Illinois Basketball: Ranking the last 10 Illini recruiting classes

8. Class of 2014

Some of these recruiting classes lacked quantity and that is why they aren’t ranked as high. That is the case with the class of 2014. This class had some key players come in and contribute immediately.

The highlight of the class of 2014 was Leron Black. He was a 6-foot-7, 215-pound power forward from Memphis, Tennessee. He was ranked as the No. 42 player in the class of 2014 and the No. 7 power forward in the nation.

Michael Finke was the other member of this class. He was a 6-foot-9, 210-pound power forward from Champaign, Illinois. He was ranked as the No. 203 player in the class of 2014 and the No. 50 power forward in the nation.

Illinois brought in a solid class of 2013, so the class of 2014 didn’t have to be a big class. These two would go on to play some serious minutes, though.

Black’s Illini career started off slow but new head coach Brad Underwood really helped him blossom into a player that NBA teams are eyeing. He decided to forgo his senior season and is heading to the NBA. His departure is going to hurt the Illini this upcoming season.

Finke was a solid player in his time in Champaign. This kid was put into a role at the No. 5 that didn’t suit him right. He is a No. 4 on the floor but the lack of size forced him into the paint more often. He was a good shooter but lacked on the defensive end. He is now a graduate transfer looking for a new home.

Overall, this class had some talent. They were some good times with these two players, and they will be missed. But, I would rank the class of 2014 as the No. 8 class over the last 10 years.