The most avid Illini fans may remember Ahmad Starks, as his time in the orange and blue isn’t too far removed for most of us. But his career with the Illini is something that may get overlooked due to the lack of postseason success that Illinois had during his time and his short stay in Champaign as a graduate transfer.
Most fans would likely categorize him as one of those rotational guys that added depth to past Illini teams.
And that’s what these columns are about: giving the supporting actors their due.
Starks came out of Whitney Young in Chicago as a largely unheralded recruit, receiving only 2 stars, according to ESPN, and he ended up signing with the Oregon State Beavers.