Reflecting on Illinois Basketball’s Near Miss
CHAMPAIGN — Anyone who witnessed the legendary Dee Brown during his time with Illinois basketball likely knows the moment he’d wish to change.
“The one that’s going to haunt you forever,” he remarked.
It was the national championship game against powerhouse North Carolina, where the Illini suffered a heartbreaking 75-70 defeat, marking only their second loss in a record-tying 37-win season.
Remarkable Season
With a stellar backcourt trio consisting of Brown, Deron Williams, and Luther Head, the Illini surged to a 29-0 start. Their only loss came by a single point during a late-season game against Ohio State. Dominating the Big Ten, they led the nation in assists, excelled in three-pointers, and became celebrated figures in college basketball.
Heartbreak at the Championship
The anticipated “big-boy trophy,” as Brown describes it, seemed destined for Illinois after achieving numerous goals throughout the season.
“I was checking all the boxes, but I didn’t check the last one when it came to winning it all,” said Brown. “It happens, but it’s something that lingers in your mind.”
Reunion and Nostalgia
At Memorial Stadium, members of the back-to-back Big Ten championship teams from 2003-04 and 2004-05 reunited ahead of the No. 12-ranked football team’s opener. According to Brown, it was their first gathering since college. Though Head was absent, many teammates and staff were present, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Enduring Memories
“These were some of the funnest years of my life,” recalled Williams, now an NBA All-Star. “The bonds we formed were something special. You can’t easily replicate those years.”
Looking Back on the Loss
Coach Bruce Weber reflects on the season as “amazing,” yet he still feels the sting of that loss. “I think we were the better team,” he shared, lamenting the foul trouble that limited key players.
A humorous anecdote involves a fan who sent Weber a photo of a toilet with a plaque bearing the names of the game officials, expressing her frustration in a creative way.
Life After Basketball
Now 41, Brown serves as a coach at Roosevelt University, still cherishing his time at Assembly Hall. “I miss the sound of that place. It made me feel like I couldn’t lose,” he reminisced.
