Orange Krush alum Points can't wait for Hall weekend

May 9—ORLANDO, Fla. — D.A. Points didn't anticipate last week's call from Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman.

Points, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour and proud Illinois alum, has gotten to know Whitman through the years.

"I've seen him at some basketball games, and we always have a real nice time together," Points said, "but he's never really called me, so I was a little shocked and wondering what was going on."

Whitman had news. Of the best kind: Points had been selected for the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame.

"I was completely surprised," Points said. "I never thought about it. I never thought that I was necessarily in the running for a thing like this.

"I am so honored and beyond grateful. It was a little emotional. My wife (Lori) and I hugged and shed a tear. It really, truly means the world to me."

Points and the other seven inductees will be celebrated at a gala in September. It is a star-studded class that includes basketball standouts Ayo Dosunmu, James Augustine and Tauja Catchings, football players Howard Griffith and Brandon Lloyd, volleyball star Jordyn Poulter and soccer great Ella Masar.

It won't be Points' first hall of fame. As a member of the Pekin High School golf team, he is in the IHSA Hall of Fame. In 1993, Pekin won the state team title and Points was individual inmedalist.

Because of a scheduling conflict, Points wasn't able to attend the IHSA event in Peoria.

D.A., Lori and their daughter Laila (16) and son Charlie (11) will be in Champaign-Urbana on Sept. 11 for the gala at the State Farm Center. The Illinois football team hosts Duke the next day.

"I have a couple friends that have been part of my career that are Illini and might come as well," Points said. "I'm definitely going to be there and can't wait."

Points brought his family to C-U in 2025 for the football matchup against top-ranked Ohio State. The Buckeyes won 34-16.

It was the first Illinois home football game for Laila and Charlie. In fact, they had never been to any college football game. They were able to go on the field before the game to watch the teams warm up.

"Obviously, we didn't win, but it was a beautiful day," Points said. "It was a really cool opportunity for my kids."

On course

Points graduated from Illinois in December 1999 and moved to Florida on Jan. 1, 2000. He has been there ever since.

D.A. and Lori just celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

Points turns 50 on December, which will make him eligible for the PGA Champions Tour. Illinois great and fellow Illinois Hall of Famer Steve Stricker had a second career on the former senior tour by winning 18 events, including seven majors.

Points plans be a part of the Champions Tour. He is playing in a handful of Korn Ferry Tour events this season to help get ready for the next level.