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Over the next week, we'll be taking a closer look at Illinois basketball's updated career leaders in major statistical categories to see if any members of the current roster can etch their names into the record books. Today's post will look at the All-Time Assist List.
In an alternate universe, at least one of Demetrius Jackson, Quentin Snider, Jalen Brunson, and Jawun Evans is vying for a position on Illinois' All-Time Assist List. I desperately wish we lived in that universe.
Sixth-year senior Tracy Abrams has a shot to crack the Top 10 this year, but past injuries and playing time represent a few roadblocks in his way. Let's take a closer look at where things stand.
Illinois Basketball's All-Time Assist Leaders
| RANK | PLAYER | YEARS | FR. | SO. | JR. | SR. | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bruce Douglas* | (1982-86) | 189 | 158 | 200 | 199 | 765 |
| 2 | Demetri McCamey | (2007-11) | 115 | 156 | 254 | 208 | 733 |
| 3 | Dee Brown | (2002-06) | 159 | 147 | 177 | 191 | 674 |
| 4 | Deron Williams | (2002-05) | 145 | 185 | 264 | X | 594 |
| 5 | Kiwane Garris | (1993-97) | 107 | 117 | 98 | 180 | 502 |
| 6 | Stephen Bardo | (1986-90) | 85 | 125 | 148 | 137 | 495 |
| 7 | Chester Frazier | (2005-09) | 50 | 148 | 122 | 164 | 484 |
| 8 | Richard Keene | (1992-96) | 73 | 113 | 111 | 162 | 459 |
| 9 | Frank Williams | (1999-02) | 131 | 148 | 153 | X | 432 |
| 10 | Derek Harper | (1980-83) | 156 | 145 | 118 | X | 419 |
Asterisks denote minor discrepancies between total career assists, and the sum of yearly totals from basketball reference; this is possibly due to the exclusion of postseason games on the stat sheet PDFs. The career numbers come straight from Illinois' official record book.
Current Illini who could crack the Top 10
| RANK | PLAYER | YEARS | FR. | SO. | JR. | SR. | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Tracy Abrams | (2011-) | 60 | 121 | 112 | ? | 293 |
Tracy Abrams is 126 assists away from tying Derek Harper for No. 10 all-time in career assists. So there's absolutely a chance for this list to see an addition. But there are two huge factors that will be going against him.
For starters, Abrams has missed two straight seasons with injuries; it's hard to envision any scenario in which his production mirrors what we saw during seasons 1-3 in Champaign. Also, the playing time in the backcourt is completely up for grabs. Jaylon Tate (if he returns to the team), Te'Jon Lucas, and probably even Malcolm Hill will all see plenty of reps as the primary ball-handler, so there won't be as many opportunities for Abrams to set a new career-high.