tommy amaker inherited a team that imposed sanctions on itself after his first year at the helm of the program. nonetheless, he coached the team to the postseason three times including both an nit championship in 2004 and a runner-up finish in 2006. during the 2005–06, when the team compiled a 22–11 overall (8–8, big ten) record, he led them to their first national ranking in eight years when they reached the #20 position. despite his successes, the team never won a big ten championship and never made the ncaa tournament, which led to his firing after six seasons.