3. DJ Richardson
- Best: 12.3 Pts, 3.9 Reb, 1.6 Ast, 1.3 Stl
- Career: 10.7 Pts, 2.8 Reb, 1.8 Ast, 35.5 3Pt
- 2 NCAAs, B1G All-Freshman, B1G Freshman of the Year
When it comes to wearing the No. 1, it is essentially a three-horse race. It was tough deciding on what the order would be for No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, but I am pretty comfortable saying DJ Richardson is No. 3.
Richardson was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school. Illinois was able to land the four-star guard, and he didn’t disappoint. This was a few years removed from the program getting to the national title, so the hopes were Richardson and Co. would take us back to the promised land.
Through his four years at Illinois, Richardson put up some good numbers. His best season was his senior year when he averaged 12.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. For his career, he averaged 10.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and knocked down 35.5% of his three-pointers.
Illinois actually made two trips to the NCAA tournament with Richardson playing meaningful minutes. Both were second-round exits, but we still won a game in the postseason each year.
I think, when it comes down to it, Richardson will always be remembered as one of the best No. 1s we have ever seen. On this list, he checks in as the third-best No. 1 in the history of Illinois basketball.