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Top 10 Illinois basketball recruiting misses since the turn of the century

Throughout time, Illinois basketball has been so close to getting over the top, but certain recruits have spurned the program leaving us out to dry.
ByRees Woodcock|
Feb 10, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Value City Arena. The Hoosiers beat the Buckeyes 59-53. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
Feb 10, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Eric Gordon (23) drives against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Value City Arena. The Hoosiers beat the Buckeyes 59-53. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images | Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images
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The Illinois basketball program has been on a tear in recent years when it comes to recruiting, but things weren’t always so wonderful.

Back in 2005, the Illini went to the national championship and everything was supposed to be good after that. But that didn’t end up being the case. Massive coaching blunders and huge recruiting misses marred the Illini for nearly two decades.

While things have changed, it is good to never forget the past. Don’t forget the struggles Illinois basketball went through when it comes to recruiting.

Here are the top 10 Illinois basketball recruiting misses since the turn of the century

10. Shaun Livingston

I think about the possibilities Illinois could have had if a few players dropped in favor of the Orange and Blue. A national championship trophy could be the result if someone like Shaun Livingston had decided Champaign was the right spot for him.

Livingston was a 6-foot-6, 170-pound point guard from Peoria. He was rated as a five-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2 player in the class of 2004. This recruitment came down to two teams, Illinois and Duke.

At the end of the day, Livingston picked the Blue Devils. They didn’t get to see him play either, though. The star guard decided to skip college and headed straight to the NBA.

Think about that for a second. You have Deron Williams, Dee Brown, and Luther Head in the Illinois backcourt on that 2005 national championship team. And then you have a future NBAer in Livingston coming off the bench. That would have been a wild team.

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