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Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Illini players of the 2010’s decade

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 30: The Lou Henson signature is seen on the court before the start of the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 30, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 30: The Lou Henson signature is seen on the court before the start of the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 30, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – JANUARY 30: The Lou Henson signature is seen on the court before the start of the Big Ten Conference college basketball game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 30, 2018, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

There have been some fun Illinois basketball players to watch in the 2010’s.

While there have been three coaches in this time, there always seems to be talented players leading their Illini squad. Some of these players have been highly recruited coming out of high school. Others have come out of nowhere to shine in the Orange and Blue.

One of my favorite players in the 2010’s was DJ Richardson. The kid could hit a three-point shot from anywhere on the court. His ability to score the ball was special when he was in Champaign. I also liked Jalen Coleman-Lands when he was here as well. He has now moved on, but his ability to shoot the three-point shot was special too.

Illinois has had a few solid big men as well. Meyers Leonard was fun to watch for his one full season of basketball. Everyone could tell he was going to be special but he didn’t stick around long enough to see it come to fruition. He is now having a solid career in the NBA.

Let’s not forget about Nnanna Egwu either. This kid was one of the best shot blockers this program has ever seen. He was a nightmare for opposing teams when they got into the paint.

All of these players have a special place in my heart, but there are five who I think are the best.

Here are the top five Illini players of the 2010’s.

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