Why Illini Legend Kendall Gill has high praises for Illinois Basketball

While attending the 36th annual Illini Golf Outing in Savoy — an event that over 35 previous outings has raised over $850,000 for Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana, thanks in no small part to Gill’s longtime commitment — former Illinois Basketball hall of famer Kendall Gill reflected on the event’s lasting impact and its significance within the Illini community over the past 36 years.

In addition to discussing the event with the media, Gill also turned his attention to the present state of his beloved program, offering his thoughts on the evolution of Illinois Basketball under Brad Underwood’s guidance over the past 8 seasons of his tenure in Champaign.

What has the former Illini All-American fired up about the trajectory of the Illini? 

Kendall Gill speaks at the 34th annual Kendall Gill golf outing at the UI Golf Course in Savoy.  Monday, July 10, 2023. Credit: Robin Scholz/The News-Gazette

Gill on the Progress of the Illinois Basketball Program under Brad Underwood

In Gill’s eyes, the Illinois Basketball program isn’t just relevant again — it’s nationally respected and assembling the kind of talent that wins in March and sustains national relevance.

“It’s great because now we’re talked about as a destination for top-level players all around the country,” says the Illinois Basketball legend.

He continued, “We went through a period of time after 2005 where we weren’t getting NBA-caliber players. Our program was not considered one of the top programs in the country, but now it is.”

Gill added, “When you can get players like Andrej Stojokovic, Will Riley, Kasparas Jakucionis to come to your program… Ayo Dosunmu — which are top-level NBA guys — that lets you know right there that your program is one of the top in the country. 

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