Members of the 1988-89 Illinois basketball team, nicknamed the “Flying Illini” reunited in Champaign last night to celebrate their former coach.
Kenny Battle, Kendall Gill and Larry Smith were all in attendance.
3 of the "89" Flyin Illni in Champaign tonight. Kenny Battle, Larry Smith & I celebrate our Coach Lou Henson. pic.twitter.com/tDaN9oKuIN
— Kendall Gill (@KendallG13) December 3, 2015
Another former Iliini, Steve Bardo, couldn’t be there, but sent his well wishes anyway.
In order to honor legendary coach Lou Henson, the school renamed the basketball court at the State Farm Center “Lou Henson Court.”
It's an honor to play on Lou Henson Court.
— Illinois Basketball (@IlliniMBB) December 3, 2015
What a special night at @StateFarmCenter. #Illini #LOOOUUUU pic.twitter.com/eDYZyttvkU
Henson won 423 games as Illinois’ coach from 1975-1996 and ranks 10th on the NCAA’s all-time list of Division I coaches with 775 career wins.
He led the “Flying Illini” to the Final Four in 1989.
WATCH: Remembering the “Flying Illini”
All stats via Sports-Reference.
