Illinois Walk-On AJ Redd Reflects on Unlikely Journey to Senior Night

After starting as a team manager, Redd worked his way onto the Fighting Illini roster and has been part of the program's recent success.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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AJ Redd, a former Illinois team manager, has had an unlikely journey to Senior Night at the State Farm Center. Redd played high school basketball but didn't think he could make the roster at a top program like Illinois. However, he took a chance and joined the Illini as a student manager, eventually earning a spot on the active roster. Over the past four seasons, Redd has been part of the team's March Madness runs, a Big Ten tournament championship, and an Elite Eight appearance, despite seeing limited playing time. As his college basketball career comes to an end, Redd reflects on his unexpected path and the valuable experience he's gained as part of the Illinois program.

Why it matters

Redd's story highlights the dedication and perseverance required to be a walk-on player at a major college basketball program. His journey from team manager to roster player showcases the opportunities available for determined student-athletes who are willing to work hard and embrace their role, even if it's not the flashiest. Redd's experience also underscores the value of a strong team culture and the importance of selfless contributions to a program's overall success.

The details

After playing high school basketball at St. Ignatius College Prep, Redd joined the Illinois program as a student manager, responsible for tasks like doing laundry for the team. However, Redd's hard work and commitment eventually earned him a spot on the active roster, and he's been a part of the Illini's recent success, including a Big Ten tournament championship and an Elite Eight appearance. While Redd hasn't seen much playing time, he's been a valuable member of the team, known for his early-morning workouts with star player Terrance Shannon Jr.

  • Redd joined the Illinois program as a student manager four years ago.
  • Over the past four seasons, Redd has been part of the team's March Madness runs, a Big Ten tournament championship, and an Elite Eight appearance.
  • Redd's college basketball career will come to an end with Senior Night at the State Farm Center.

The players

AJ Redd

A former Illinois team manager who worked his way onto the active roster and has been a part of the program's recent success, despite limited playing time.

Terrance Shannon Jr.

A star player on the Illinois team who Redd has been known to work out with at 4:30 a.m.

Tim Anderson

A former Illinois assistant coach who helped Redd connect with the program and take a chance on joining as a student manager.

Camryn Crocker

An Illinois assistant coach who was seen smiling down at Redd as he was surrounded by media, recognizing Redd's journey.

Brad Underwood

The Illinois head coach, who praised Redd's unselfishness and understanding of the program's culture.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a crazy journey for me. I was rebounding for guys doing laundry, and the next thing I know, I'm practicing next to NBA guys, so it's been an awesome journey.”

— AJ Redd (The Champaign Room)

“That's unselfishness, that's putting everyone else ahead of himself… he understands who we are, he understands the culture, he understands what we are about, and he talks about it. He's just too smart, and you know what he stands for.”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois Head Coach (The Champaign Room)

What’s next

Redd will start working as a Financial Analyst at a company owned by a proud Illinois alum after a summer internship.

The takeaway

Redd's story is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and embracing one's role within a team. His journey from team manager to roster player, and his contributions to the Illinois program's recent success, serve as an inspiring example of how hard work and a team-first mentality can lead to unexpected opportunities and fulfilling experiences, even for those who may not be the program's biggest stars.