Morehead State star Riley Minix showed the utmost class after a hard-fought loss to Illinois during the First Round of March Madness on Thursday night. One of the best scorers in college basketball gave all of the credit to his opponent in a well-spoken, in-depth manner during one of the most emotional moments of his life.
He refused to make excuses. He refused to speak ill of anyone or anything.
Minix, a graduate senior, transferred into the Eagles program during the offseason and averaged 20.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game during the regular season. It was a stat line that rightfully led him to be named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year.
His 27 points against the Fighting Illini in the Round of 64 was a game-high, but not quite enough.
Morehead State trailed 39-38 at halftime. Illinois ran away with it during the second half.
Minix left everything he had on the court.
Despite the immediate raw emotion of the moment, the Eagles had to speak with the media after their loss. Minix was asked about his opponent and how the Illini compare to other Big Ten teams.
His answer was brilliant.
Minix did an amazing job of praising his team for what they did right while offering honest and respectful insight into why they were able to pull away down the stretch. And he kept his head held high!
Riley Minix was asked what he thought about Illinois compared to other big ten teams – this is what he said pic.twitter.com/tvWSg8cLrs
— drew (@ItsWhipple) March 21, 2024
This is what March is all about.
Special players getting an opportunity to shine, even in defeat. Riley Minix has played his way into a professional career this season and his performance in March Madness was an opportunity to show he can play on the highest level.
However, his best highlight came during the postgame press conference. It was a phenomenal display of who he is as a student of the game, as a teammate and as a person.