Chicago Legends Tickets

There is no denying that Chicago has a rich basketball history. From the likes of Dwyane Wade and Isiah Thomas to Cazzie Russell and Nick Anderson, some of the greatest basketball players of all time have come out of Chicago. But there’s something about the college basketball scene in the Windy City that is truly special.

Chicago has long been a breeding ground for some of the most legendary college basketball teams and players in the country. To this day, the city is still producing top-tier talent that continues to make waves on the national stage. Here are just a few of the many legends of Chicago college basketball.


Firstly, there's DePaul University, which is situated in the heart of the city. The Blue Demons have had their fair share of impressive seasons over the years and can boast alumni like Mark Aguirre and Quentin Richardson. In fact, DePaul has produced over 50 NBA players throughout its history.

Then there's Loyola University Chicago, who captured the nation's attention during their magical Final Four run in 2018. The Ramblers haven't experienced championship success since winning it all back in 1963, but they've consistently fielded solid teams over the decades. Their roster includes some notable names such as Jerry Harkness and Les Hunter.

Arguably one of the most successful programs in the Chicago area is the Fighting Illini of the University of Illinois. While they haven't won a national title yet, they've come close on several occasions - most notably during the 2004-05 season when they made it to the NCAA championship game. Other notable Fighting Illini players include Deron Williams and Dee Brown.

Of course, we can't forget about the legendary coach that put Chicago college basketball on the map - Ray Meyer. Meyer spent 42 seasons at DePaul, leading the Blue Demons to 21 NCAA Tournament appearances and amassing a whopping 724 wins. He's widely considered one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

What makes Chicago so special when it comes to college basketball? The answer might lie in the city's unique culture. Chicago is a fiercely competitive town that values hard work, toughness and grit - traits that translate perfectly onto the hardwood. It also doesn't hurt that the city has some of the best high school basketball programs in the country, routinely churning out top-tier talent year after year.

Whether you're a fan of the Blue Demons, Ramblers, or Fighting Illini (or all three!), there's no doubt that Chicago will continue to produce some of the most dynamic and exciting college basketball players and teams in the years to come. So keep an eye on the Windy City - because you never know where the next great legend of college basketball might come from.