Entering his 13th year as University of Illinois' head coach, Harry Combes and his Fighting Illini basketball team.

Started gaining on the national scene once again by beginning the Big Ten season as a top 10 ranked team.

It also saw the return of team "captain" Mannie Jackson as well as Ed Perry, Lou Landt, John Wessels, Lee Frandsen, Vern Altemeyer, Al Gosnell and Bruce Bunkenberg.

Jerry Colangelo, a future sports mogul, also played a significant role as a sophomore.

The starting lineup included John Wessels at the center position, Vern Altemeyer, Lou Landt and Mannie Jackson at guard and Govoner Vaughn and Ed Perry at the forward slots.