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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WCIA) — While they may have had different roles on this year’s team, the three senior Fighting Illini all left lasting impacts in their time with the program.
AJ Redd was a guy that started as a team manager, walked onto the team, and spent the better part of four seasons in Champaign. On the other hand, seniors like Ben Humrichous and Kylan Boswell did not start their college careers at Illinois.
Illini players reflect on positives after Final Four loss
“Just leaving the court there, it was a rough moment for me, just all the emotions hitting me at once,” Redd said. “I just think about the journey that I’ve had here at Illinois, and I love these guys so much. I’m just thinking about coming in to practice everyday, and these are the people that I’m around. “
Even though he was still feeling the emotions of Saturday’s loss, Redd emphasized that the bonds he made through the opportunity of being on a Final Four team are the kinds of things he will cherish forever.
“All the relationships I’ve been able to build and the experiences that I’ve had, I’m just so grateful that Coach Brad gave me the opportunity to be a part of something like this,” Redd said. “It is a sad moment now, but we made some history and did something that an Illini team hasn’t done in over 20 years.”
Brad Underwood talks experience, feelings after Final Four loss
Humrichous, a former NAIA player that made it all the way to Final Four, emphasized his appreciation and highlighted his faith in what was ultimately his last year of college hoops.
“When the buzzer sounded, all I wanted to say was praise God for the gift that this was,” Humrichous said. “By God’s grace, it’s unlikely. God’s sovereign hand being in that, he did so many incredible things. God’s grace just supplied what I need.”
Kylan Boswell, a senior guard from Champaign that started his college career in Arizona but found his way back to Central Illinois, echoed a similar sentiment to that of the other seniors; thanking Coach Underwood and company for allowing him to thrive and be the best version of himself in this program.
“I couldn’t be more blessed to end my career here and play for Coach Brad, and have a bunch of different people around me who love me for me,” Boswell said.
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