Top 10 NBA/ABA careers by an Illinois basketball player

No. 2 Andy Phillip

You have to look at how good a player was during his era to determine where he fits on this list. Checking in at No. 2 is someone no one reading this article, most likely, has ever watched play basketball.

Coming out of Granite City High School in Illinois, Andy Phillip was a great get for the Illini. He joined the program in the 1940s and was instantly a sensation. He was an All-American for Illinois in 1941-42 and 1942-43. Phillip then went into the military and fought in World War II. He came back to Illinois for the 1946-47 season and was once again an All-American.

Phillip would be selected by the Chicago Stags in the fifth round of the 1947 BAA Draft, which later became the NBA. He would finish his 11-year NBA career averaging 9.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game.

On top of fighting in World War II and then having over a decade-long career, Phillip was a successful NBA player. He made five All-Star appearances. He also made the All-NBA two times and was the NBA assist champion for two seasons.

In 1957, Phillip would win the NBA Championship with the Boston Celtics. After his NBA career, he would get inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961.

This was a legendary career for Phillip. He put the numbers and accolades together to form one of the best NBA runs by an Illinois player. It was hard not to put him at the top of this list, but I think No. 2 is right where Phillip should be ranked.