A new star on the playing floor emerged during the 1934-35 season with the addition of Harry Combes to the roster.

Combes helped lead Illinois to both its Big Ten titles in the 1930s.

Along with future head coach Combes the Illini only returned 6 lettermen from a team that had finished in fourth place in the Big Ten the year before.

Even though the Fighting Illini lost twice to Indiana, they improved in conference play by finishing with a record of 9 wins and 3 losses.

The starting lineup included captain Frank Froschauer and Roy Guttschow at forward, Harry Combes, Jack Benyon and Wilbur Henry at guard, with Lewis Dehner at the center position.