The 1961-62 Fighting Illini basketball team bounced back from a miserable season the year prior.

Head coach Harry Combes non-conference season was nearly perfect with an 8-1 record.

The most unusual thing about this season was the fact that the Illini played three neutral court games in Chicago.

This would also be the final full season that the Fighting Illini would play their home games at Huff Hall.

The starting lineup included Bill Burwell at the center position, Bill Small and Jerry Colangelo at guard and Dave Downey and Bob Starnes at the forward slots.