Fans and coach Bret Bielema gather to cheer on Illinois men’s basketball team.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The Fighting Illini men’s basketball team greeted hundreds of fans outside the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building Wednesday prior to leaving for Indianapolis.

The team boarded a Final-Four-bound bus just before 2 p.m. earlier today. Athletic Director Josh Whitman and Coach Brad Underwood both spoke to the crowd before handing the microphone over to Kylan Boswell.

 

Students, families, and supporters gathered outside State Farm Center, waving signs and chanting as the Illini loaded up and prepared to leave. The sendoff created a festive atmosphere, with a sea of orange and blue showing strong support for the team’s historic tournament run.

Among those in attendance was Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema, who joined fans in wishing the team well ahead of its national semifinal matchup.