Illinois Basketball: Top 3 Illini teams of the 2010s

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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 27: head coach Brad Underwood of the Illinois Fighting Illini reacts in the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

I think it is fair to say the Illinois basketball program has struggled during the 2010s.

It wasn’t easy watching them some seasons. As a fan born in 1990, I have been spoiled by a run of Illinois basketball that not many programs could compete with. But that great run started sputtering at the start of the 2010s.

There were multiple seasons Illinois didn’t hit the .500 mark. We saw a 12-win campaign, a 14-win campaign and a 15-win campaign in a four-year stretch. That is some rough basketball to watch.

With struggles on the court came struggles with the head coach and the athletic department. Illinois has had three full-time athletic directors during this stretch of time. Mike Thomas really set the downhill trend in motion. Ever since he was hired back in 2011, Illinois has only made two NCAA tournament appearances.

The struggle has been real for Illinois basketball fans. But, throughout all of the losing, there have been some bright campaigns. The Illini have had some good teams that were able to compete. So, I wanted to pick the three best to do it in the 2010s.

Here are the top three Illini teams of the 2010s.

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