Fans forget how darn awesome Lon Kruger was, after coach Henson. He had been hugely successful at Florida, then joined us. He signed 3 Illinois basketball players of the year in, Sergio McClain, Frank Williams, Brian Cook, not to mention Marcus Griffith, and Cory Bradford. And my heart broke, he went to the NBA. Why? AD maybe? They bring in Coach Self and his first year with Loaded roster goes to elite 8. The legend is born. Rightfully so, he kept it going and man did he assemble an assistant coaching staff. Billy the recruiter Gillespie, norm Robert's, Tim Jankovich, etc. Long list.