Sturdy: A Lot Has Changed in 20 Years

By Brad Sturdy - IlliniGuys Insider/Analyst & Co-Host, IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular

August 29, 2025

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

The Illini are hosting a reunion of the 2005 Final Four team, the first time they have had this group back on campus since that magical run that captivated a nation. There are numerous reasons for a delay in honoring what was the greatest season in Illini basketball history. We can debate 89, 05, 01, 24, 84 until we’re blue in the face, but the reality is that the 2005 team made it to the national title game as the . . .

 

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