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Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Illini wing-forwards of the 2010s

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Mike Davis #24 of the Illinois Fighting Illini tries to get the fans to make noise during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Assembly Hall on January 22, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State won 73-68. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - JANUARY 22: Mike Davis #24 of the Illinois Fighting Illini tries to get the fans to make noise during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Assembly Hall on January 22, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State won 73-68. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Leron Black
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 25: Leron Black /

3. Leron Black

Now we are getting into the meat of the top five wing-forwards of the 2010s. The No. 4 and No. 5 spots lacked some zest, but the No. 3 spot on this list goes to someone a little more recent. I give this spot to Leron Black.

Black was another top 100 recruit Illinois snagged in the last decade. He was, arguably, the best recruiting get for John Groce. Black’s development really didn’t start taking off until he spent a year under Brad Underwood, though.

The best season for Black was that junior season under Underwood. He averaged 15.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Those are some great numbers, and he had one year of eligibility remaining. Black’s senior season was supposed to be great. His senior season would never happen.

After the 2017-18 campaign, Black would decide to test the NBA waters, but he kept his name in the draft pool. He wouldn’t get selected for the NBA, and then he went overseas to play professionally.

Black is now a member of the House of ‘Paign in the TBT. He is going to be a big part of that team, as his physical abilities are what really set Black apart from a lot of players. I think he is going to be a great addition to that squad.

As for Black during the 2010s, he was a good forward for the Orange and Blue. His final season with the program was special. I just wish he would have stuck around another year.

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