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Let's continue with my countdown of my 30 favorite Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball players of my fandom, spanning from the 1996-97 season until present day. Here are numbers 30-7.
- #30 Morez Johnson Jr.
- #29 Marcus Arnold.
- #28 Matthew Mayer.
- #27 Kevin Turner.
- #26 Mike Davis.
- #25 Trent Frazier.
- #24 D.J. Richardson.
- #23 Tyler Griffey.
- #22 Will Riley.
- #21 Dain Dainja.
- #20 Jack Ingram.
- #19 Marcus Domask.
- #18 Tomislav Ivisic.
- #17 Robert Archibald.
- #16 Brandon Paul.
- #15 Frankie Williams.
- #14 Marcus Griffin.
- #13 Sergio McClain.
- #12 Alfonso Plummer.
- #11 Lucas Johnson.
- #10 David Mirkovic.
- #9 Damir Krupalija.
- #8 Terrence Shannon Jr.
- #7 Keaton Wagler.
Early during my teaching career, author R.J. Palacio wrote a popular book named Wonder, which has since been made into a movie and included a follow-up novel called Auggie and Me.
To the Illini fan in me, the title Auggie and Me conjures different memories.
When I hear the name Auggie, the main character of the Wonder series, I automatically think of James Augustine, one of the more modest yet highly impactful players in Illini history, and my sixth favorite Illinois men's basketball player of my 30-year fandom.
Overshadowed by more celebrated teammates like Brian Cook, Dee Brown, Deron Williams, Luther Head and Roger Powell Jr., the very talented Augustine was simply a productive workhorse from the day he donned the Orange and Blue, easy to blend in and forget about despite his 6'10'' frame but undeniably crucial to the Illini's success.
A high-school quarterback at Lincoln-Way East in Mokena, Illinois, Augustine quickly established himself as a starter during his freshman season with the Illini, where he would remain for his final 134 games of his career. With Cook, Augustine formed an intriguing inside-outside duo, with both men able to play on the perimeter and feed each other within Head Coach Bill Self's high-low offense.
Augustine especially caught my eye as more than a serviceable fifth starter late during his freshman season, hitting a corner jumper during a tough loss at Michigan State. The light bulb went off for me that day, realizing that "This Augustine kid does not rattle easily and can really play." While there are learning curves for most freshmen, Augustine acclimated himself to college basketball quite quickly, never looking overwhelmed and always competing hard.
A lanky, mobile big man who could hedge and switch screens on the perimeter, get out in passing lanes or bang down low, Augustine was primarily someone who rebounded and did the dirty work for the Illini his first two seasons, taking advantage of scoring opportunities at the rim when possible. With time, Augustine's offensive game began to get more shine, as seen during the 2005 Big Ten Tournament, where he won the Most Outstanding Player Award, and during the second round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament, where he saved the Illini with a career-high 23 points against Nevada en route to the Final Four and National Championship Game.
Of course, Augustine was robbed in the 2005 title game against North Carolina, committing five fouls in just nine minutes of playing time. Augustine's importance was certainly seen that game, as without him, Illinois had no one to really match up with North Carolina's Sean May. Ultimately, what happened to Augustine during the title game was a joke, a disservice to his legendary career.
Augustine was the first player in Illinois history to finish with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. He set school records for most rebounds, 1,023, and highest-shooting percentage, 61.7%. He was an ultimate winner, tying with his fellow teammate Brown for a school-record 114 victories. With Augustine in the fold, Illinois was always a national contender during four glorious seasons of Illini basketball.
Off the court, Augustine was an engaged member on campus, often seen attending class and carrying himself as a normal guy. As I had a few classes with Augustine, he was always someone front and center in class, kind of like his position on the court. Auggie just had a low-maintenance vibe to him that I appreciated as a player and person.
While having a quiet demeanor, Augustine could also be an energizer, proving that looks can be deceiving. I'll never forget his start against Duke during the Sweet Sixteen of the 2004 NCAA Tournament, hitting an acrobatic layup to begin the game, grabbing two offensive boards, and then sealing his defender for a two-handed slam and 8-2 Illinois lead, punctuated by an Augustine scream.
There was also his defense during the big 2004-05 season tilt at Wisconsin, opening up with a steal, transition dunk and scream. Whenever Augustine let out emotion, I got excited as an Illini fan because I knew Augustine and his teammates were ready to play.
For four years, Augustine was simply a constant, a consummate teammate and winner, rarely getting too high or too low. I remember attending an Illini practice early during the Bruce Weber era. Then a sophomore, Augustine was having a rough practice, unable to catch or finish the ball at the rim. Rather than going crazy and losing his head, Augustine simply laughed out loud, saying something to the effect that he didn't know what was going on with him that day.
Prior to the magical 04-05 season, I remember hanging out at the apartment of a fellow journalism student, looking down as I ate some food from La Bamba after I had helped my classmate interview Jesse "The Body" Ventura, who had just spoken at Foellinger Auditorium. When I looked up from my food, Augustine was suddenly there, just walking into the guy's apartment and shooting the breeze about some story my classmate had written for one of the alternative newspapers on campus.
During his last season in Champaign, which is a bit of a blur to me, Auggie showed himself to be far more than a hardworking role player who just filled in the gaps. With Williams, Head and Powell gone, Augustine and Brown kept Illinois in the top 10 for most of the 2005-06 season. Proving to be a steadying force and much more diverse player than people realized, Augustine would eventually get drafted by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, a wonderful accomplishment for a much-deserving player.
Speaking of something well-deserved, Augustine is set to be inducted into the Illinois Hall of Fame this upcoming September 11th!
A crucial component of a four-year run when Illini basketball was truly great and often dominant, the vastly underrated Augustine is more than worthy of these flowers, despite what his unassuming nature might indicate.
Auggie was not just some tall guy playing basketball; rather he was a spectacular athlete and well-rounded player whose Illini teams did nothing but win, with James a gentle giant until the ball was tipped, when he became a dog unafraid of the moment.
To the Illini fan in me, the title Auggie and Me conjures different memories.
When I hear the name Auggie, the main character of the Wonder series, I automatically think of James Augustine, one of the more modest yet highly impactful players in Illini history, and my sixth favorite Illinois men's basketball player of my 30-year fandom.
Overshadowed by more celebrated teammates like Brian Cook, Dee Brown, Deron Williams, Luther Head and Roger Powell Jr., the very talented Augustine was simply a productive workhorse from the day he donned the Orange and Blue, easy to blend in and forget about despite his 6'10'' frame but undeniably crucial to the Illini's success.
A high-school quarterback at Lincoln-Way East in Mokena, Illinois, Augustine quickly established himself as a starter during his freshman season with the Illini, where he would remain for his final 134 games of his career. With Cook, Augustine formed an intriguing inside-outside duo, with both men able to play on the perimeter and feed each other within Head Coach Bill Self's high-low offense.
Augustine especially caught my eye as more than a serviceable fifth starter late during his freshman season, hitting a corner jumper during a tough loss at Michigan State. The light bulb went off for me that day, realizing that "This Augustine kid does not rattle easily and can really play." While there are learning curves for most freshmen, Augustine acclimated himself to college basketball quite quickly, never looking overwhelmed and always competing hard.
A lanky, mobile big man who could hedge and switch screens on the perimeter, get out in passing lanes or bang down low, Augustine was primarily someone who rebounded and did the dirty work for the Illini his first two seasons, taking advantage of scoring opportunities at the rim when possible. With time, Augustine's offensive game began to get more shine, as seen during the 2005 Big Ten Tournament, where he won the Most Outstanding Player Award, and during the second round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament, where he saved the Illini with a career-high 23 points against Nevada en route to the Final Four and National Championship Game.
Of course, Augustine was robbed in the 2005 title game against North Carolina, committing five fouls in just nine minutes of playing time. Augustine's importance was certainly seen that game, as without him, Illinois had no one to really match up with North Carolina's Sean May. Ultimately, what happened to Augustine during the title game was a joke, a disservice to his legendary career.
Augustine was the first player in Illinois history to finish with more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. He set school records for most rebounds, 1,023, and highest-shooting percentage, 61.7%. He was an ultimate winner, tying with his fellow teammate Brown for a school-record 114 victories. With Augustine in the fold, Illinois was always a national contender during four glorious seasons of Illini basketball.
Off the court, Augustine was an engaged member on campus, often seen attending class and carrying himself as a normal guy. As I had a few classes with Augustine, he was always someone front and center in class, kind of like his position on the court. Auggie just had a low-maintenance vibe to him that I appreciated as a player and person.
While having a quiet demeanor, Augustine could also be an energizer, proving that looks can be deceiving. I'll never forget his start against Duke during the Sweet Sixteen of the 2004 NCAA Tournament, hitting an acrobatic layup to begin the game, grabbing two offensive boards, and then sealing his defender for a two-handed slam and 8-2 Illinois lead, punctuated by an Augustine scream.
There was also his defense during the big 2004-05 season tilt at Wisconsin, opening up with a steal, transition dunk and scream. Whenever Augustine let out emotion, I got excited as an Illini fan because I knew Augustine and his teammates were ready to play.
For four years, Augustine was simply a constant, a consummate teammate and winner, rarely getting too high or too low. I remember attending an Illini practice early during the Bruce Weber era. Then a sophomore, Augustine was having a rough practice, unable to catch or finish the ball at the rim. Rather than going crazy and losing his head, Augustine simply laughed out loud, saying something to the effect that he didn't know what was going on with him that day.
Prior to the magical 04-05 season, I remember hanging out at the apartment of a fellow journalism student, looking down as I ate some food from La Bamba after I had helped my classmate interview Jesse "The Body" Ventura, who had just spoken at Foellinger Auditorium. When I looked up from my food, Augustine was suddenly there, just walking into the guy's apartment and shooting the breeze about some story my classmate had written for one of the alternative newspapers on campus.
During his last season in Champaign, which is a bit of a blur to me, Auggie showed himself to be far more than a hardworking role player who just filled in the gaps. With Williams, Head and Powell gone, Augustine and Brown kept Illinois in the top 10 for most of the 2005-06 season. Proving to be a steadying force and much more diverse player than people realized, Augustine would eventually get drafted by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, a wonderful accomplishment for a much-deserving player.
Speaking of something well-deserved, Augustine is set to be inducted into the Illinois Hall of Fame this upcoming September 11th!
A crucial component of a four-year run when Illini basketball was truly great and often dominant, the vastly underrated Augustine is more than worthy of these flowers, despite what his unassuming nature might indicate.
Auggie was not just some tall guy playing basketball; rather he was a spectacular athlete and well-rounded player whose Illini teams did nothing but win, with James a gentle giant until the ball was tipped, when he became a dog unafraid of the moment.
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