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Fighting Illini basketball held their 94th annual banquet at the I Hotel on Monday night, and Malcolm Hill was named the team's Most Outstanding Player. The junior averaged 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game this year while shooting 43.6% from the field; those numbers were enough to earn him a Second Team All-Big Ten selection.
2015-16 #Illini Most Outstanding Player @Malcolmillini21. pic.twitter.com/YLhsInaM69
— Illini Basketball (@IlliniMBB) May 3, 2016
Hill was also the recipient of the Matt Heldman Award (most hustle plays), the Ralf Woods Free Throw Trophy, and the Illini Rebounders Award. So, yeah, he had a pretty decent season.
Here are all of the honorees from the banquet:
2015-16 Illinois Basketball Awards
Most Outstanding Player: Malcolm Hill
Most Improved Player: Maverick Morgan
Matt Heldman Award: Malcolm Hill & Maverick Morgan
Lou Henson Courage Award: Jalen Coleman-Lands
Orange Krush 3PT Shooting Award: Jalen Coleman-Lands
Ralf Woods Free Throw Trophy: Malcolm Hill
Illini Rebounders Award: Malcolm Hill
It's worth mentioning that Kendrick Nunn, Jaylon Tate, and Leron Black weren't in attendence at the gathering. The three players are in the middle of indefinite suspensions from the program.
Monday night was also a farewell to seniors Mike LaTulip (transferring), Khalid Lewis (graduation), and Mike Thorne Jr. (graduation). The Illini are still awaiting a NCAA response for Thorne's hardship waiver, but his return for another season is doubtful.
#Illini seniors @MikeLaTulip @KL23 & @bigmikethorne12 with Coach @JohnGroce following the Basketball Banquet. pic.twitter.com/2pMFERXlUO
— Illini Basketball (@IlliniMBB) May 3, 2016
Once an Illini, always an Illini. Good luck in the future, guys!