Conference Big Ten Conference AP No. 18 Head coach Harry Combes | Coaches No. 16 1954–55 record 17–5 (10-4 Big Ten) Assistant coach Howie Braun | |
The 1954–55 Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team represented the University of Illinois.
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Regular season
Head coach Harry Combes, in his eighth year at Illinois, directed a youthful team with only three returning seniors, none of which were regular players. Combes' team, once again, was primarily made of sophomores and juniors recruited from the state of Illinois.
The 1954-55 team had some talented juniors including the return of twin brothers, Paul and Phil Judson from Hebron, Illinois, Bruce Brothers and Bill Ridley. It also added sophomores George Bon Salle, Bill Altenberger, Hiles Stout, and future Illini head coach, Harv Schmidt. Exactly like the previous season, the Illini finished with a conference record of 10 wins and 4 losses, finishing in a 2nd place tie in the Big Ten. Unfortunately the Illini would lose 5 total games with three of the five losses coming at the hands of ranked opponents. The starting lineup included George Bon Salle at the center position, Bill Ridley and Bill Altenberger at guard and Bruce Brothers and Paul Judson at the forward slots. The team also included former University of Minnesota head coach Jim Dutcher.
Roster
Schedule
Bold Italic connotes conference game