament.

Last year we weren't able to provide you with any University of Illinois material because they failed to punch their ticket to the tourney.

But this year's team earned the No. 5 seed and square off against the pesky Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.

To give them and you a little motivation, here are the Top Ten University of Illinois NCAA Tournament Teams.

Make sure to check out yesterday's Top Ten Chicago Baseball Prospects!

10. 1981 - Second Round

With 48 teams in the field, the Illini ended an 18-year tournament absence by earning the number four seed and a first round bye. They lost to Kansas State after defeating Wyoming in the first round.

9. 1998 - Second Round

The Illini were just starting to awaken once again with the uncanny recruiting talents of Lon Kruger.

They picked up Big Ten co-champ honors, but couldn't get it done against Maryland in the round of 32.

8. 2003 - Second Round

Brain Cook's Illini and NCAA Tournament finale came against the school's neighbor to the East, Notre Dame, in the second round.

Cook was the Big Ten Player of the Year and would be selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2003 draft.

7. 2002 - Sweet 16

Frankie Williams, a surefire NBA Lottery selection, started off hot in the 2002 tourney, scoring 25 points against San Diego State in round one and 20 points against Creighton.

But his career would close out with a loss to the Kansas Jayhawks in the Sweet 16, 73-69.

6. 1985 - Sweet 16

The Illini, coming off such an impressive showing in the tourney a year before, were named the preseason number one team in the nation. Lou Henson's squad pushed their home win streak to 24 with most valuable player Doug Altenberger sharp shooting skills being their weapon of choice.

5. 1984 - One win away from the Final Four

This squad racked up a school record 26 games, a share of the Big Ten title and a host of other accolades. The one interesting note about this team is that their loss against the Kentucky Wildcats forced the NCAA to institute a rule that requires a neutral-site for tournament games.

Also, at this point in the NCAA Tournament, there were 53 participants with five play-in games before it even started.

4. 2004 - Sweet 16

The Illini absolutely embarrassed then No. 4 Cincinnati in the second round of the tournament, announcing their arrival to the main stage. Despite the 92-68 whopping the laid on the Bearcats, the Illini fell to a Luol Deng led Duke team (who lost to the eventual champs UConn in the Final Four) in the Sweet 16.

This tournament experience paved the way for their magical run in 2005.

3. 2001 - Elite 8

Then new head coach Bill Self took over a stacked Illini team from Lon Kruger and led them straight to a number one seed in the tournament.

With Cory Bradford, Frank Williams, Brian Cook, Sergio McClain, Lucas Johnson and Sean Harrington, the Illini made it all the way to the Elite Eight before falling to Arizona.

The game itself was a disaster and one of the most disputed contests of all time. The referees were the ones in the spotlight instead of the players, blowing the whistle an unthinkable 59 times that resulted in 81 free throws.

2. 1989 - Final Four

'The Flying Illini'

Kendall Gill
Nick Anderson
Kenny Battle
Marcus Liberty
Stephen Bardo

The team that put the Fighting Illini back on the map, winning their first 17 games on their way to becoming the number one team in the nation. They could do it all and it seemed like nothing would stand in the way of their first NCAA Championship.

But Big Ten nemesis Michigan Wolverines crushed their dreams in the Final Four.

They'll always be remembered for their high flying dunks and full throttle style of play.

1. 2005 - NCAA Championship Runner Up

The legendary Final Four run that included perhaps the most improbable comeback win against Arizona.

That roster was loaded with talent: Deron Williams, Luther Head, Dee Brown, James Augustine, Roger Powell.

Williams is now one of the top five point guards in the NBA and will be an All-Star once the fans start voting on production as opposed to name recognition.

They had a chance to beat a UNC team that featured Rashad McCants, Sean May, Raymond Felton and head coach Roy Williams up until the very end.

To this day I can't stand looking at Sean May and his mammoth McDonald's filled frame.