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

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

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) /

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4. Frank Williams (16.2 pts, 4.7 rebs, 4.4 asts)

I realize some people may have an issue with having Frank Williams only at No. 4 on this list, but I think this is right where he belongs. He was a sensational player in his time with the Illini.

Williams was a highly touted recruit coming out of Manual High School in Peoria, Illinois. He entered the Illinois program and was an immediate impact player. During his sophomore season, Williams averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. The team went to the Elite 8 that season but fell to No. 2 Arizona.

In Williams’ junior season, he ended up averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. He helped lead the Illini to the Sweet 16 again only to lose to No. 1 Kansas. After this season, Williams decided to declare for the NBA and was selected in the first round.

If Williams would have stuck around for his senior campaign, I believe Illinois would have won the national title the following season. But, he didn’t. Despite his departure after three years, he was one of the top five players in the 2000’s. His time in Champaign was special.

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