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Illinois Basketball: Comparing Illini Players to Their NBA Counterpart

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 18, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) celebrate during the first half of a game against the Providence Friars at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; Providence, RI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Jalen Coleman-Lands (5) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) celebrate during the first half of a game against the Providence Friars at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 3, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) guarded by Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Mike Williams (5) in the second half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Illinois defeated Rutgers in the third overtime 110-101.Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) guarded by Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Mike Williams (5) in the second half at Louis Brown Athletic Center. Illinois defeated Rutgers in the third overtime 110-101.Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Malcolm Hill

There is no question who was the best player on the Illinois basketball team last season.  Malcolm Hill led the team in scoring and assists.  He was also second on the team in rebounds, behind Thorne.

Hill is going to have another great year this upcoming season.  Illinois will have some more point guard help which in turn will create more scoring opportunities for Hill.

Last season, Hill averaged 18.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, and 3.3 APG.  He wasn’t a prolific three point shooter but he could get his points and be a productive member of the team every game.

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With Hill being such a weapon in more than one way, it reminds me a lot of a player who plays for a team just north of Champaign.

Reminds Me Of: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls had a disappointing season under first-year coach Fred Hoiberg.  But, despite missing the playoffs, the Bulls had one shining star and that was Jimmy Butler.

Butler is the player that Hill reminds me of because they have similar games.  Both players do what is needed for the team.  If one night Butler needs to be the main ball handler, he will be.  The same goes for Hill.

These two players actually had similar numbers last season as well.

Butler finished the year averaging 20.9 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 4.8 APG.  That isn’t too far off of Hill’s production.  Both of these guys also shot the same from three, 31 percent.

I think this comparison is pretty close.  They both are the heart and soul of their teams and they will do what needs to get done.

Next: Maverick Morgan

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