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Illinois Basketball: Illini Developing Same Construct as the 2005 Team

By Rees Woodcock

Mar 6, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Mar 6, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Illinois Basketball
Mar 6, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach John Groce looks on from the bench during the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

Do you remember that great run the Illinois basketball team had in the 2005 NCAA tournament?

The Illinois Fighting Illini had a special team over a decade ago.  This team made it to the national championship with a roster that goes down as one of the greatest ever.

As an Illinois fan, I have come to the realization that it is unlikely that I will ever see that great of a basketball team don the orange and blue ever again.

But, when I look at what is happening with the current recruiting situation it makes me wonder.  Could this great run be duplicated sometime down the road?

That 2004-2005 Illinois basketball team consisted of supreme talent from all areas of the United States.  These players all came together to form that great run we witnessed.

Dee Brown and Deron Williams were one of the best combinations in college basketball.  Luther Head was a nightmare to guard and developed into a great shooter.

Roger Powell played with more heart than anyone in the game.  James Augustine was a mad man in the paint and was a rock for this team.

When I look at the players John Groce is recruiting today and for the future, I can see similarities in how he wants the team constructed.

Let’s take a look at each position.

Next: Point Guard

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