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

By Rees Woodcock

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)
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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Illinois’ Trent Meacham drives in the game won by Purdue over Illinois 64-47 in Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN Jan 27, 2007. (Photo by Sandra Dukes/Getty Images)
Illinois’ Trent Meacham drives in the game won by Purdue over Illinois 64-47 in Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN Jan 27, 2007. (Photo by Sandra Dukes/Getty Images) /

2. Trent Meacham

  • Best: 10.2 Pts, 2.5 Reb, 2.7 Ast, 42.1 3Pt
  • Career: 8.4 Pts, 2.0 Reb, 2.2 Ast, 40.8 3Pt
  • 2 NCAAs

I believe No. 2 and No. 3 can be disputed in this ranking, but I am going to stick with DJ Richardson at No. 3 and Trent Meacham is going to take the No. 2 spot.

Meacham transferred in from Dayton – also the program where Illinois women’s basketball just got their head coach and multiple transfers from, shoutout to them – and was sensational for the Illini in the three years he played.

The best season Meacham had with Illinois was his final year with the program when he averaged 10.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and shot 42.1% from three-point range. His Illinois career averages consisted of 8.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 40.8% from three-point range.

In two out of the three seasons Meacham was with the Illini, the program made it to the postseason. Both were first-round exits. The team was still competitive, and Meacham was a big reason for that.

When it is all said and done, Meacham is the second-best No. 1 to ever suit up for the Orange and Blue. He was taking 4.2 three-pointers per game and knocking them down at a clip of 40.8%. Those are impressive numbers. Just imagine what he could do today.

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