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

By Jalen Wilson

CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - FEBRUARY 24: An Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleader is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at State Farm Center on February 24, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO – MARCH 14: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheer team runs around the court against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during a first round game of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 14, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Illinois defeated Minnesota 51-49. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 2 Deon Thomas

Deon Thomas came into the Illinois basketball program at a tough time. The Illini were coming off an NCAA tournament run for the ages. But the athletic forward wowed the crowds with his tremendous play in the four seasons he spent in Champaign.

For his career, Thomas averaged 18 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He shot 60-percent from the field and 50-percent from three-point range for his career. I also want to mention he had a true shooting percentage of 62-percent.

Thomas’ best season came during his final year with the Illini. During that season, he averaged 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Thomas shot 63-percent from the field and 50-percent from three-point range.

There were a handful of things Thomas accomplished with the Orange and Blue. He was named to the All-Big Ten second-team three times and named to the All-Big Ten third-team once. He also has two NCAA tournament appearances, but the furthest he ever made it was to the second round.

Thomas dons the top 10 list for various statistical categories in the Illini record books. He ranks No. 1 in all-time points scored for an Illini. Blocking shots is something he excelled at as he ranks No. 2 in all-time total blocks for an Illini. Not to mention, he is No. 1 in total field goals made as well.

During his time with the Illini, Thomas put up some big numbers and had a lot of individual success. That is why he checks in at the No. 2 spot of the best power forwards of all-time.

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