A Century of Orange and Blue is just that—an in-depth look at the history of one of the Big Ten's premiere 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 under the direction of Leo Hana and coach Elwood Brown. That team defeated Champaign High School, 71-4, on Jan. 6, 1906, before losing to more formidable college teams in Purdue and Indiana.
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 a NCAA championship. From the Whiz Kids of '42 to the FlyinÂ’ Illini of '89 to the Big Ten champs of '04, A Century of Orange and Blue is full of fond memories of fantastic teams, recounted by authors Loren Tate and Jared Gelfond and the amazing players and coaches that put Illini basketball on the national map.
