Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Illini players of the 2000’s decade

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 12: Roger Powell Jr. #43, Deron Williams #5 and Luther Head #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini look on during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Assembly Hall on February 12, 2005 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Wisconsin 70-59 during their run to the Final Four. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 12: Roger Powell Jr. #43, Deron Williams #5 and Luther Head #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini look on during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Assembly Hall on February 12, 2005 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Wisconsin 70-59 during their run to the Final Four. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
Illinois basketball
CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 12: Roger Powell Jr. #43, Deron Williams #5 and Luther Head #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini look on during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Assembly Hall on February 12, 2005 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Wisconsin 70-59 during their run to the Final Four. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

The Illinois basketball team went through the golden years of the program in the 2000’s.

This was the timeframe where Illini fans were spoiled with incredible talent and coaching. We saw some of the most talented players in the country play for the Orange and Blue. This talent also won the most games I have ever seen in program history as well.

Luther Head’s development was really fun to watch over his span with the Illini. He went from a struggling shooter as a freshman to a tremendous player during his junior and senior campaigns. He was actually the leading scorer on the team that went to the national title.

I also really liked Dee Brown during his time with the Illini. He was arguably the quickest player in the country and it showed on the court. He would fly past people and they wouldn’t have a chance to defend him. He was an all-around great player in the history of the program.

There were a lot of other talented players who came through as well. But, I have cut the list to the top five players of the 2000’s for the Illini. This was a tough list, all things considered.

But, here are the top five Illini players of the 2000’s.

Home/Illinois Basketball