Editor's note: Using a point system devised by the ESPN Stats & Information department, ESPN.com is counting down the 50 most successful programs of the past 50 years. A running list of the top 50 can be found here. For an explanation of the scoring system, read our intro.
33. Illinois (229 points)
Positives: 12 regular-season conference titles; two Final Fours; 25 NCAA tournament appearances; six consensus All-Americans.
Negatives: Lost 22 points due to NCAA sanctions; no conference titles of any kind from 1964-83; have advanced past Sweet 16 just twice since 1990.
Fun fact: Deron Williams (2005) and Kendall Gill (1990) are the only top-10 NBA picks in school history.
Rank by the decade
1962-69: 14 (T-59th)
1970-79: -17 (T-269th)
1980-89: 79 (18th)
1990-99: 21 (T-86th)
2000-present: 113 (17th)
50 in 50 starting five (1962-present)
G – Deron Williams (2002-05)
G – Kendall Gill (1986-90)
G/F – Nick Anderson (1987-89)
F – Eddie Johnson (1977-81)
F – Brian Cook (1999-03)
Top options off the bench
Dee Brown (2003-06)
Frank Williams (1999-2002)
Deon Thomas (1990-94)
50 in 50 coach: Lou Henson (1976-96)
Best teams (1962-present)
1988-89 (31-5, NCAA national semifinals)
2000-01 (27-8, NCAA regional finals)
2004-05 (37-2, NCAA runner-up)
--Harold Shelton and Brett Edgerton contributed to this post