A Century of Orange and Blue

100 Years of Illini Basketball is just that--an in -depth look at the history of one of the Big Ten's premier basketball programs. The University of Illinois' basketball roots date back to 1901, when the idea of men's basketball was introduced to UI director of athletics George Huff during a scrimmage at the Men's Old Gym. By 1906 a varsity basketball team was in place. On January 6 of that year it defeated Champaign High School, 71-4. Some 100 years later, the Fighting Illini have hoisted 15 Big Ten championship banners and sent four teams to the Final Four in search of the school's first NCAA championship. From the Whiz Kids of 1942 to the Flying Illini of 1989, 100 Years of Illini Basketball is full of fond memories of fantastic teams, recounted by veteran journalist Loren Tate and the amazing players and coaches that put Illinois basketball on the national map.