Bill Cubit’s television was tuned to ESPN on Friday night.
The former Illinois coach wouldn’t miss the NFL draft.
At his Florida home, Cubit watched the Oakland Raiders take Illinois defensive lineman Jihad Ward with the 13th pick in the second round. Ward was the No. 44 overall pick and became the first Illini drafted since 2013.
Cubit was a big reason Ward came to Illinois. Both Philadelphia natives, Cubit and Ward bonded during recruiting and stayed close after the player arrived from Globe Tech (N.Y.).
“It’s just an amazing story,” Cubit said. “Where he came from and his perseverance and dedication that he has shown in the last four years is just remarkable.