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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 – MARCH 01: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) high five during the Big Ten conference game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 1, 2017, at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – MARCH 01: Illinois Fighting Illini forward Leron Black (12) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Malcolm Hill (21) high five during the Big Ten conference game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini on March 1, 2017, at State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Malcolm Hill (18.1 pts, 6.6 rebs, 3.3 asts)

Following the tournament run the Illini had in the first season under John Groce, the team was bringing in a talented class of recruits. These players were supposed to be the bridge to more NCAA tournament appearances. That never happened, though. But, this class did produce the No. 1 player on this list, Malcolm Hill.

Hill was magical for most of his career with the Illini. He averaged 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game his sophomore season. He followed that up with 18.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a junior. And then his senior campaign produced 17.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

I hate that Hill didn’t have a chance to play in the NCAA tournament. It makes me mad that the teams weren’t good enough to get over the hump. His freshman season the Illini finished the regular season with 18 wins. Then they had 19 wins during his sophomore season but they were blown out in the Big Ten Tournament which sealed their ticket to the NIT. The Groce era hit rock bottom with 13 regular season wins during Hill’s junior campaign. And, finally, Illinois had 18 regular season wins during Hill’s senior season.

Next: 5 areas of improvement for the Illini

Despite not getting to the point of dancing, Hill still had a great Illini career. This kid was so special in the Orange and Blue and he should be recognized for that. No matter what the record, he is currently the best player for the program in the 2010’s.

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