UI campus buzzing as students count down to Final Four tipoff

Visual Director Josh Fine is usually the one putting together those covers seen in the hands of the Orange Krush student section and other Illini supporters around State Farm Center. "We've been doing this for a pretty long time, so I've been able to go back and see old designs in photos from games five or six years ago, and not much about the design formula has changed," Fine said. "It's still a super fun opportunity to see our product and our brand as a part of an experience for thousands of fans.

" After seeing photos of players from other teams holding up hometown or university newspapers following big tournament wins, Mattil thought he could help provide the same. "This Illinois team has a shot to make history," he said. Mattil handed out copies to the team and staff after each win, and said they were excited to have them for their photos and to take home.

It was the same back on campus — where the Daily Illini staff weren't prepared for how much of a positive reaction they received. "The students that climbed Alma, they were flashing our paper up there," Fine said. "We had our sports editor running around with 20 copies in hand like, 'Come grab one!

'" The next day, the Daily Illini office was met with visitors looking for their own copies, and a flood of emails and social media messages asking if they could get one, too. Mattil and Fine said: Honestly? They're fresh out.