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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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AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 24: Brandon Paul
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 24: Brandon Paul /

2. Brandon Paul (16.6 pts, 4.4 rebs, 2.7 asts)

Everyone could see the build-up of a great career in the making with Brandon Paul. This kid was starting to hit his stride every season in the Orange and Blue and finally, he broke out his senior season.

Illinois was fairly successful in Paul’s time with the team. They made it to two NCAA tournaments and advanced to the second round both times. The second tournament run was Paul’s senior season and the first under head coach John Groce.

Paul averaged an outstanding 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game during his final year in Champaign. He was the leader of this team with his amazing ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor. He could also get to the rim on command as well.

Illinois finished the regular season with 21 wins and won a Big Ten Tournament game. They then entered the NCAA tournament as a No. 7 seed and beat No. 10 Colorado. The Illini then were snubbed in the next round by a bad call. They should have beaten No. 2 Miami (FL) that year.

Paul did some spectacular things while with the Illini. He was the leader on the last Illini team to go dancing. That is why he is the No. 2 player on the list of the top Illini players of the 2010’s.

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