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 /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: Deron Williams #8 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on April 25, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: Deron Williams #8 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the first round of the 2015 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on April 25, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

No. 3 Deron Williams

One of the best players in the history of Illinois basketball was Deron Williams. He was one of the most all-around talented players, and he took that talent to the professional ranks.

Coming out of The Colony High School in Texas, Williams wasn’t the most highly-touted player in the high school ranks. He joined the Illinois program, and the rest was history. He was a consensus All-American, an All-Big Ten player, and an NCAA All-Tournament team player. He also helped lead Illinois to the national title in 2005.

After three seasons at Illinois, Williams headed to the NBA. The Utah Jazz selected Williams with pick No. 3 in 2005. From the jump, Williams was sensational with the Jazz.

Williams would make the All-Rookie team in his first year in the NBA. He would then parlay that into a 12-year NBA career where he averaged 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game.

If it wasn’t for injuries, Williams would be an NBA Hall of Fame player. When healthy, he was able to make three All-Star appearances and was a member of the All-NBA two different times.

Williams is easily one of the greatest NBA players to ever come out of Illinois. He should have been No. 1 on this list if his mobility wasn’t cut short. Williams still makes the list at No. 3, though.

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