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Illinois Basketball: Top 3 Illini small forwards of all-time

By Jalen Wilson

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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CHAMPAIGN, IL – DECEMBER 06: General view of Illinois Fighting Illini basketballs seen before the game against the IUPUI Jaguars at State Farm Center on December 6, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No.2  Kenny Battle

Kenny battle is probably interesting to most fans reading this. I say this because Battle only played two seasons at Illinois but, during those two seasons, he put up good stats and accomplished a handful of things.

During his Illini career, Battle averaged around 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. He shot 56-percent from the field and 50-percent from three-point range. He also has a true shooting percentage of 62-percent

His best season came during his senior year. During that season he averaged 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. He shot 60-percent from the field and 52-percent from three-point range that season.

During his Illini career, he had lots of success. He made the NCAA tournament two times. He made it to the sweet sixteen each season, and he even helped the Illini make a final four run. Battle also made the NCAA all-region team. Battle ranks No. 8 in all-time total steals for Illini players and NO. 4 in all-time Illini field goal percentage.

All in all, Battle was a player who was efficient on offense and was a good defensive player. His team’s success during his two seasons was good. I believe he is the second-best small forward in Illinois basketball history.

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