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Illinois Basketball: Most underrated Illini recruits in the rankings era

By Rees Woodcock

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 05: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on February 05, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 05: Trent Frazier #1 of the Illinois Fighting Illini against the Indiana Hoosiers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on February 05, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 20: Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the ball as Fabian White Jr. #35 of the Houston Cougars defends in the second half of the game during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 20: Da’Monte Williams #20 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles the ball as Fabian White Jr. #35 of the Houston Cougars defends in the second half of the game during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

4. Da’Monte Williams

  • 3-Star Recruit
  • #181 in the class of 2017
  • 2 NCAA tournaments – 2nd round (x2)
  • Best season – 5.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists

At one time, Da’Monte Williams was a top 60 recruit in his class. He was wanted by numerous programs, but an injury derailed his high school career. Illinois still stuck with him, and in my eyes, he ended up being one of the most underrated recruits in the rankings era.

Coming out of Peoria Manual, Williams was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 181 player in the class of 2017. He was also ranked as the No. 35 point guard in the country and the No. 6 player coming out of Illinois.

Williams’ first couple of seasons were frustrating, as the Illinois program wasn’t winning. By year three, Illinois loaded up on talent and would have made the NCAA tournament if it wasn’t for COVID-19. Williams finally went dancing in his final two years at Illinois. The Illini made back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances with both resulting in second-round exits.

The best season Williams had on the court was that 2020-21 campaign. He averaged 5.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. This was the season he hit an absurd 54.7% from three-point range as well.

Much like Chester Frazier, Williams was more of a utility guy who played great defense. They were very similar players if you break it down. Both were also extremely underrated.

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