Illinois Basketball: Illini McDonald’s All-American History
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The Illinois basketball team was dead in the water through most of the 70’s. That was until Lou Henson took over the team.
Henson started winning with the Illini but it wasn’t until 1980 that he really transformed this once great program back into a powerhouse.
Illinois Fighting Illini
This transformation was led by McDonald’s All-American Derek Harper.
Harper wasn’t the prototypical recruit for the Illini. He hailed from West Palm Beach, Florida where he attended North Shore.
Harper really emerged on to the scene his first season. He averaged 8.3 points per game, 5.4 assists per game and 2.6 rebounds per game.
That great production in year one helped lead the Illini to the Sweet 16.
The following year was a bit of a struggle for Illinois though. They only finished the season with 18 wins and missed the tournament altogether.
Despite the rough season, Harper once again shined with 8.4 PPG, 5 APG and 4.6 RPG.
Harper’s senior campaign was his best statistically. The Illini made it back to the tournament but was a first round out thanks to the No. 10 seed Utah.
Even though Illinois was ousted in the first round, Harper managed to average 15.4 PPG, 3.7 APG and 3.5 RPG that season.
Getting a McDonald’s All-American like Harper to come to Illinois really helped the team get back to their winning ways and started a trend for the Illini.