April 15, 2003

The Fighting Illini 2002-03 season officially came to a close tonight with the 81st annual Kiwanis Men's Basketball Banquet, held at the Holiday Inn Banquet Center, Urbana. For the more than 700 in attendance it was a time to celebrate the achievements of the 2003 squad, which included a run to the Big Ten Tournament championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Illinois won 25 games on the year, the fourth-most in school history, and was ranked in the Top 25 for the entire season.

Senior Brian Cook carried away most of the hardware after a stellar final season. He earned the team's Most Valuable Player Award by vote of his teammates, the Ralf Woods Free Throw Award for highest free-throw percentage in Big Ten games and the Illini Rebounders Award as the team's top rebounder. It is the third-consecutive season Cook earned the Ralf Woods Award after making 78 percent (84-108) of his free throws. The Illini Rebounders Award is being given for the first time and will go annually to the team's top rebounder.

Senior Jerrance Howard was named the Kenny Battle Most Inspirational Player. Also voted on by the Illini team, Howard earned the respect of his teammates for his effort and hard work in practice each day.

The Matto Award, given in honor of former Illini guard Matt Heldman who died in a car accident, was given to freshman Dee Brown. The award signifies all-around hustle and enthusiasm on the floor.

2002-03 Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Awards

Most Valuable Player: Brian Cook, Sr.
Kenny Battle Award: Jerrance Howard, Sr.
Matto Award: Dee Brown, Fr.
Ralf Woods Free Throw Award: Brian Cook, Sr.
Illini Rebounders Award: Brian Cook, Sr.