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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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Illinois basketball
TULSA, OK – MARCH 20: A view of the ball during the third round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Kansas Jayhawks in the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament at BOK Center on March 20, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year 1989 – Deon Thomas

Illinois basketball skipped a year in the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, but they got back on the horse in 1989. The player to come aboard with the great honor was none other than current Illinois radio analyst, Deon Thomas.

Thomas, much like Nick Anderson three years prior, was a star at Simeon. He dominated the Chicago Public League averaging 24 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks per game in his final season. The Wolverines went 28-1 that season with the only loss coming in the title game.

After Thomas’ run at Simeon, he entered the college ranks with the Illini. He sat out his first season but then took the court in 1990-91. In four seasons with Illinois, Thomas averaged 18 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. The team overall wasn’t terribly successful, but they still made two NCAA tournament appearances despite the NCAA levying sanctions on the program.

Thomas was one of the most physically imposing players Illinois has had come through Champaign. He has set a ton of records and will continue being one of the great ones. His amazing ability on the basketball court is why he was the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year in 1989.

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