Wanted to say this and landed it here. Having been an avid Illini hoops fan for 65 years, I have seen some kids play who I truly impressed me with their growth, dedication to succeed, determination to win, all while displaying admirable character. However, my GOAT who gets the trophy is Kofi. After seeing him play in high school, I was colored unimpressed. Watching him as a frosh, I was convinced that he had a ceiling no one could see...and expected that ceiling would never be approached. As a soph, his strength and conditioning were astonishing, his contributions as a teammate wonderful, but still he simply did not understand the game. This year, however, so many good things have appeared in his play that I am wondering if he can someday become an NBA All-Star. His willingness and growing recognition to get the ball to an open shooter when doubled is growing, his touch around the basket is improving to a high level, his free throw shooting is becoming mechanically and statistically quite acceptable, and his interviews delightful. Now I wonder and even think it is possible that this amazing young man could someday be money with a soft jumper from 15 ft. in. His improvement is simply astonishing. A well earned tip of the cap to an all-time Illini great.