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Illinois basketball: Top 3 Illini centers in the history of the program

By Jalen Wilson

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 27: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks in the first half against Robbie Beran #31 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 27: Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dunks in the first half against Robbie Beran #31 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Welsh-Ryan Arena on February 27, 2020 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 6: Mike Tisdale #54 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates with fans on the floor following the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Assembly Hall on February 6, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 6: Mike Tisdale #54 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates with fans on the floor following the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Assembly Hall on February 6, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 78-73. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

#2 – Mike Tisdale

Mike Tisdale spent four years being a part of the Illinois basketball program. During his time at Illinois, he gained some accomplishments and put up good stats.

Tisdale’s career averages consist of 8.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. He had shooting splits of 53-percent from the field and 38-percent from three-point range. He also had a true shooting percentage of 58-percent.

The best season for Tisdale came during his junior year. He averaged 11.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. He shot 58-percent from the field and 83-percent from three-point range. He had a true shooting percentage of 64-percent.

Tisdale doesn’t have a long list of accomplishments. He was named to the All-Big Ten honorable mention team three times. He is also ranked No. 3 all-time for most career blocks for an Illinois player.

Illinois was able to see success with Tisdale at center. The program had two NCAA tournament appearances during his time in Champaign. The furthest the team was able to advance was to the second round where Tisdale and the Illini lost to Kansas.

The biggest knock on Tisdale may be that he wasn’t consistent or aggressive enough on the court. I think Tisdale had a good career as an Illini. He protected the paint very well and played the role that he was given.

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