Deon Thomas, the all-time leading scorer in Illinois history, will join the Fighting Illini Sports Network crew as expert analyst for the upcoming 2016-17 men's basketball campaign. Thomas takes over for his former teammate Jerry Hester, who served as Illini analyst the last 11 seasons.

The only Illini player to exceed the 2,000-point mark, Thomas registered 2,129 points with the Orange and Blue during his four-year tenure from 1991-94. He also finished his career ranking second on the UI all-time rebounds list with 846 (now fourth) and as Illinois' leader in blocked shots with 177 (now second). The Chicago native was a three-time team MVP and four-time All-Big Ten selection, earning second-team honors for three straight years from 1992 through 1994 after debuting with third-team accolades in 1991. Thomas' number 25 hangs permanently at State Farm Center as part of the Illinois Basketball Honored Jerseys program.

"I am a lifelong Illini with great love and passion for my school, so it is a tremendous honor to be added to the Fighting Illini radio team," Thomas said. "I am excited for the upcoming season and can't wait to help broadcast the games to our loyal fans."

Following a distinguished 14-year professional career in Europe, Thomas spent five seasons as the Athletics Director and Head Basketball Coach at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, and most recently served two years as assistant coach for the UIC Flames.

"It is a privilege to be able to add such an accomplished player like Deon Thomas to our radio team," said Randy Younker, General Manager of Fighting Illini Sports Properties. "This is a coveted position, and we feel that Deon will be a great complement to Brian Barnhart on our broadcasts. I'd also like to acknowledge the outstanding work that Jerry Hester did these last 11 years, and fully understand and appreciate his desire to commit more free time to his family. Jerry has set a high bar for Deon as the torch is passed from one teammate to the next on our network."