Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Basketball: Top 4 Illini players to ever wear the No. 2

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 22, 2018; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) shoots during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2018; St. Louis, MO, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Kipper Nichols (2) shoots during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Feb 9, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Joseph Bertrand (2) guards Penn State Nittany Lions guard John Johnson (1) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 60-55. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Joseph Bertrand (2) guards Penn State Nittany Lions guard John Johnson (1) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Illinois defeated Penn State 60-55. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joseph Bertrand

  • Best: 8.5 Pts, 3.8 Reb
  • Career: 6.6 Pts, 3.1 Reb
  • 2 NCAA

It was tough to determine the No. 1 spot on the best players in Illinois basketball history to wear the No. 2, but I think I have landed on a decision.

While the name doesn’t jump off the page, and none of the players on this list really do, I believe Joseph Bertrand is the best player to ever don the No. 2 jersey.

Bertrand entered the Illinois basketball program in 2010 and blossomed into a solid role player during his career. His best season would see him average 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He would end his four-year Illinois career with averages of 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest.

Illinois saw some decent success with Bertrand as a key contributor on the team. We had two NCAA tournament appearances and advanced to the second round both seasons.

Bertrand was a good player for the Illini, but with the limited options of players who actually wore No. 2, he takes the cake as the best ever. I fully expect this list to change in the coming decade as the lower numbers are starting to become a trend, and Illinois’ recruiting abilities are improving.

Next. Top 5 Illini players to ever wear the No. 1. dark

Home/All-Time Basketball Lists