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
Winning the state Gatorade Player of the Year is an honor, and the Illinois basketball program has a long history of bringing these talented players into the fold.
The state Gatorade Player of the Year award started in 1985, and it didn’t take long for the Illini to snag their first. This is a prestigious award given to the best high school basketball player in their respective state that year.