It’s no secret that the late Weber years and subsequent Groce years of Illinois basketball were marked by frustration and disappointment. The program was on a downward spiral after decades of sustained success that culminated in a 29-1 regular season and national runner-up finish in 2005.
That doesn’t mean there weren’t some great memories and signature games that came out of that period. For many, Tyler Griffey’s buzzer beater to knock off #1 Indiana in 2013 probably sits at the top of the list. Some may look back on College Gameday’s visit to Assembly Hall and ensuing Illini upset over 5th ranked Michigan State in 2010.