In Sunday's News-Gazette, 30-writer Bob Asmussen catches up with the players, coaches and managers of the Illini's 1997-98 Big Ten basketball champs. The emotional leader of that bunch was Matt Heldman, so revered that the school named an award after him (Matto Award).
Heldman died in a car accident in October 1999.
Asmussen asked members of the 1997-98 team about Heldman’s legacy. A sampling:
Brian Gustavson, manager
“I thought Matt was one of the most kind and good-hearted players in my years at Illini. He always seemed to be smiling and went out of his way to be a good teammate and person.