ST. LOUIS — Malcolm Hill didn’t miss the opportunity to mention what he called the “618 Crew” in the stands at Wednesday’s Braggin’ Rights game.
Joining future Illini Javon Pickett behind the baseline next to the Illinois bench were Edwardsville guard Mark Smith (a 2017 recruiting target) and Belleville West forward E.J. Liddell (a 2019 target).
The trio had front-row seats, then, for a 75-66 Illinois victory — the fourth straight for the Illini in the annual game against Missouri.
Illinois coach John Groce mentioned them, too, albeit not by name. Pickett, who signed in November, being the only one he could have, of course.