Dave Downey, Illinois’ all‑time career scoring leader, set a school record with 53 points in a 1965 game against Indiana. His jersey hangs in the rafters of the State Farm Center, where he finished his career in the former Assembly Hall.
Downey died Dec. 27 at 84. A ceremony on Feb. 17 featured Willie Nelson songs and speeches from his son Jay, who recalled Downey’s humility, his 30‑year insurance partnership, and his commitment to treating everyone with dignity. Colleagues remembered him as smart, humble, and a good person.