Illini Icon Dee Brown Discusses the Intensity of the Braggin’ Rights Rivalry

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois Basketball icon Dee Brown recently caught up with WCIA 3’s Peter Hanson, sharing insights on the intense “Braggin’ Rights” rivalry against the Missouri Tigers.

“Losing that game is not an option,” Brown emphasized. “I always remind people of the advice I received when I first joined: ‘Dee, this is a game you just can’t afford to lose.’ It carries a unique weight.”

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During his illustrious tenure with the Fighting Illini, Brown boasted a perfect 4-0 record in the rivalry, averaging 16.7 points per game against Missouri. He described the encounter as grueling, demanding every ounce of effort.

“I would often experience cramps,” Brown recalled. “It took me two days to fully recover because I understood the stakes and the level of commitment required to excel in that game.”

“He plays tough, he’s from here, he has that grit,” Brown said. “When you’re talking about a game like this, he’s definitely one of those guys who wants to raise that trophy.”

But he said the rivalry is about more than just glory and gold.

“It’s all about keeping guys home,” Brown said. “That’s why Missouri-Illinois is so big. Missouri basketball is pretty big as well. And it’s just down the road from the crib so we all recruit the same type of players.”

Brown said a win over the Tigers is the best Christmas present he and other Illini fans could ask for.

“You go home for Christmas and your food tastes better,” Brown said.