Next: 1987: Marcus Liberty
The 1986-87 season was great for the Illini in the regular season but come time for the tournament they fell flat on their face.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois ended up falling to the No. 14 seed Austin Peay that year.
The next year Illinois would add a 1986 McDonald’s All-American to the team in Nick Anderson.
Anderson had to sit out his first season but the 1987-88 campaign really kicked off two great years with the Illini.
In his sophomore season Anderson dominated on the court. He averaged 15.9 PPG and 6.6 RPG. His presence on the court was one of the reasons Illinois advanced to the second round of the tournament.
The next season, which ended up being Anderson’s final year, was extremely successful.
Anderson once again led the team in scoring with 18 PPG and also pulled down 7.9 RPG. He helped lead the Illini to the Final Four that season.
Illinois ended up losing to Michigan in the Final Four but the greatness of this team will never be forgotten.
Anderson would later contemplate coming back the next year but ended up declaring for the NBA Draft.
The Orlando Magic selected Anderson No. 11 overall in the 1989 NBA Draft. He was the first player ever drafted by the Magic.