By Sean McDevitt
FightingIllini.com
Press Release | Press Conference
Twenty years ago Google was founded.
Twenty years ago the first iMac was introduced.
Twenty years ago the sitcom Seinfeld ended.
And twenty years ago, the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex was opened.
Groundbreaking for Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex in 1998 |
 Interior shot of Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex in 1998 |
As you might imagine, a lot has changed since then.
Several Big Ten schools have built new basketball development facilities in the past 20 years and the race to the top has not slowed down. In fact, it's only ramped up in the intervening years.
In a press conference on Monday, Athletic Director Josh Whitman announced the development of plans for updates and renovations to the Ubben Basketball Complex. The $30 million dollar project is part of the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics' $300 million fundraising goal for With Illinois, the recently announced $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
"In the 20 years since Ubben opened, the concept has been copied by programs from coast-to-coast," said Whitman. "Now, we feel it is time for Illinois to add even more modern player development amenities to an already outstanding facility to help catapult the Fighting Illini programs back to an elite level."
The renovations scheduled for Ubben include adding nearly 45,000-square-feet to the existing building and remodeling more than 8,000-square-feet. Additions to both the men's and women's gym space include new half courts. The project also adds a state-of-the-art sports medicine area, two-story strength and conditioning room, dedicated meeting spaces for academics and team meals.
"This is a first-class university both academically and athletically, and the upgrade of our practice facility will give us the opportunity to continue to provide the best student-athlete experience in the Big Ten Conference," said Illini Women's Coach Nancy Fahey.
"We're excited about the expansion plans for the Ubben practice facility," Illini Men's Coach Brad Underwood said. "It will enable us to be self-contained in terms of everything we do from enhanced athletic training, rehab and recovery areas, to rooms for academic services, an expanded strength and conditioning area, dining space, expanded court space, and the most up-to-date technological offerings throughout the building."
A Vision of the Future
There is a direct correlation between the Ubben Basketball Complex being completed in 1998 and Illinois Basketball success on the court.
Immediately after Ubben was opened, the Illinois men's basketball program won five Big Ten regular season championships, won the Big Ten Tournament twice and, starting in 2000, appeared in the NCAA Tournament nine straight years including the National Championship game in 2005.
"To have the foresight for the university to build the first standalone practice facility was tremendous. Now it's time to take that next step," said Underwood.
"A lot has changed in 20 years and we now know how to help our student-athletes be at the top of their game," said Fahey. "Frankly, the student-athletes know it too. They know nutrition. They know the weight training. They know the academic side. And if we can have them all under one roof, it gives them a chance to be the best they can be."
Great People. Great Resources.
Illinois has not been sitting idly on the sidelines in the facilities "arms race."
State Farm Center, home of Illinois Basketball, underwent a major renovation in 2016. The $169.5 million project included an updated seating bowl, the addition of four levels of premium seating, improved restrooms and concessions, remodeled locker rooms, video room and team lounge, Hall of Fame space, air conditioning and many other amenities.
Currently, the $79 million dollar football performance center is under construction and is on pace to be open in 2019.
"In order for us to recognize our potential, football and basketball have to be strong," Whitman said. "How do we do it? With the plan we started with. We hire great people and support them with great resources. It's not a secret formula."
The formula has provided dividends in other areas of the Illinois athletic program. A perfect example of the combination of leadership and facilities is the Illinois men's golf program.
Mike Small has led the men's golf program to numerous Big Ten Championships and finished as national runner-up at the NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championships in 2013. Additionally, the team has advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Men's Golf Championship in four of the last five years.
The Demirjian Golf Practice Facility opened for use to both the men's and women's golf teams in January 2007. The $5.2 million, 14,150-square-foot facility features a 6,300-square-foot putting, chipping, and pitching area that includes sand bunkers and different strains of artificial grass, six heated hitting bays which open onto the range, team locker rooms, and more. It was updated in 2017 with a new indoor surface and joined by the Lauritsen/Wohlers Outdoor Golf Practice Facility in 2014.
At the time, no one believed a "winter school" could compete for national titles in Division I golf. Coach Small proved the doubters wrong and the Demirjian Golf Practice Facility has long been considered the finest in Division I.
Underwood sees the parallels.
"There's a reason it happens that way. It's not one thing happens and then the other thing happens. It has to happen in unison. It has to happen together."
Home Away from Home
Creating a home for both the men's and women's basketball program all under one roof was visionary in 1998. Today, all the schools do it that way.
"It's not so much a men's versus women's issue anymore," said Fahey. "They are building them equitably. When you look at Minnesota and Nebraska, they built for both. At this level, kids care about facilities. It's not the only reason recruits come, but it's an important part. That wow factor when they walk in… you can't beat that."
Recruiting is a vital piece of the puzzle. Recruits and their families expect programs to prepare them for the next step in their careers with facilities and amenities that are leading-edge.
"Anytime you show progress and there's a plan, it shows commitment," said Underwood. "Every prospect, every coach, every family, they want to see progress. They want to see that level of commitment so when their son or daughter walks in here they are in a place that's thinking about what's best for them all the way through.
"It's going to provide an atmosphere to help them become the best basketball player they can be. Plus, it's going to have a great look and feel about it. It's a place they'll want to call home and be proud of it."
