Head coach Harry Combes, in his eighth year at Illinois, directed a youthful team with only three returning seniors, none of which were regular players.

Combes' team, once again, was primarily made of sophomores and juniors recruited from the state of Illinois.

It also added sophomores George Bon Salle, Bill Altenberger, Hiles Stout, and future Illini head coach, Harv Schmidt.

The Illini lost 5 total games with three of the five losses coming at the hands of ranked opponents.

The starting lineup included George Bon Salle at the center position, Bill Ridley and Bill Altenberger at guard and Bruce Brothers and Paul Judson at the forward slots.