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Illinois Basketball: 5 favorite Illini moments described as boring as possible

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 01: Ayo Dosunmu #11 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates after a three point basket during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at State Farm Center on March 1, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. State of Illinois player commits to Brad Underwood

This list doesn’t have to be about an actual play happening on the court. The statement, describe your favorite sports moment, as boring as possible. Well, one of my favorite sports moments was when Brad Underwood landed a state of Illinois player.

That is about as boring as I can make it. The year was 2018 and Illinois was struggling as a program. Coming off four-straight seasons of no postseason under John Groce followed by a year where the Illini went 14-18 under Underwood, the program needed a boost.

The class of 2018 provided that boost. Illinois needed to hit the upgrade button on their talent, and that is what happened when Ayo Dosunmu signed with the Orange and Blue.

Ayo was a five-star guard who was the No. 30 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 3 combo guard in the nation. He was also the No. 1 player in the state of Illinois. This kid had every program coming after him, but Illinois was able to be out the other top runner, Wake Forest.

Illinois landing Ayo helped change the program. This past season, the Illini would have been dancing if it wasn’t for a pandemic. The team was led by Ayo and his great play on the court. His commitment to Illinois basketball is one of my favorite sports moments.

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