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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 – NOVEMBER 18: A. Illinois Fighting Illini logo is seen on the side of a basketball before the start of the during the college basketball game between the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 18, 2019, at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

No. 1 Dave Downey

Dave Downey played a total of three seasons in an Orange and Blue uniform. Most Illini fans probably didn’t get the chance to watch him play during the 1960s, though. But after doing my research, I have him at No.1 on this list.

For Downey’s career, he averaged 18.9 points and 11 rebounds per game. He shot 42-percent from the field while having a true shooting percentage of 47-percent.  His best season came during his sophomore year. He averaged 20 points and 12.2 rebounds per game that season.

Downey had some individual and team success during his three years. He was named to the All-Big Ten team for the 1962-63 season. He was also named to the NCAA all-region team once. Downey made the NCAA tournament just once. In his lone appearance, he averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds, while shooting 38-percent from the field.

There are some Illinois basketball records Downey holds as well. He is No. 4 in all-time points per game for an Illini. Downey also holds the record for the most points scored in a single game with 53 points against Indiana back in 1963. Not to mention, he is also No. 9 in all-time Illini rebounds.

Top 3 Illini shooting guards of all-time. dark. Next

The Illinois basketball program has had a lot of talented small forwards play for them. But Roger Powell, Kenny Battle, and Dave Downey are my top three, with Downey taking the No. 1 overall spot.

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