Agreed. I do think he has surpassed Spoon and Ayo and all our other greats.
In the 70 years I have been an Illini fan, there has never been an Illini player that can do what TSJr. does on the hardwood. His size, speed with the ball, ability to change direction
at warp speed, his skill at finishing at the hoop, along with FT shooting and his % from the arc are a lethal offensive combination. When adding in his ability to effectively guard, stay with, and deter the opponents best perimeter player almost every game, I challenge anyone to name a player who comes close. There is no former Illini to compare him to, and I can't offhand think of any collegiate player I have seen.
It has been a blessing for me to witness his growth and impactful contribution to raising this team to a level that can compete...and beat...any other collegiate team. Sure, they can be beaten...and have...but I sure like what I have seen from them this year. For the first time since I can remember, they have played six games in a row at a consistent elite level. Now, they need to get a couple more against teams thought to be elite and prove themselves worthy of all the praise before playing their hearts out in the FF.