For the first time in over 20 years, Illinois men's basketball is back in the Final Four and chasing a national championship. Before Illinois takes the floor inside Lucas Oil Stadium, our WAND Sports team shares what this year's team has accomplished and how they've done so, while also digging into a tradition and celebration that's only strengthened since the 2005 campaign.
Celebrations continued Sunday as the Fighting Illini men's basketball team returned home from their Elite Eight win over Iowa.
From Houston to Champaign, Illini fans were partying like it's 2005 after Illinois secured their first Final Four appearance in 21 years with a win over Iowa Saturday.
Keaton Wagler against Iowa in the Elite Eight win on March 28, 2026.
Illinois is one win away from their first Final Four appearance in 20 years, but they must get past Big Ten rival Iowa to get there.
Illinois women's basketball looks to end No. 9 Iowa's four-game winning streak on Thursday night.
Image Taken At Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s Basketball Game, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa, Sunday, January 11, 20…
Image Taken At Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Men’s Basketball Game, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, Iowa, Sunday, January 11, 20…
The #16 Illinois men's basketball team stays on the road Sunday, heading to Iowa City to take on the #19 Iowa Hawkeyes.