Illinois athletics director Josh Whitman said this week in a video address (above) that 2017 "was us growing stronger in the face of adversity and laying the groundwork for a bigger, brighter, bolder future."

While that may be true, those are things you say after a not-so-banner year.

Sure, Illinois athletics had some success in 2017. Men's golf and gymnastics remain nationally elite. Volleyball and softball danced, forecasting even brighter futures.

But the top-three sports experienced more disappointment followed by big change(s).

Still, 2017 also brought some hope. The revenue-generating sports landed potential landmark Chicago star recruits. Both basketball and football feature exciting, talented freshmen. Also, Whitman continues to invest the resources needed to lift Illinois back into Big Ten contention.

2018 must be better, but Whitman hopes 2017 makes his athletics department stronger.

"Our journey is just beginning, but our destination has never been more certain," Whitman said.

Following are Illini Inquirer's top-17 Illini stories of 2017.