The 1946-47 season would be the last year that Doug Mills would be the head coach of the Fighting Illini, however; he would remain as the University of Illinois athletic director until 1966.

Overall his teams won 151 games and lost only 66, the 151 wins remains 4th all-time in Illini history.

An attempt to regroup 'The Whiz Kids' occurred during the 1946-47 season when Ken Menke, Gene Vance, and Andy Phillip returned from their service in World War II.

The starting lineup at the beginning of the season included 4 of the 5 Whiz Kids, guards Smiley and Vance, forwards Phillip and Ken Menke and Fred Green at center.

However, as January unfolded, Mills would insert Kirk and freshman Bill Erickson into the starting lineup as well.