Efrem Winters, a key driver in the revival of Illinois basketball in the mid-1980s and a widely beloved figure among Illini fans, died Monday at age 61 after battling an illness for several years.

Illinois legend Efrem Winters died Monday at 61 years old, according to the team. Officials said he was battling an illness for several years. Winters joined Lou Henson and the Illini in 1982 ...

It was a chance for fans to shower love on Efrem Winters, Bruce Douglas, Doug Altenberger, George Montgomery, Quinn Richardson, Tony Wysinger, Scott Meents and other members of that team.