I have never been a huge college sports fan. Part of it is that I transferred schools four times before I got my undergraduate degree so i don't really have a team I call my own. But a bigger part is that for over fifty years of my life, I was adamantly opposed to the fact that college athletes were not paid for their labor while their coaches and the their University made MILLIONS. even though the NIL rules have fixed that huge flaw, I still haven't been sucked into college sports... yet.
But I am from Illinois so it is only natural that I should be interested in the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. It just so happens they have a very good basketball team this year. Did I know that before last week? Of course not. I had not seen a single game nor could I name a single player. But it is March so all of that changes. I watched a lot of their second round match up with VCU. And damn did they play some exciting basketball. And then I watched all of their Sweet Sixteen game against Houston. I was incredibly impressed.
Who knew that I resided in the state with the number one offense in college basketball? Apparently everyone but me. the Illini averaged a staggering 84 points a game this year. They also have two freshman stars who should be future NBA stalwarts in Keaton Wagler and David Mirkovic. In addition, they have the son of former NBA star Peja Stojakovic who is an sensational finisher at the rim. Keaton Wagler is a great story. He was not highly recruited and had to walk on to the Fighting Illini. Now he is slated to be a top ten NBA draft pick. And look at those previous two names. Both end in "Vic". That is no coincidence. Illinois has implemented a brilliant strategy of recruiting from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. This has created a pipeline of nearly professional level players who get to play against college kids. Its actually n incredible strategy. They were definitely ahead of the curve on this. This strategy not only led to landing Stojakovic and Mirkovic but twin brothers Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic. All of these European players have size and skill. they may not be the fastest on the court but they are smart and know where to be and how to pass, rebound and shoot. It is incredible watching their passing!
Mirkovic is especially interesting. There is no player in the world as offensively talented as Nikola Jokic, but Mirkovic has some similarities. He is big, can dribble, pass, shoot and finish in the paint. I doubt he will look this good in the NBA but against college level talent, he looks like a magician!
In less than a hour, the Illini will take on the Iowa Hakeyes for a chance to advance to the final four. I know nothing about the Hawkeyes... but I doubt they have seen a team with the size and offensive skill of these Fighting Illini. I just hope that this post doesn't jinx them.
I gotta go make an Old Fashioned so I can enjoy the game!
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