Ammons Celebrates Fighting Illini’s Monumental Men’s Basketball Season

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After an incredible season earning them a Big Ten championship title, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, invited the University of Illinois’ Men’s Basketball team to the Statehouse to celebrate their performance this year.

“Representing the University of Illinois in the Illinois House of Representatives is always an honor, but the success of the Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team makes me even more proud,” said Ammons. “The hard work and dedication shown by these young men this season is something we can all aspire to.”

In 2022, Illinois won its 18th Big Ten championship and its first since 2005. The team finished the regular season 22-8 and 15-5 in the Big Ten. The team’s 15 Big Ten wins tied for the second-most in the program’s history, second to last year’s 16 Big Ten wins. Over the last three seasons, Illinois won the most games among the Big Ten with a 44-16 record in league play.

“I offer my sincerest congratulations to the Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team and their entire coaching staff, especially Head Coach Brad Underwood,” Ammons said. “Bringing the Fighting Illini back to the national stage was no small feat, and the entire state is proud of you and your efforts. Hail to the orange, hail to the blue!”

“It was an honor to be welcomed to Springfield and enjoy a tremendous reception with our state leaders,” Head Coach Brad Underwood said. “Illinois Basketball means so much to the loyal alumni and fans throughout the state. We had a great time taking the Big Ten championship trophy throughout the Capitol today and celebrating our success with all those who support the University of Illinois.”