Nnanna Egwu named to Big Ten All-Defensive Team

The Big Ten announced on Monday night that Fighting Illini Basketball's Nnanna Egwu has been named to the conference's All-Defensive Team. He'll join Michigan State's Branden Dawson, Purdue's Rapheal Davis (Defensive Player of the Year) and A.J. Hammons, and Wisconsin's Josh Gasser.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Much deserved honor for <a href="https://twitter.com/egwu_32">@egwu_32</a>, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash">#Illini</a> career blocked shots record-holder. <a href="http://t.co/V6awitfYZd">pic.twitter.com/V6awitfYZd</a></p>&mdash; Illinois Basketball (@IlliniHoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniHoops/status/575058670897217536">March 9, 2015</a></blockquote>

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The senior center was an integral part of Illinois' defensive efforts throughout the entire year as he averaged 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Egwu is the most prolific shot blocker in the history of Illinois Basketball with 198 career denials.

John Groce will be the first to tell you how valuable Egwu has been to the team over the course of his tenure; his leadership and determination have remained a constant during a time of program transition.

The Illini may or may not make the NCAA Tournament this year, but one thing is for sure--the departure of Egwu this offseason means they'll be looking for a new defensive anchor.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="http://t.co/aeIQEUVpgJ">pic.twitter.com/aeIQEUVpgJ</a></p>&mdash; Orange Krush (@Illini_OKrush) <a href="https://twitter.com/Illini_OKrush/status/574276772717596673">March 7, 2015</a></blockquote>

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