Writing Illini
Fansided

Top 10 NBA/ABA careers by an Illinois basketball player

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 5, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams (8) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2013; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams (8) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 10
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 1993: Eddie Johnson #8 of the Seattle Supersonics shoots over Chris Dudley #22 and Drazen Petrovic #3 of the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1993 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Johnson played for the Supersonics from 1990-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eddie Johnson; Chris Dudley; Drazen Petrovic
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 1993: Eddie Johnson #8 of the Seattle Supersonics shoots over Chris Dudley #22 and Drazen Petrovic #3 of the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game circa 1993 at the Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Johnson played for the Supersonics from 1990-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Eddie Johnson; Chris Dudley; Drazen Petrovic /

No. 6 Eddie Johnson

Lou Henson really turned the Illinois basketball program around. Landing players like Eddie Johnson helped elevate the Illini to new heights.

Johnson came to Illinois from Westinghouse High School in Chicago. He was looked at as one of the best players in the country, as he was a Parade All-American in high school. Johnson would join the Illini and would be sensational as well. He would average 14.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for his college career. He was also an All-Big Ten player.

After his time at Illinois, Johnson would get picked by the Kansas City Kings in the second round of the 1981 NBA Draft. He would have an insane 17-year NBA career that featured him playing with six different franchises.

Despite not making an NBA All-Star game, Johnson would put up some big-time numbers. He would average 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during his NBA career. In 1988-89, Johnson would have his best season in the NBA, averaging 21.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He would earn Sixth Man of the Year honors that season.

Johnson is arguably the greatest shooter to ever come out of Illinois and play in the NBA. He had an extremely long career and put up some impressive numbers. If he could have racked up more accolades, Johnson would be higher on this list. I still have Johnson at No. 6, though.

Home/All-Time Basketball Lists