Writing Illini
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 15: Robbie Hummel #4 and Ryne Smith #24 of the Purdue Boilermakers block out against Meyers Leonard #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall on February 15, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Purdue won 67-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 15: Robbie Hummel #4 and Ryne Smith #24 of the Purdue Boilermakers block out against Meyers Leonard #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini at Assembly Hall on February 15, 2012 in Champaign, Illinois. Purdue won 67-62. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Meyers Leonard (13.6 pts, 8.2 rebs, 1.3 asts)

One of the most frustrating situations I have ever dealt with as an Illini fan was the mishandling of talented center Meyers Leonard. This kid was so highly touted coming into the program. He had the entire fan base buzzing.

Leonard didn’t play much his first season with Illinois. For some reason, Bruce Weber only had him on the court for 8.2 minutes per game. This kid was a top 40 recruit not seeing the floor. Illinois did end up making the postseason and advancing to the second round, though.

The following year, Leonard had a chance to shine. He averaged 31.8 MPG and put up 13.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. He was sensational despite the team floundering after a good start. This ended up leading to Weber’s firing, but Leonard was still easily one of the best players on the team.

After his sophomore season, Leonard decided to declare for the NBA Draft. This was expected considering he was projected to be a first-round pick and the Illinois coaching staff was in disarray. He ended up getting picked with the 11th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers.

I think Leonard could have been one of the best players in Illinois history if he would have stuck around for another year or two. I also think Weber should have played him more in that first year as well. Everything ended badly for Leonard with the Illini, but he still goes down as one of the best in the 2010’s.

Home/Illinois Basketball