Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Illini players to ever wear the No. 1

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 22: D.J. Richardson #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini celebrates during the game against Colorado Buffaloes during second round of the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at The Frank Erwin Center on March 22, 2013 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 25: Jaylon Tate /

4. Jaylon Tate

Best: 3.6 Pts, 1.2 Reb, 2.9 Ast
Career: 2.4 Pts, 1.2 Reb, 2.5 Ast

It was hard to choose between Jaylon Tate and Aaron Spears for the No. 4 and No. 5 spot on this list, but I am giving Tate the No. 4 spot based on his numbers being better and the fact he played all four years at Illinois.

Tate would join the Illini as a three-star recruit and was thrown into action immediately as a backup point guard. He then transitioned more into a starting role with other players getting injured throughout his career.

The best season Tate had with the Illini was year two when he averaged 3.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His four-year averages for the program consisted of 2.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.

Illinois never made the postseason when Tate was in Champaign. It was a rough four years for the program, but I am not sure who is at fault for the difficulties. Since leaving the Illini, Tate has gone on to have a good career playing overseas. He has developed his game and is a suitable point guard. That makes you think maybe it was coaching and development more than the player.

Nevertheless, Tate is the No. 4 Illinois basketball player to ever wear the No. 1.

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