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Illinois Basketball: Brandin Podziemski joins list of Illini Gatorade POY’s

By Rees Woodcock

Jan 30, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; A general scene of the I flag and cheerleaders prior to the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; A general scene of the I flag and cheerleaders prior to the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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1 Apr 1998: Guard Nick Anderson of the Orlando Magic (right) in action against guard Greg Minor of the Boston Celtics during a game at the Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Celtics defeated the Magic 98-87. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport /

Winning the state Gatorade Player of the Year is an honor, and the Illinois basketball program has a long history of bringing these talented players into the fold.

The state Gatorade Player of the Year award started in 1985, and it didn’t take long for the Illini to snag their first. This is a prestigious award given to the best high school basketball player in their respective state that year.

Here is a history of Illinois players winning the Gatorade Player of the Year award.

Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year 1986 – Nick Anderson

The first of many Gatorade Player of the Year high school basketball players to come to Illinois was Nick Anderson. The in-state standout is one of the best players to ever suit up in the state of Illinois and for the Orange and Blue.

Anderson started his high school career out at Prosser High School in Chicago. He spent two seasons there before transferring over to powerhouse, Simeon. While with the Wolverines, Anderson averaged 20.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks per game. His great numbers and winning ways enabled Anderson to win the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year in 1986.

After high school, Anderson decided to take his talent to Illinois after picking the Illini over teams like Indiana, Michigan and Syracuse. Anderson sat out his freshman season but then broke onto the scene in 1987. During his two-year stint with Illinois, Anderson averaged 17 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

Illinois would do a lot of winning while Anderson was in town as well. The Illini got to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 1987-88. They followed that appearance up with a run to the Final Four in 1988-89. Anderson was one of the founding members of the Flyin’ Illini. His great career all started with winning the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year award in 1986.

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