The 1953–54 Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team represented the University of Illiniois.

In his seventh year at Illinois, Harry Combes continued to offer the fans of the Fighting Illini a successful team that they could be follow across the country to record crowds.

During the season, Kerr shattered Illinois’ single-season scoring record by tallying 556 points in his senior year.

A youth movement that helped the Illini finish in a 3rd place tie in the Big Ten.

The starting lineup included captain John Kerr at the center position, Jim Wright and Paul Judson at guard and Bruce Brothers and Max Hooper at the forward slots.