Under the direction of coach Ralph Jones, the 1917–18 season for the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team, was unusual because World War I was happening in Europe.

Co-captain George Halas, for example, left the team in January 1918 to help out with the war effort.

[1] In only the second season of having 10 members, the Big Ten Conference continued their 12-game schedule of home and road competitions.

The Illini finished their season with an overall record of 9 wins and 6 losses and a 6-win 6-loss conference mark.

Taylor at center, and co-captain George Halas and Burt Ingwersen as guards.