July 27, 2005

Illini sophomore forward Danyel Crutcher traveled overseas to the Netherlands and Belgium with the 2005 Big Ten All-Stars July 17-27. The All-Stars went 5-0 on the trip and had an average margin of vicotry of 45 points per game. Crutcher averaged 7.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game while shooting .654 (17-26) from the field. Below is her final diary entry from the trip...

July 26, 2005
Amsterdam, Netherlands

"We won our last two games but the 4th vs. Belgium was a fight. They played like a professional team and they were all much older, in 25 to 27 range, but it was a great experience. It was a team win, but Chrystal Smith from Iowa hit the game winning shot. It was a really a clutch shot! She had so much airtime on the shot it was amazing. The last game we played was more like the first three. The Luxembourg team wasn't the the best but they played hard.

"Today is our last day in Europe and we are spending it in Amsterdam which is by far the best place we have visited. We might go hang out tonight but then again we are all tired from the trip and need to catch some Z's. I do have to say one thing, I'm going to miss these girls! We really all clicked in a special way. But I can say this, I WILL BE HAPPY TO COME HOME TO SOME REAL FOOD. This trip had definitly been the experience of lifetime! Hopefully I'll be able to use some of this experience on the court this year in Champaign. Go ILLINI!"

Crutch