July 28, 2010
NORMAL, Ill. -
The hope of any Illinois State basketball player is to be mentioned in the same breath as Doug Collins, and that was seen in senior Alex Rubin's reaction when he learned about being the 2010 recipient of the Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship.
"It's unbelievable," Rubin said. "To even be in the same breath as Doug Collins, someone who is arguably the best player in Illinois State history and whose name is on our court is an extremely big honor. He has done a lot for this program and university, and to be honored like that is an unbelievable thrill."
Rubin played in all 33 games for the Redbirds last season and started in the last 31. He averaged 4.9 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. The finance major, who carries a 3.53 grade-point average, led the Redbirds with a 3.33 assist-to-turnover ratio.
He posted five double-digit scoring games during the season, including a career-best 15 points against Morehead State in the BracketBusters game. Rubin also received second team Valley Scholar-Athlete honors.
"There have been countless great players and outstanding coaches throughout the history of basketball, but Doug's complete basketball resume would have to place him among the top-10, or so, of all time," Illinois State head coach Tim Jankovich said. "Doug has had a remarkable, lasting career in basketball."
Proceeds from a "Roast and Toast" event in 1990 began the funding of the fully-endowed scholarship named in honor of the current Philadelphia 76ers head coach. Collins, a Redbird All-American who played at Illinois State from 1969-73, starred in the 1972 Olympic Games and has had successful careers in the NBA as a player, coach and broadcaster. On Feb. 3, 2007, the hardwood playing surface within Redbird Arena was renamed "Doug Collins Court" after the only player to have his jersey number retired in ISU men's basketball history.
The Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship is one of 23 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. It is also one of eight fully endowed scholarships in athletics.
For more information about supporting this, or any other Illinois State University endowment scholarships, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, TRC gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship Recipients
2010 - Alex Rubin
2009 - Osiris Eldridge
2008 - Emmanuel Holloway
2007 - Dom Johnson
2006 - Greg Dilligard
2005 - Neil Plank
2004 - Neil Plank
2003 - Gregg Alexander
2002 - Trey Guidry
2001 - Shawn Jeppson
2000 - Randy Rice
1999 - L. Dee Murdock
1998 - Kyle Cartmill
1997 - Rob Gibbons
1996 - Dan Muller
1992 - Richard Thomas
1991 - Scott Fowler
1990 - Sam Skarich
