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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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CHICAGO – MARCH 13: James Augustine #40 of the Illinois Fighting Illini poses for a photo with the Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship trophy, Augustine was named Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament after Illinois defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 54-43 in the Final to win the Big Ten Men’s Conference Basketball Tournament Championship March 13, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Augustine was also named to the all tournament team. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – MARCH 13: James Augustine #40 of the Illinois Fighting Illini poses for a photo with the Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship trophy, Augustine was named Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament after Illinois defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 54-43 in the Final to win the Big Ten Men’s Conference Basketball Tournament Championship March 13, 2005 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Augustine was also named to the all tournament team. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

#1 – James Augustine

James Augustine spent four seasons wearing an Illinois basketball uniform. During his time in Orange and Blue, he earned a lot of Individual accomplishments. He also had a big impact on his team’s success.

Augustine’s career averages consist of 10.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1 block per game. He shot 61-percent from the field and 33-percent from three-point range. He also had a true shooting percentage of 64-percent.

The best statistical season for Augustine was during his senior year. That year he averaged 13.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 0.7 blocks. He shot 62-percent from the field and 50-percent from three-point range that season.

Augustine’s list of accomplishments is the big reason I have him at No.1 on this list. He was named to the All-Bug Ten team once and the All-Big Ten Tournament team. He was also named Big Ten Tournament MVP.

It is also important to mention that Augustine was a major factor on the 2004-05 team that won the Big Ten Championship and made it to the National Championship. He is on a few all-time statistical lists for Illinois players as well. Augustine ranks at No. 6 and No. 7 on the single-season rebounding list and No. 1 on the career rebounding list in Illinois history.

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Throughout the history of the Illinois basketball program, there have been talented centers. In my opinion, I think Kofi Cockburn, Mike Tisdale, and James Augustine are the top three in Illini history.

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