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What is Andres Feliz Up To?

Originally posted on Armchair Illini | By Alex Kyi | Last updated 2/28/23

Andres Feliz quickly became one of the most beloved Illini. What has he been up to since graduating?

Since 2020, there have been multiple instances in which Illinois fans are reminded how important Andres Feliz was. Illini fans have particularly been reminded of such this year. This year’s squad has truly lacked a veteran ball-handler and a guy who just seems to bring it every single day. Andres Feliz was both of those. It was a shame that Feliz was never able to enjoy the fruits of the Illini’s return to relevance. Him and Trent Fraizer truly were the main catalysts in reestablishing Illinois in the top half of the Big Ten.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 shut the Illini’s fantastic run to end the 2019-20 season and abruptly ended Feliz’s college career. Feliz on the national stage in the NCAA tournament would have definitely been a great story to watch unfold.

An overseas start.

Andres Feliz has spent his professional basketball career overseas. Feliz has spent 3 seasons in Spain. These past two seasons, he has played for Joventut Badalona in what looks like Spain’s toughest league. The team has a winning record, however Real Madrid and FC Barcelona sit a top of the league by 4 games from Feliz’s squad. Ironically, Feliz has been a part of winning seasons every season in Spain.

Feliz currently plays around 21 minutes per game, while averaging 11 points, 3 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game. In the highlights below, Feliz still seems to be bullying his way to the basket at an efficient rate. Feliz recently signed a two-year extension with the club to play through the 2024-25 season. Given that his team is in the same conference as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, I do assume that this is one of the tougher European Leagues. Given that names like Luka Doncic played for Real Madrid, and players like Nikola Mirotic and former lottery pick, Mario Hezonja are in the league.

What’s next?

Andres Feliz is 25 years old. His career is still young and playing in a tough Spanish league will definitely help his game. If Feliz can continue to play his aggressive style on offense while also being a pitbull of a defender, it is not out of the realm of possibility to make a Summer League Roster to showcase these skills. Seeing players like Patrick Beverley, Jevon Carter or even Malcolm Hill make it into the NBA, Feliz cannot be counted out. However, it may just be a level of comfort, as the Dominican baller seems to have found comfort in the Spanish league.

I can also see Feliz eventually transition in coaching. He has that pitbull mentality and really has an incredible story coming out of the Dominican Republic. Seeing a player like Leron Black become a graduate assistant at Dayton definitely rises the scenario for Andres Feliz to follow suit. Regardless, Andres Feliz deserves a lot of flowers for his time as an Illini. He was a key piece during the season that brought Illinois back to where it should be.

This article first appeared on Armchair Illini and was syndicated with permission.

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