CHAMPAIGN — Dee Brown didn’t need any reminders as to the significance Monday held.
Eleven years ago to the day, the former Illinois point guard was stepping onto the court inside Edward Jones Done in St. Louis for the 2005 national championship game against North Carolina.
And 11 years ago to the day, the Illini’s national title hopes were erased in a 75-70 loss to the Tar Heels in front of a crowd of 47,262.
Brown had checked off — or would ultimately check off — almost every goal he said defines the Illinois basketball program: Graduate and get a degree, win Big Ten championships, play in the NCAA tournament and win a national championship.