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Illinois Basketball: Top 5 Illini players to ever wear the No. 3

By Rees Woodcock

Feb 22, 2009; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Chester Frazier (3) signals for a 1 and 1 foul against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. The Illini beat the Buckeyes 70-68. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2009; Columbus, OH, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Chester Frazier (3) signals for a 1 and 1 foul against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena. The Illini beat the Buckeyes 70-68. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandon Paul (3) reacts after making a basket in the first half during the first round of the Big Ten tournament against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Brandon Paul (3) reacts after making a basket in the first half during the first round of the Big Ten tournament against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Brandon Paul

  • Best: 16.6 pts, 4.4 rebs, 2.7 asts, 1.2 stls
  • Career: 12.0 pts, 3.8 rebs, 2.2 asts, 1.1 stls
  • 2 NCAAs (both 2nd round)

I don’t think anyone can argue with the player who takes the top spot of the top five Illini players to ever wear the No. 3. Out of all of the lists, this might be the most obvious answer. It is easily, Brandon Paul.

Paul would spend all four years of his collegiate career with the Illini, and he was sensational for the program each season. Overall, Paul would finish his time in Champaign averaging 12.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

The best season for Paul at Illinois was in 2012-13 when he would average 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. That was the season where Illinois would take down No. 1 Indiana en route to an NCAA tournament berth.

Speaking of NCAA tournaments, Paul would help lead Illinois to two NCAA tournament appearances, and we advanced to the second round each season.

Paul put up some amazing numbers while he was with the Illini. Those numbers enabled the program to see solid success. To me, there is no doubt in my mind that Paul is the best player in Illinois basketball history to wear the No. 3.

Next. Top 4 Illini players to ever wear the No. 2. dark

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