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 Only 4 flags ever flew from that pole-the Christian flag, the
American flag representing these United States of America [the
greatest country on earth], the flag honoring the greatest National
League team in the history of MLB-the 11-time World Champion St.
Louis Cardinals, and my orange Fighting Illini flag! I can’t fly
that flag when trying to cover the games for you loyal LDN readers,
but if I could I would.
However, even though I didn’t have it with me Saturday at the State
Farm Center, lucky for me Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn literally
had my back. All the two of them did was lead Illinois to a 75-60
victory over Wisconsin and the first win in Chambana over the Red
since 2011. Sadly, that is not a misprint. Somehow, we had lost
seven in a row at home to those pesky Badgers.
But Ayo made sure that his last home chance versus Bucky and the
gang would be a memorable one. That is if you count producing only
the third ever triple double in Illini history…memorable. I sure
do…cue the orange flag waving. Ayo finished the afternoon w 21
points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists! I don’t think I hit those totals
for my career! Kofi Cockburn, not to be outdone, tallied his 10th of
12 double doubles in our Big 10 games going for 23 points and 14
rebounds! Fly that orange “W” again. Whether you live in cheeseland
or in Illini country, it is a joy to watch those two play!
Ayo has improved in every aspect of his game. He is also becoming
more and more of a leader which is an intangible that could have
huge implications in the future. He is so unselfish as he probably
could’ve scored 30 or more points but, in this contest gave up his
own good shots to pass the ball to teammates with better shots. On
one possession he was sprawled out on his stomach after being
knocked to the floor and still somehow got the pass to Jacob
Grandison for a big 3-pointer. As it was, Ayo’s 20+ point
triple-double was the first against a Big Ten ranked opponent by any
league player since 1999! Can you say Player of the Year?
Kofi on the other hand is a locomotive. Get in his way at your own
risk. And like Ayo, he’s getting pounded on, held, clutched,
grabbed, and scratched, but keeps fighting for position and making
teams play us honestly on defense. He’s also remained poised and
composed while teams employ the brutal physicality of the
hack-a-Shaq defense. His presence in the paint is formidable and
helps this team win many rebounding battles. In this game Illinois
outrebounded the Badgers, 46-19 only giving Wisconsin two offensive
rebounds for the game! You will win some games in this league with
results like that.
Blood & Guts Hustle Awards
[Since this team carries the moniker Illinois Fighting Illini, I’d
like to give out some hustle and effort awards.]
Trent Frazier=deserves a lot of love these last few games. He’s made
3’s, he’s dished some beautiful passes, but most of all his
lock-down on the ball defense has been stifling. And his team
defense is pretty good too. His ability to rescue the Illini with
big 3’s on the backside of the defense has crippled our opponents.
His on the court sportsmanship also does not go unnoticed [thank you
TF for demonstrating to kids that you can be intense and play tough
but always find a way to do the right thing and be a good sport.
Greatly appreciated!]
Da’Monte Williams=all D does is win! But his hustle is contagious.
All he did Saturday was get 5 points and haul down 9 huge rebounds.
He hit a big 3 on a skip pass, but his day was best understood at a
time Bucky was on a run trying to get back in the game. [to top of second column] |
Kofi missed a shot that looked like the Badgers would
corral-they didn’t-Williams had slipped inside of a gaggle of
players-had come up with the offensive carom-and had already
banged the put-back shot into the basket. His intensity and
ferocious play makes us tougher in every way. And I report to
you as honestly as I can-I did not see anything resembling a
Flagrant 1 or a technical. He’s giving us all he can on a bum
ankle-what else can you ask for?
Giorgi Bezhanishvili=2 rebounds and 7 big points. Giorgi is
playing within himself-gives the defense a different look-and
rests big Kofi. His hustle, high energy, and fun-loving
personality and play lifts this team in many ways. What’s not to
like?
Jacob Grandison=Has been a huge sparkplug since being inserted
in the starting lineup. His 5 points and 4 critical rebounds in
this one kept us solid when things were slipping away. His skill
set is helping to replace what we lost, and he has the potential
to make huge contributions. Keep your eye on this kid!
Adam Miller=So proud of this young man. He hits big shots from
long distance. However, his improvement on defense-especially
his on the ball defense has been stellar of late. And when other
teams sag on him or forget about him and he buries a dagger-he
can really help this team with those attributes.
Andre Curbelo=I know Curbelo did not have a good outing on
Saturday. As a former point guard I know, it happens. Coach let
him know about it and he will be fine. With high reward types of
players come high risk plays. Most of those went against us. I
trust that his teammates will surround him with support, and it
will be a great teachable moment. This team will need him and
his many vital contributions to have a long post-season run. I
don’t like how everyone wants to jump on younger
players-experience is a priceless commodity in the Big Ten
Conference. This kid is on his way to becoming a great
player-encourage and support him during this little blip! To his
credit-he wore his difficult outing like a man-we respect that.
Shout out to Wisconsin Head Coach Greg Gard=probably the most
gentlemanly, best sportsmanship coach we’ve seen patrol the
sidelines in a very long-time. Just saying-we’ve noticed; and it
should be lauded as high or higher than any other statistic
mentioned. And it will be in our publication!
[I will write about our other players in the future-as they all
make major contributions to our composite quality. And Lincoln’s
own Jermaine Hamlin is still not all the way back from his
injury. We will also update you IF the home office re-schedules
any of Illinois’ missed games. One other thing to report…the Big
Ten Tournament scheduled for March 10-14 has been officially
moved from Chicago to Indianapolis-more details on that as they
become available.]
One last thing, with this very sweet victory, the Illini now
find their record at 13-5 overall and 9-3 in the league. And
unless the conference gives us one or two make-up games along
the way, Illinois is not scheduled to play again until they host
the Northwestern Wildcats on Tues. February 16th. The ORANGE
flag is flying high once again and forever in peace may you
wave! [By JEFF MAYFIELD]
Respond to the writer at
jeffqmay@gmail.com.
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