Illinois Basketball: Who belongs on the Mount Rushmore?

Frank Williams (Player 1999-2002)

The fourth and final member of the Illinois basketball Mount Rushmore was extremely difficult to pick. This final spot had many options but, eventually, Frank Williams ended up being the choice. He was a legend while with the Illini and had all of the accomplishments to go along with it as well.

Williams only spent three seasons with the Illini but those three years were magical. He averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game in year one. He then increased those numbers to 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2 steals per game in year two. Williams then averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 2 steals his final year with the program.

Not only are Williams’ stats impressive, but so are his accomplishments on the basketball court. He won the Big Ten Player of the Year award during his sophomore campaign in 2001. In only three years, Williams managed to rank No. 16 all-time in scoring in the history of the program. After his junior year, Williams declared for the NBA Draft and was selected with the No. 25 pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets.

Illinois was extremely successful in the time Williams spent with the program. During his freshman season, the Illini made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The following season, Williams again led the team back to the postseason and they made it all the way to the Elite Eight. And in his final season with the program, Illinois made it to the Sweet 16. That is a great resume of winning.

Next: Illinois basketball projected lineup with class of 2018

Williams was a great player for the Illinois basketball team. He was tremendous on the court, he helped lead the program to success in the postseason and he ranks as one of the greats. That is why he deserves to be on the Illinois basketball Mount Rushmore.