NCAA berth marks rebirth for Illinois

The Illini saw a constant reminder of their goal to return to March basketball. Groce, who was hired last April after taking Ohio to the Sweet 16, gave each player a plastic orange wristband with the date 3-19-13 on it.

The first day of the NCAA tournament.

"It is a motivational factor," Paul said. "Guys wear it every day. I don't think Coach Groce took it off. I've been in Wal-Mart getting groceries and someone asks what's on your wrist. It kind of takes you back to what your goal is."

Shannon Ryan