(WGEM) -- The term floor general in the game of basketball is reserved for the complete point guard.
A player that not only has the ability to light up the scoreboard when called upon, but also elevates the game of the players around him, which is exactly what Illini West senior Brody Gronewold has brought to the court on a night-in, night-out basis for the Chargers.
"His leadership is incredible," said Illini West head coach John Hughes.
"They always say when your best player is your hardest worker, that it's something special. He's the first guy up in drills every day and he never takes a possession off on either end of the floor."
The full development of Gronewolds leadership may have been a product of the gridiron.
The senior quarterback was the voice in the huddle over the course of the Chargers bounce back season, which he says transitioned to the hardwood.
"When you're a quarterback you have to be a leader, or you're not meant for the position," Gronewold told WGEM Sports.
"I came out as a quarterback, and I need to lead on the basketball court too. It translates."
"Not only leadership, but toughness," added John Hughes.
"I think that was a great thing for him going into this year. He earned some credibility from his teammates that played football with him, and some respect, so it was a big deal"
Even with injuries slowing the flow of the Illini West line-up at times, Greenwood's consistent attacking and distributing from the point has the Chargers primed to make a sprint to the finish line.
"I have the ball in my hands a lot more, and I have a lot more opportunities to make plays, and make plays for my teammates," Gronewold expressed.
"I told my kids at the beginning of the year that I really like the direction of this team and the attitude," Hughes added.
"Hopefully we keep improving and progressing on a daily basis like we have been, and I think we'll be a tough out in Regionals."
Illini West senior guard Brody Gronewold leads a fast break against the Macomb Bombers.
