Next: 1999: Brian Cook
The Illinois basketball team followed up 1997 with another McDonald’s All-American in 1998.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Frank Williams was Illinois’ prized recruit that season and after a redshirt year he didn’t disappoint.
Williams finally had the chance to show off his skills in the 1999-00 season. That year he averaged 11.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG and 4.1 APG.
Illinois made it to the second round of the tournament that season but fell to Florida.
The following season was the Elite 8 run that was led by Griffin and Williams. Williams played well once again. He led the team in points with 14.9 PPG and assists with 4.4 APG. He also added in 3.7 RPG that season.
Williams would only last one more season with Illinois.
In Williams’s final season with the Illini he averaged 16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 4.4 APG. His presence and skills helped lead Illinois back to the Sweet 16 but fell to No. 1 Kansas that year.
After his junior campaign Williams declared for the NBA Draft. He was drafted in the first round, 25th overall, by the Denver Nuggets.
Williams had a great career with the Illini. He had some special talent and is up there with the greatest Illini players ever.