Deon Thomas, Doug Altenberger join Illini radio team
Yes, great, welcome, Deon!!!
SalukiIllini
- Evansville, IN
Njce
Captain Bubbles
- Fairfield, IL
I've been in broadcasting for nearly nine years and I thought Jerry did a stellar job as an analyst.
I've done both play-by-play and color for high school and college athletics. Being an analyst requires a lot of knowledge about the rules, regulations, and the sport itself. I believe Deon will be a great analyst.
I've done both play-by-play and color for high school and college athletics. Being an analyst requires a lot of knowledge about the rules, regulations, and the sport itself. I believe Deon will be a great analyst.
Awesome. One of the few bright spots in my 7 dark years of Illini sports between the flying Illini and the return to the top of the big ten in 98
Unclear what the pay would be. Assume he is no longer an assistant basketball coach at UIC and has another fulltime job during the day.
Great - looking forward to hearing him on the radio. Maybe he can teach our big men a thing or two in his spare time, too. 
Mike
C-U Townie
Yeah, doing live announcing is hard. I've done a bit of professional narration (Always been told I've got the perfect face for radio btw), but doing it on the fly with no script is a whole other thing.
Deon is a legend IMO and getting him makes me happy. The more great ex players we get around the program the better I think.
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Wanted Deon to be on our staff, he always seemed to be well respected in Chicago. Great person and class act.
Dan
Admin
Deleted member 3875
D
Guest
This is a good thing. 
Bubba Eder
- Northeast Missouri
This is a VERY good thing.
FIFY
This is a good thing.
Bringing Home Greatness.
Deon Thomas has set the bar High at Illinois. All time leading scorer at Illinois with 2,129 points. Ranked # 4 in Rebounds team history.
It makes me proud to see the love of this program for our players past and present. Josh is doing a real fine job in capturing what it means to be an Illini past and present.
Who else would you want to tell you the game on the radio ? Maybe one who has played it at is finest level for our beloved.
FeelYourPaign
- So Cal
Doug is one of my favorites, so I'm really glad to hear this.
He carried the team on his back through some rough spots.
He carried the team on his back through some rough spots.
icengineer
- Southern Illinois
What are these TV commitments Thomas has? Illini related or something else?
I think this a great hire and contrary to your thoughts.
Doug logged 3730 minutes on the Floor for the Beloved. Was 47% from the 3 for his Career. I think he is more than qualified to voice his thoughts as you are.