Been an Illini fan for 65 years and this is one of the top five most enjoyable seasons ever. Watching these kids learn and grow older together over the past 3 seasons is what it is all about for me. More importantly, they returned the fight to the Fighting Illini and reflecting a level of competence that is acceptable to all. Many have said it often....they want to get old and stay old in order to compete. Four year players is the answer for most teams and I would be happy to see five stars allowed to play out of high school resulting in a better college game for all.
We have no idea what the next year will bring to the sports world, but I hope I am around to see a Kofi led Illini team fight for a B1G title next year. They will have a veteran laden team with talented newcomers filling in and learning quickly...the way programs are built and good players learn to become great players without getting their confidence shattered.
My personal thanks to a great group of Illini hoopsters for a remarkable season....and especially to graduating srs. Andes Feliz and Kipper Nichols who I wish the best in all their future endeavors.
We have no idea what the next year will bring to the sports world, but I hope I am around to see a Kofi led Illini team fight for a B1G title next year. They will have a veteran laden team with talented newcomers filling in and learning quickly...the way programs are built and good players learn to become great players without getting their confidence shattered.
My personal thanks to a great group of Illini hoopsters for a remarkable season....and especially to graduating srs. Andes Feliz and Kipper Nichols who I wish the best in all their future endeavors.