Deron Williams, Illini Great, 2011 NBA All Star.

There may be no better ambassador for the University of Illinois and Illini basketball than Deron Williams. Regarded as one of the best point guards in the NBA, D-Will has become the face of the Utah Jazz franchise, and has made sure to be good to his alma mater, appearing several times over the last few years, and talking with current Illini players.

I was really happy to see today then that Deron has been named an NBA All Star for the second straight year. Its a big deal for D-Will in his contract  year, but also vindication for a player who has worked very hard at every level to reach excellence.

At Illinois, until his junior year, Deron was often overshadowed by Dee Brown or Luther Head, seen as the more explosive or exciting players. There were plenty of knocks against him as a college player, to heavy, too slow, doesn't have an NBA type body, but I think we can all agree that history has proved the Utah Jazz right in selecting him as their first round pick in 2005.

So today Deron, we salute you, congratulations on being an All Star at the NBA level, and at being a legend at the U of I.