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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) /
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CHICAGO – MARCH 16: The tournament’s MVP, Brian Cook #34 of the University Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fighting Illini, celebrates his win over Ohio State University Buckeyes in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship at the United Center on March 16, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Ohio State 72-59. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – MARCH 16: The tournament’s MVP, Brian Cook #34 of the University Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Fighting Illini, celebrates his win over Ohio State University Buckeyes in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship at the United Center on March 16, 2003 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Ohio State 72-59. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Brian Cook (20 pts, 7.6 rebs, 2 asts)

Another great Illinois basketball player who emerged starting his sophomore season was Brian Cook. He was a versatile big man who could do just about anything on the basketball court.

During Cook’s sophomore season, the team went to the Elite 8 and he averaged 11.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He was great for this team and created mismatches for the opposing teams.

Cook’s junior campaign was another solid performance. The team ended up getting to the Sweet 16 again, and he averaged 13.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. His senior season was his best, though.

Illinois didn’t go deep into the NCAA tournament during Cook’s senior year, but he impressed with his abilities. He ended up averaging 20 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2 assists per game. He also ended up winning the Big Ten Player of the Year award as well.

These accolades go a long way in determining how great Cook’s career was in the 2000’s. He was a great player for this Illinois program and will always be remembered as such. The Illini haven’t been able to get another player like him since he departed. He is easily a top five player in the 2000’s, and I put him at No. 2 on this list.

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