Catching Up With Deon Thomas
There are a handful of names among Illini Nation that draw instant respect when you say them. Deon Thomas is near the top of that list.
The all-time leading scorer in Illini history - that may change a year from now - joined us recently on the syndicated IlliniGuys Sports Spectacular radio show.
Larry Smith: Deon, so great to have you join us! Welcome to the Sports Spectacular.
Deon Thomas: Well, I know it's a pleasure to be here, man. I've been waiting to come on. So you know, I got to make sure I'm knocking out the park on my first try. Make sure you give me a second one, you know haha!
LS: We've got judges on the side to check it out haha! One thing I wanted to talk with you about, it's a topic that's been discussed quite a bit on IlliniGuys.com - we're surprised that Brad Underwood did not get more Coach of the Year buzz. You take off one of your top two players for two months, you take your best player - a national player of the year candidate and All-American - for five games, and you still win a Big 10 title. It's really nothing short of just incredible.
DT: I would agree with you 100% on that. And I'll tell you, I was going back and forth with someone on Twitter the other day because I posted a picture during the Michigan State game. And I said 'two of the best in the country to do it'. Someone sent me a message back, saying 'well, I see Tom Izzo, who was the second one you're talking about?' And I took offense to it. And I kind of went back at the person because to me, he does not get the level of respect that he deserves. I mean, over the last three years, he's won more games in the Big 10 than anyone. And that's including Tom Izzo, who's one of my favorite coaches. He should have been the Big 10 regular season as well as tournament champions last year, because we beat the crap out of Michigan on their floor without Ayo Dosunmu. And you fast forward to this year. And he has done nothing but create the same magic.
