Illinois prepares for celebration of a century

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Former coach Lou Henson is expected to be among more than 350 former players, coaches, managers, aides and others returning to campus next weekend to celebrate the 100th season of basketball at the University of Illinois.

That's about half of those who were invited, says Rod Cardinal, the celebration's coordinator.

It doesn't hurt that the 100th Illini team is still undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country. Illinois' game against Minnesota on Saturday highlights the weekend.

"We couldn't ask for a greater vehicle on which to promote this," Cardinal said.

It also helps that Cardinal knows so many former Illini. He spent 30 years as an athletic trainer at the school before retiring to become director of basketball operations in 2003.

Former NBA players Nick Witherspoon, Kendall Gill, Nick Anderson, Johnny "Red" Kerr and Eddie Johnson are among those planning to return. Phoenix Suns owner and basketball Hall of Famer Jerry Colangelo also is on the list, as is Harlem Globetrotters owner Mannie Jackson, Cardinal said.

Henson, who coached Illinois from 1975 to 1996, retired Saturday as head coach at New Mexico State because of his ill health. He has been sidelined by ill health this season, and his assistant, Tony Stubblefield, has been handling the team.

"You don't get this opportunity to touch base with the former guys and make sure they understand how you appreciate them," said Illini coach Bruce Weber. "We need to make them feel good about coming back [and] be proud that they laid the foundation for what we have today."

Planning for the centennial began more than two years ago, Cardinal said. A list of more than 700 basketball alumni was compiled, and a committee began arranging activities that include a Friday evening reception and an alumni basketball game Saturday morning.

"We weren't really keen on an alumni game to start with, but that kind of grew as some other people said it is a good bonding experience," Cardinal said.

The game, to be played at Huff Hall on the UI campus, is sold out. Those who couldn't get a ticket can watch it on TV.

Each returning player will be introduced after the Illinois-Minnesota game at the Assembly Hall. Colin Handlon, who played for the Illini from 1938 to 1940, will be the first former player introduced, Cardinal said.

At least 18 of the 20 members of the school's all-century team, which was announced last fall, will attend or be represented by a member of their family, Cardinal said. They will be greeted at midcourt by current Illini players.

The festivities are more popular than organizers had originally planned. A reception outgrew the team's practice center and had to be moved to a hotel ballroom.

"I knew it was going to be a big deal," athletic director Ron Guenther said. "Basketball at Illinois has been very special."