Good Morning, Illini Nation: Anticipation building

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Welcome to “Good Morning, Illini Nation,” your daily dose of college basketball news from Illini beat writer and AP Top 25 voter Scott Richey. He’ll offer up insights every morning on Brad Underwood’s team and college basketball at large:

That Illinois announced Friday it had sold out its allotment of public season tickets for the 2024-25 campaign wasn't exactly a surprise. Last year's team went 29-9, won the Big Ten tournament and went on a run in the NCAA tournament to the Elite Eight.

This year's team might have a new-look roster, but the level of talent acquired in the offseason coupled with the fact Illini basketball is, quite simply, back has the anticipation level for the coming season at an all-time high (or close to it).

Last season's success saw Illinois post a 93 percent season ticket renewal rate. Deposits were put down on more than 900 new season tickets, too. Sellouts have become quite a bit more regular at State Farm Center in the last few years, and that's a trend that should continue this season.

Didn't get season tickets? No worries. There are still single-game tickets to be had. Those will start going on sale in October, with priority going to I FUND contributors.

Single-game tickets on-sale dates:

• Oct. 21: I FUND (Loyalty Circle and above)
• Oct. 22: I FUND (Oskee, Olympian, Block I)
• Oct. 23: I FUND (Captains, Champion, All-American)
• Oct. 24: General Public