Want to say this about two players who are playing their last seasons for the Illini.
Andres Feliz is a player like no other I have ever seen....on any team. Sure...we all wish he were a more dependable jump shooter. But, in 65 years as an avid college hoops fan I have never seen a player his size more comfortable meandering (many streaking to the rim but none meandering or loitering) down low among guys as much as a foot taller or more and scorer consistently there EVERY GAME. He comes up with creative ways of getting it done efficiently also, not just highlight H-O-R-S-E shots we have not seen before but simple shots we can't believe were not swatted into section C (though some are on occasion). Not only that, but his rebounding success is also astounding, mostly due to his willingness and aggressiveness in seeking to find the ball. Props to an amazing player.
Also, I must say that Kipper Nichols has really become the player this team needed him to be this year. He was not going to be a starter or major scorer, be he needed to make a consistent and dependable contribution of play at starter quality due to his experience. We had seen flashes at times with contributions as a shooter, but this team needed him as an interior defender denying the ball, a tenacious rebounder, a guy who could take the ball with him to the rim and finish, and make smart plays on defense while never taking a play off. He had always come up short in those departments in the past, but this season, his focus and energy have allowed him to become the player this team needed him to be. From a kid going through the motions to a smart, tough, alert B1G warrior is a mighty transition. It has taken awhile but Kipper has earned his badge and become a vital cog in the Illini wheel of success.
Another anomally is the general tone of this board after a tough loss. Who would of thunk it?