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Illinois Basketball: Top 5 underrated Illini recruits of the past decade

By Rees Woodcock

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)
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) /
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MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 21: Kendrick Nunn #25 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the basketball up the court during the first half against Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on February 21, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – FEBRUARY 21: Kendrick Nunn #25 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the basketball up the court during the first half against Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on February 21, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

4. Kendrick Nunn

Despite the lack of success, Illinois has had some electric players over the past decade. Kendrick Nunn was one of the players who could really help the Illini put wins on the board.

Nunn was a 6-foot-3, 175-pound shooting guard coming out of Simeon High School and residing in Chicago, Illinois. He was rated as a four-star recruit who was the No. 56 player in the class of 2013 and the No. 18 shooting guard in the nation. He was also the No. 2 player in the state of Illinois.

Some people might look at Nunn and question why he is on this list. Someone who is in the top 60 in his class isn’t underrated. Oh, but I believe Nunn is very underrated. This kid had all the talent in the world.

Nunn came into the Illinois program and was one of the best freshmen in the league as he earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors. During his junior year with the Illini, Nunn then averaged 15.5 points, 5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

The road for Nunn ended early at Illinois due to an off-court issue, but this kid would have helped the Illini get back to the postseason if he would have stayed around for his senior year. He would end up heading over to Oakland University where he put up 25.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

I believe Nunn was overlooked because of his teammate, Jabari Parker, was coming out in the same class. Parker was a top-five player nationally, so Nunn didn’t get the recognition he deserved. I would peg Nunn more as a top 40 player than a top 60 player. He had special talent and still plays today for the Miami Heat.

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