No matter what happens tomorrow evening, sincere thanks to the four seniors:
Samson didn't get much tick but the contributions that backups make every day in practice day in and day out helps makes the starters who they are.
Tyler was one of the few guys who understood BU's system early last season. He got tick and people were often "ticked" at that. Without him and his contributions, however, stabilizing the offense at times when it was falling apart, last season would have been worse.
Kipper has hung in there through thick and thin and given us some great moments. That Iowa game when he went off was sublime.
And Dre. Well, IMO if Ayo leaves this spring we'll miss Dre next year as much as Ayo. As a former undersized guard who drove into the trees on a regular basis, I both wince and empathize when he gets airborne down there with no backup plan. But, man, when he kisses those layups high off the glass, or draws coverage and dishes; when he hits the floor after a loose ball; when he literally rips the ball out of an opponent's hand, particularly when that opponent is Garza in Iowa City at crunch time; and when you see his leadership in the huddle and on the floor that he provides this team; well, that's toughness, grace, discipline, and everything you cheer for and admire as a fan.
We're going to miss him. He's the heart and soul of what I love about this team, the culture that's developing, and BU's potential to drop firm anchor in Champaign for many winning seasons to come. When BU talked about "Everyday Guys" at his first presser I liked it but allowed it could be fluff. It's not. It's what, combined with talent, will make the Illini great again. It's Dre.
So thanks, guys, especially Dre. Remind Garza tomorrow evening at the Hall who you are. Give him a memory he won't be able to erase even 30 years from now.
ILL-