Bob Asmussen | For Deon Thomas, 'It's the greatest job in the world'

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Deon Thomas gets it.

He understands life is supposed to be fun and embraces it with open arms.

"Every day is a joy, my friend," Thomas said. "When you hear people say they are living the dream, I am living the dream."

Since 2017, Thomas has been sharing his love of University of Illinois basketball as an analyst on the school's Illini Sports Network. Champaign's WDWS (1400-AM/93.9-FM) is the flagship station.

Thomas, Illinois' career scoring leader, knows the game and the program. Inside and out.

Working with ace play-by-play voice Brian Barnhart, Thomas is coming off a thrilling weekend in Omaha, Neb. Illinois beat Morehead State and Duquesne to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2005. Thomas enjoyed every minute of it.

"It was amazing," he said. "This has been a very eye-opening trip period. Both games, watching these guys come together. We've said all year that they were a connected team. But you see that continuing to grow. In March that's what you want.

"This team, I believe, still has another step that they can make, which makes this team really dangerous."

Thomas will be courtside late Thursday night at Boston's TD Garden for Illinois' East Regional semifinal game against Iowa State.

Beat Iowa State on Thursday and the winner of UConn-San Diego State on Saturday, and the Illini will return to the Final Four for the first time since Dee Brown, Deron Williams and pals just missed a national title in 2005.

Thomas thinks it is doable.

"Oh yes, very much so," he said. "I wouldn't be at all surprised if this team ends up playing April 8."

That would be at State Farm Stadium in Glenadale, Ariz., a fitting finale for a team that plays its home games at State Farm Center. Like a good neighbor ...

Fish in water

Thomas has a dual role with Illinois athletics. He splits the broadcasts with former Illini Doug Altenberger. And he is in athletic development, working out of the Chicago office in his hometown.

Thomas liked being on air from the start. Remember, during a long, successful career as a player, he got used to being interviewed. Time to see how the other half lives.

"I knew it would take," Thomas said. "I really enjoy having the ability to watch the guys, to stay connected with them, to share my knowledge and my experiences with the listeners. And to watch basketball.

"It's the greatest job in the world. Me being able to do my development work, which is super fun because I get to meet and hang around so many great Illini. From a basketball standpoint, I get to talk about the team I love and the team I'd loved since I was 16 years old. It's a perfect situation for me. I don't know if I could be in a better situation."

Working with partner Barnhart makes it easy.

"Brian Barnhart is the best in the business and he has helped me to continue to grow as an analysts," Thomas said.

Could Thomas do the same job for another team? Yes, but ...

"I doubt if it would have the same passion. This is my team and this is my university. When it's something that you are so close to, it's extra. It's like the cherry on top."

Thomas makes it clear on the broadcasts which side he is on. But not in an overbearing way. It is natural.

"When you like the people you are working with and passing along information about, you can't help but let that passion flow.

"I love this team and I love the individuals on this team. I love this coach (Brad Underwood) and his staff. I've known these guys for years even before I sat down at a (broadcast) table. These aren't just coaches and players to me. These are people I have become close and connected to. It's like a family."

When the family is having a difficult time or loses a tough game, Thomas feels it.

"I still take is personal," he said. "I wore that uniform. It also hits harder because I care about these guys so much."

And he cares about the fans. He's gotten to know them as player and sees them now as a broadcaster.

Want to take a photo with him? He is happy to oblige. He interacts with the faithful in person and on social media.

"Every day, all day," Thomas said. "We say family and that's not just the athletic program."

He has felt that sense of belonging from the first day he stepped on campus as a freshman.

"It feels like home. That's what the University of Ilinois feels like. When you're walking around and you hear people yell 'Oskee-Wow-Wow' or 'I-L-L I-N-I' those are your family members."

The travel part of the job isn't a big deal for Thomas, who had a long career playing basketball overseas.

"It's easy for me," Thomas said.

Thomas is the father of two. His oldest Gabrielle is living in Nashville with her fiance. She is UI graduate who is in graphic design. His younger daughter Liel is a sophomore at Arizona State University, where she studies psychology.

Proud papa points out she is on her way to making the Dean's List for the fourth semester in a row.

"She is blossoming there," he said. "She's killing it. The girls are great."

His daughters don't think of him as a basketball player.

"I am Dad," he said.

He asked them if they wanted any of the memorabilia from his playing days.

"They were like 'No. Why?'" Thomas said.

So, he is giving as much of it away as he can.

Both of his daughters played sports. Gabrille was a standout in basketball and Liel in volleyball.

Thomas spends free time with girlfriend Rae, listening to live music and hiking.

He lives in Chicago with dogs Chunk (a chocolate lab) and Bailey (a mini labradoodle).

Support system

In Omaha, Thomas had lunch Friday at M's Pub with longtime friends Mark and Bonnie Goldenberg. The Granite City couple befriended Thomas when he was a teenager.

Mark and Champaign-Urbana attorney Steve Beckett served as counsel for Thomas and the late Illini assistant coach Jimmy Collins during NCAA hearings.

Thomas remains close to the Goldenbergs and Becketts (Steve and Barb), Bonnie refers to Thomas as "our son."

"They have been like family ever since," Thomas said. "Most of the games, we get together. They're extremely, extremely close to me."