Illinois nation is still buzzing with news of Deron Williams’ first-round selection by the Utah Jazz this week. Williams’ third overall pick is the highest drafted player in Illinois history, surpassing Kendall Gill, who was taken fifth overall in 1990.

“We are so proud of both Deron and Luther and all that they have achieved,” Illinois Head Coach Bruce Weber said. “In the discussions I had with NBA personnel, one thing I heard from them repeatedly was how impressed they were with how Deron and Luther carried themselves in the workouts and interviews, the charisma that they showed and the poise and businesslike manner in which they approached everything. In looking at the draft, I don’t know if you could have asked for better situations for them in terms of the teams they are going to. Deron is just a perfect fit to run the system at Utah, and Luther will be able to compete for time on a playoff team at Houston.”

This year’s draft was only the second time in school history that Illinois had two players selected in the first round. The last time two players were taken in the first round was 1989 when Nick Anderson and Kenny Battle were both first round choices.

“This was a great night for our program,” Weber continued. “Our coaches and players are excited and happy for Deron and Luther, and I know all the Illini fans are as well. We wish them all the best as they begin their NBA careers.”

Illinois students were excited about the Draft as yet another asterisk is put on this year’s season.

“I expected Deron to be drafted high, but maybe not 3rd overall, it’s awesome that he was picked that high,” said Andrew Flaherty, a senior in LAS.

“They deserve to be there after such a great season,” said Austin Guentner, senior in engineering.

Senior in LAS Matt Shirley said he had no idea Luther would be picked up so quickly. “It was just great to see him taken in the first round. As a lifelong Illinois fan I couldn’t ask for a better end to this season,” he said.

Williams earned consensus second-team All-America honors during the 2004-05 season. He started every game and ranked third on the team in scoring, averaging 12.5 points per game. He also led the Big Ten in assists and was 11th overall in the NCAA averaging 6.8 per game in the regular season and 8.3 assists per game in the NCAA Tournament. During the Tournament, he also averaged an impressive 14.7 points per game and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Chicago Regional and earned NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team honors. Williams destroyed the Illinois’ single- season assist record with 264 this past year and ranks second in Illinois’ all-time assists list.

“This is a testament to Deron’s ability,” said Assistant Coach Wayne McClain. “He worked hard to improve his stock as a player and those qualities are important.”

The Houston Rockets took Luther Head twenty-fourth overall. Head was a consensus second-team All-American during his senior season, starting every game and leading the Illini scoring attack at 15.9 points per game. Head excelled in the postseason, earning Big Ten All-Tournament Team honors and selection to the NCAA Chicago Regional and NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Teams. He set a school record for three pointers in a season with a Big Ten leading 116 threes on 41 percent accuracy.

“Everyone kept talking about how much Luther improved, but what they forget is how great of a ball player he was when he got here,” said Assistant Coach Wayne McClain. “Luther battled through a lot of injuries and finally got a chance to showcase his talents.”