Oct. 26, 2012
NORMAL, Ill. -
There is no question that Jackie Carmichael has made a name for himself at Illinois State. As Carmichael begins his senior season, he has a chance to solidify his spot in the Redbird record book as one of the best scorers, rebounders, shot blockers and free throw shooters in program history. He will also leave ISU as a two-time Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship recipient.
Carmichael was awarded the scholarship by head coach Dan Muller Friday. The endowment honors Collins, who is the most decorated Redbird in ISU men's basketball history. After all, the court is named after him, and his retired jersey hangs from the Redbird Arena rafters. It is fitting for Carmichael to be associated with the best that ever was.
"We all know what Doug Collins means to this university and program," Muller said. "What excites me is the passion and involvement that Coach Collins still has for our program, and we greatly appreciate that. Jackie shares that same passion and is deserving of representing Doug Collins with this scholarship."
Collins was a consensus All-American in 1973 and the winner of the NCAA Top Five Athletes of 1973. He averaged 29.1 points in three seasons at Illinois State and is the program's all-time leading scorer (2,240 points).
Carmichael joined Collins as a member of the 1,000-point club last season, with 1,005 so far. Carmichael was the top rebounder in the Missouri Valley Conference last year, with 9.7 boards averaged per game. He was named to the 2012 Valley All-Tournament Team, after averaging 15 points and 11.7 rebounds per game during ISU's MVC tournament run. The Manhattan, Kan., native was also a second team All-Valley selection in 2012, and he was selected to the MVC's All-Defensive Team and Most-Improved Team.
"Jackie is a special young man who represents our program and university with integrity in every way possible," Muller said. "Luckily for me, he is also an incredible basketball player primed to have a special season. We appreciate all of those who contributed to this scholarship, and they should be proud to know that Jackie is representing them."
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 24 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, please call the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund office at (309) 438-3803.
Carmichael and the Redbirds are scheduled to play their lone exhibition game Monday, Nov. 5, versus Quincy, with the regular season tipping off Monday, Nov. 12, at home against UC Santa Barbara. Tickets are available by calling (309) 438-8000.
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