McLean County Times

The Illinois State Athletic Department is preparing to welcome Doug Collins back to CEFCU Arena on February 1. The occasion marks the program's celebration of Collins' induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, a significant honor in basketball.

Collins will be recognized during halftime at the game against Valparaiso. This event will be his first return to CEFCU Arena since his induction last October. The arena's "Doug Collins Court," originally dedicated in 2007, will feature a new playing surface installed in late January, which Collins will see for the first time during this game.

In tribute to Collins and his iconic #20 jersey, the department is offering a 20% discount on all single-game tickets. Fans can use the promo code GOAT at www.goredbirds.com/promotions to purchase tickets. Additionally, the first 800 students attending will receive a white replica jersey with Collins' name and number.

Collins is celebrated as Illinois State's most decorated athlete. He was a three-time All-American and part of the 1972 Olympic Team. He holds several records at Illinois State, including career scoring (2,240 points) and season scoring (847 points). During his college career, he had nine games where he scored over 40 points and maintained double-figure scores in all 77 games he played.

His performance led him to become the No. 1 pick in the 1973 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. In addition to his recent Hall of Fame induction, he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

For more information on Illinois State tickets and merchandise, visit GoRedbirds.com or use the Illinois State Redbirds App.