Illinois Basketball: Andres Feliz Shows Out in FIBA World Cup Game

Illinois Basketball: Andres Feliz Shows Out in FIBA World Cup Game

In case you weren’t aware, the FIBA World Cup is going on right now. With Olympic runner-up France already eliminated, there has been drama early in the Philippines. One of the feel-good stories of the group stages has been the Dominican Republic. Led by NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns, the Dominicans are sitting at the top of their group at 2-0.

However, it hasn’t just been Towns by himself. Former Illini standout Andres Feliz has been a major figure in both wins. After a modest 12 points, eight assists and six rebounds in the opener, Feliz erupted for 24 points, five rebounds and five assists against Italy. Feliz and Towns are a great match, as Towns perimeter abilities allow Feliz to constantly pressure the basket.

Anyone who watched the teams he was on will remember Feliz’ dogged competitiveness. It amazing to watch him do what he was doing as an Illini on the world stage. He even showed how much he has improved, splashed seven threes in the second game. After only making 27 in his two years in Champaign, that single outburst would’ve been over 25% of his total output.

One cannot help but imagine what Feliz would’ve done in the NCAA Tournament cancelled by COVID. Since he left, there have been few guards in the Big Ten with a bigger ticker. He never backed down from a challenge and was always in attack mode. It’s a shame we never saw it, but he provided Illini fans with more than enough great moments over the years.

The Dominican Republic finishes group play against Angola on the 27th. Unlike the soccer world cup, after this group stage there is another group stage. The Dominican Republic and either Angola or Italy will join a group with the winner and second place from another group. If Feliz keeps playing like this, they could make the run the Illini perhaps had taken from them.