The Champaign Room - Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever TournamentA Fighting Illini community since 2012https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48193/tcr-fave.png2018-04-02T09:30:02-05:00http://www.thechampaignroom.com/rss/stream/168437412018-04-02T09:30:02-05:002018-04-02T09:30:02-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament Championship
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<p>It’s Dee vs. Deron. </p> <p id="Msek04">Illinois Men’s Basketball missed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness"><strong>NCAA Tournament</strong></a> again this season, marking five years in a row without a bid for the Illini. Since we still have March Madness fever at The Champaign Room, we’re holding our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament this month, and you’re going to decide the winners.</p>
<p id="HW3AAg">Today we’re continuing with the Championship matchup. We feature two Illini legends, <span>Dee Brown</span> and <span>Deron Williams</span>. </p>
<p id="VeQAns">Check out our preview of each player and vote on who you think is the greatest Illini ever. Voting will be open for one day. </p>
<h1 id="f73o5D">
<span><strong>Dee Brown</strong></span><strong> (1) vs. Deron Williams (2) </strong>
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<p id="M75GMt">If Deron Williams was the most talented player on the 2005 Illinois basketball team that went to the Final Four, there is no doubt <span><strong>Dee Brown</strong></span> was the heart and soul of that team that still captures the imagination of Illini fans everywhere. Dee Brown played with such fire and passion, and he was the true leader of arguably the greatest group of Illini ever assembled on one team. Dee Brown averaged 13.2 points, 4.9 assists and 1.7 steals over the course of his four-year Illini career. In 2004-05, Brown led the Big Ten in three-point field goal percentage and steals per game, and he ranked third in the conference in true shooting percentage — an amazing stat for a guard.</p>
<p id="Uu3XHJ">But Deron Williams was the best player on the best Illinois Basketball team of this millennium. Just this past week, <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniMBB/status/978293826669481984"><strong>Illini fans celebrated the 13th anniversary</strong></a> of the remarkable comeback victory over the <a href="https://www.azdesertswarm.com/">Arizona Wildcats</a> in the Elite Eight in 2005. In that game, Williams scored a team-high 22 points and had 10 assists en route to what would be a Final Four berth. More than his natural talent, Deron Williams had a feel for the game unlike any Illini we’ve ever seen. He was a great teammate and was more than willing to share the ball. Just months later, Deron Williams was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the third-overall pick in the 2005 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft"><strong>NBA Draft</strong></a>.</p>
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<p id="pDWSTe">Below is the entire 32-player bracket. </p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/4/2/17185694/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-player-ever-tournament-championship-illinois-fighting-dee-brownStephen Cohn2018-04-01T09:30:02-05:002018-04-01T09:30:02-05:00Handicapping the Greatest Illini Ever Tournament Championship
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<p>Dee vs. Deron. What do we think? </p> <p id="6KFq8b">The NCAA Tournament National Championship will feature the Michigan Wolverines and Villanova Wildcats on Monday night.</p>
<p id="pmRIDb">The Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament Championship will ALSO take be taking place Monday! </p>
<p id="TfAcBA">TCR Site Manager Stephen Cohn and three of our writers, Tristen Kissack, Michael Berns and Matt O’Neall ranked their top-48 all-time Illini in early March, and we cut down their lists, based on a calculation (No. 1 = 32 points, No. 32 = 1 point) and created a bracket. </p>
<p id="HFd5uE">The Final Four didn’t feature any Cinderella Loyolas, but it had No. 1 overall seed Deon Thomas facing Deron Williams and Nick Anderson squaring off with Dee Brown. After the votes were tallied, Williams and Brown came out on top, and you will be deciding which of these former teammates will be named “The Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever.”</p>
<p id="cl9AIu">But, before we get voting underway on Monday, let’s have our four staff writers share their thoughts on the tournament and who they think will come out victorious. </p>
<h2 id="Luz5lc">Stephen Cohn</h2>
<p id="dyfUjK">Putting together my top 32 took a lot of research on the history of Illinois Basketball, and I learned there were guys like Ray Woods and Dave Scholz who really established what the Illini program would become. Then there were obviously the Dave Downeys and Kendall Gills of the world, followed by someone named Frank Williams and Kiwane Garris. </p>
<p id="m6kCza">But there are always going to be those few names that stand out as an Illini fan, and those were our Final Four: Thomas, Brown and Williams and Anderson. </p>
<p id="MfWz9w">Now, before anyone argues that Thomas and Anderson were better — and more significant — to the history of Illinois Basketball, just remember that we only put the bracket together. You guys were the ones who voted. </p>
<p id="EWEzsH">So, we’re left with Dee and Deron. Personally, I would’ve chose Deon Thomas. Unless Trent Frazier has an exceptional three seasons, NOBODY will ever catch Thomas. If Malcolm couldn't do it, it’s likely not going to happen. </p>
<p id="n6XLSM">But Deon can’t win; it’s Dee or Deron. And I choose Deron. I love what Dee stands for, how he always carried himself and how he is associated with what it means to be an Illini, but Deron is the household name for basketball fans around the country. And there’s something about being able to associated one of the best point guards of the 21st century with Illinois Basketball. </p>
<h2 id="5JIfyz">Michael Berns </h2>
<p id="Jct0uH">So it all comes down to Dee and Deron, the two heroes of an Illini team that still captures the imagination of a fan base yearning for some success all of these years later. From the outset, I had a feeling our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player bracket would come down to these two players. </p>
<p id="ShW7qp">When Deon Thomas was playing basketball, I was more interested in watching Barney and Sesame Street than I was watching Big Ten hoops. Sure, that might handicap my overall mindset and line of thinking, but that doesn’t mean Deron and Dee are any less deserving of this spot. </p>
<p id="bApRGD">YOU the fans voted, and you the fans know best. </p>
<p id="at2iAL">Deron was the more talented player, but Dee played with a passion and love for the jersey more than any player I’d ever seen before. Dee gets my vote as the greatest Illini basketball player of all time. </p>
<h2 id="u6CKkF">Matt O’Neall</h2>
<p id="pLvCce">This tournament has gone about as I expected. The entire Final Four, as voted by the readers, were in my personal Top 5 rankings. I was thrilled to see my personal all-time favorite Illini, Frankie Williams, make a run to the Elite Eight, and I agree with our most popular complaint that he was a tad under-seeded. I thought Malcolm definitely deserved a spot in the Elite Eight (I had him ranked eighth overall), but was surprised he was able to knock off two 2005 starters. I think the voters got the Final Four right. They’re legends from great teams with the numbers to back it up.</p>
<p id="mdOucL">As far as the championship game goes, I have to give the nod to Dee Brown. I had him ranked No. 1 overall, and I’m not about to change my mind. Deron was the better talent and had a better pro career. </p>
<p id="waRjZd">But as far as their Illini career goes, the edge goes to Dee. </p>
<p id="LHIb7Z">The extra year he has over D-Will puts him on all time statistical leaderboards, including the winningest player of all time. If you factor in Dee’s personality, charisma and overall brand, he clearly becomes the greatest to ever wear the orange and blue.</p>
<h2 id="hJZlju">Tristen Kissack </h2>
<p id="8Z5RNw">This tournament has been a fun little engagement with you all, fellow Illinois die-hards. We threw together our top 32, and you guys decided who was THE guy. Illinois has a rich basketball history, with many greats, NBA stars, and even better people coming through the program. Any of the four remaining individuals are worthy of being the G.O.A.T. Nick and Deon definitely deserved their top-five finish, as did Dee and Deron. But only the latter two remain.</p>
<p id="FHxU8O">Deron Williams spoke on his Illini career when he came back to Champaign this year. He talked about the adjustment from coaches Bill Self and Bruce Weber, and how he didn’t always see eye to eye with the coaching staff at the beginning of his career. He stuck with the team, worked on his game and helped bring Illinois to the top of the college basketball world.</p>
<p id="AzJFeB">Dee Brown was Williams’ backcourt mate along with fellow Illini great Luther Head. These days, Dee is donning the red, white and blue for UIC, but his cornrows and orange headband will be a staple for Illinois fans forever. Although he didn’t have as impressive of a professional career as Deron did, we’ll never forget what he did for this team in his four years here with James Augustine. I feel like a parent being asked to choose their favorite child deciding between the pair. Dee’s extra year is the difference maker for me.</p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/4/1/17185178/handicapping-the-greatest-illini-ever-tournament-championship-ilinois-fightingTCR Staff2018-03-28T09:30:02-05:002018-03-28T09:30:02-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Tournament: Elite Eight
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Vote here for the Elite 8!</p> <p id="Msek04">Illinois Men’s Basketball missed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness"><strong>NCAA Tournament</strong></a> again this season, marking five years in a row without a bid for the Illini. Since we still have March Madness fever at The Champaign Room, we’re holding our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament this month, and you’re going to decide the winners.</p>
<p id="HW3AAg">Today we’re continuing with the Elite Eight, the round before the Final Four. We feature four matchups that include Illini legends spanning different generations of Illinois basketball. </p>
<p id="1bLJT7">Check out our preview of each matchup and then vote for which player you think deserves to move on in our bracket to the Final Four. Voting will be open for one day.</p>
<h1 id="MTYfw4">Deon Thomas (1) vs. <span>Nick Weatherspoon</span> (4)</h1>
<p id="QzDPkO">Deon Thomas is a No. 1 seed for a reason. No Illinois player has scored more points than Deon Thomas. His accolades go back to his high school career too, where he was a McDonald’s All American, Mr. Basketball in Illinois and a Chicago legend from Simeon Career Academy. In many ways, Deon Thomas sets the standard for in-state, home-grown recruiting excellence.</p>
<p id="cR6BJQ">In the early 1970’s, Nick Weatherspoon was one of the most dominant players in the Big Ten Conference. His Illini career spanned three seasons and he averaged over 20 points per game in 1971-1972 and 1972-1973. He was a high-volume scorer and could light it up from anywhere on the basketball court. Overall, the 1970’s were a rough patch in the history of Illini basketball — Illinois did not reach the NCAA Tournament in Nick Weatherspoon’s tenure.</p>
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<h1 id="7Z9rhM">Kendall Gill (6) vs <span>Deron Williams</span> (2)</h1>
<p id="wl8RTD">Kendall Gill’s name is synonymous with the Flying Illini era of the late 1980’s. Gill was a junior on the 1988-1989 team that reached the Final Four. He averaged 15.4 points, 3.8 assists and 2.1 steals that season. He was an incredible athlete too, fluid and rangy enough to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK4iJ6RlWdM">throw down dunks on the fast break</a>. In his senior year, Kendall Gill turned up his statistics to become the leading scorer in the Big Ten Conference and a First-Team All-American. Gill was a four-year player who accomplished a ton both individually and for his team under head coach Lou Henson.</p>
<p id="1GYldh">Deron Williams was the best player on the best Illinois Basketball team of this millennium. Just this past week, <a href="https://twitter.com/IlliniMBB/status/978293826669481984">Illini fans celebrated the 13th anniversary</a> of the remarkable comeback victory over the Arizona Wildcats in the Elite Eight in 2005. In that game, Williams scored a team-high 22 points and had 10 assists en route to what would be a Final Four berth. More than his natural talent, Deron Williams had a feel for the game unlike any Illini we’ve ever seen. He was a great teammate and was more than willing to share the ball. Just months later, Deron Williams was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 3rd overall pick in the 2005 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a>.</p>
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<h1 id="8QoMhO">
<span>Dee Brown</span> (1) vs. <span>Malcolm Hill</span> (4)</h1>
<p id="L57lgk">If Deron Williams was the most talented player on the 2005 Illinois basketball team that went to the Final Four, there is no doubt <span>Dee Brown</span> was the heart and soul of that team that still captures the imagination of Illini fans everywhere. Dee Brown played with such fire and passion, he was the true leader of arguably the greatest group of Illini ever assembled on one team. Dee Brown averaged 13.2 points, 4.9 assists and 1.7 steals over the course of his four-year Illini career. In 2004-2005, Brown led the Big Ten in 3-point field goal percentage and steals per game, and ranked third in the conference in true shooting percentage – an amazing stat for a guard. </p>
<p id="NSsCbe">Malcolm Hill is a once-in-a-generation type of player. Hill finished his career with 1,850 points, which was good enough to surpass Dee Brown for third all-time. Unlike Dee Brown, Malcolm Hill never reached the NCAA Tournament, but it was clear how good he was by the leaps and bounds improvement he showed year after year in the Illini program. A product of Belleville, Illinois, Malcolm Hill was a four-star recruit who managed to shatter expectations to become one of the greatest Illini ever. Versatility was the name of Malcolm Hill’s game. Inside, outside, down on the block, on-ball, off-ball — his offensive game resembled that of Carmelo Anthony’s. Malcolm Hill was an excellent kid and tremendous student-athlete. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y43qUTrLWOE">If this interview on Hill’s senior night doesn’t give you chills</a>, you might need to check your pulse.</p>
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<h1 id="JGhStZ">Nick Anderson (3) vs. Frank Williams (10)</h1>
<p id="n6C0WD">Nick Anderson was Deon Thomas before Deon Thomas was Deon Thomas. Let me explain. Like Deon Thomas, Nick Anderson was a Chicago native and a Mr. Basketball in the state of Illinois from Simeon Career Academy on the city’s southside. Anderson averaged 18.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for a 1989 Illini team that reached the Final Four. Anderson was arguably the most talented player amongst a group of teammates that included Kendall Gill, Stephen Bardo, Kenny Battle, Lowell Hamilton and Marcus Liberty. His Illini career lasted just two seasons before he was drafted 11th overall in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic in the franchise’s inaugural season.</p>
<p id="coSmWv">The fact that a 10 seed made it all of the way to the Elite Eight proves just how popular of a player Frank Williams was and remains in the hearts of Illini fans. The father of current Illini guard Da’Monte Williams, Frank was a 3-year Illini sensation from 1999 through 2002. In 2000-2001, Frank Williams was the Big Ten’s Player of the Year. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.7 rebounds that season. The Peoria, Illinois native was a dunk master and defensive specialist under then head coach Bill Self.</p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/3/28/17168598/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-tournament-elite-eight-deron-williams-malcolm-hill-kendall-gill-nickMichael Berns2018-03-26T09:30:02-05:002018-03-26T09:30:02-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament: Sweet 16 (Part 2)
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<p>Vote here for the Sweet 16!</p> <p id="i9j1rt">Illinois Men’s Basketball missed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness"><strong>NCAA Tournament</strong></a> again this season, marking five years in a row without a bid for the Illini. Since we still have March Madness fever at The Champaign Room, we’re holding our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament this month, and you’re going to decide the winners. </p>
<p id="ztvvnH">Today we’re continuing with the Sweet 16 for the right side of our bracket, which includes the <span>Dee Brown</span> and Kiwane Garris regions. Brown was the tournament’s No. 2 overall seed, as ranked by our staff, and Garris came in third overall. </p>
<p id="IG8K0j">Check out our preview of each matchup and then vote for which player you think deserves to move on in our bracket to the Elite 8. Voting will be open for one day. </p>
<p id="1SAKad"><em>Player’s seeding is in parentheses. Entire bracket is below.</em></p>
<h1 id="640kEF">
<span><strong>Dee Brown</strong></span><strong> (1) vs. </strong><span><strong>Brandon Paul</strong></span><strong> (9) </strong>
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<p id="rDa46e">The Headband. The Braids. The Mouth Guard. The Jersey Pop. The One-Man Fastbreak. Dee needs no introduction or statistics to backup his four legendary seasons in Champaign. Dee Brown was the face of the 2005 Final Four team that lost to UNC in the NCAA title game, and one of the most iconic players in the last 20 years of college basketball. Brown is fourth in school history in career points (1,812), second in career three pointers (299) and steals (231), and third in career assists (674). Brown is the winningest player in Illinois history with 114 victories in his four years. In 2005, Brown was named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year and was a consensus First-Team All-American. In 2006 he was a consensus Second-Team All-American while also winning the Bob Cousy Award and the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award.</p>
<p id="VrHXpT">Brandon Paul is ninth on the all-time scoring list with 1,654 points. Paul had many highlight moments during his Illini career, including a buzzer beater against Minnesota in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament"><strong>Big Ten Tournament</strong></a> that helped secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, and a 35-point game in a winning effort in a top-15 matchup at Gonzaga in that same senior season. However, he had no bigger moment than his 43 point game in Champaign to upset No. 3 Ohio State during his junior season. It is the third highest scoring total an Illinois player has ever put up in a single game. Paul is only the second player in Illinois history with 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 300 assists and 100 steals. Paul made two All-Big Ten Third Teams and is currently in his rookie season in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs after bouncing around Europe and the D-league.</p>
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<h1 id="bKzjqC">
<span><strong>James Augustine</strong></span><strong> (5) vs. </strong><span><strong>Malcolm Hill</strong></span><strong> (4) </strong>
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<p id="B2lzwj">James Augustine was a four-year starter and teammate of Dee Brown and was the anchor down low during the magical 2005 season and back-to-back Big Ten Championships. Augustine is tied with Dee Brown for the most wins in program history with 114. Augustine is Illinois’ all-time career leader in rebounds with 1,023, which is 114 more rebounds than second place on that list. Augustine also ranks sixth on the all-time blocked shots list with 139. Augustine was drafted in the second round by the Orlando Magic where he played 27 games over two seasons. Augustine is still playing overseas where he has had very successful professional career.</p>
<p id="dATheb"><span><strong>Malcolm Hill</strong></span> is the most recent player on this list and he led a unique Illini career because he never made it to an NCAA Tournament. However, that doesn’t mean he didn’t cement himself as an all-time Illini great. Hill finished his career with 1,850 points, which was good enough to surpass Dee Brown for third all-time. In his junior season Hill led the Illini in points, rebounds, assists, steals and was one shy of the team lead in blocks. Hill could do it all and had to do it all during his time in Champaign. Hill made two Second-Team All-Big Ten Teams and earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention during his sophomore season.</p>
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<h1 id="ecvqxe"><strong>Nick Anderson (3) vs. Derek Harper (6) </strong></h1>
<p id="fxPMTq">Name-dropping Nick Anderson to any Illini fan is sure to conjure up memories and happy thoughts of what Illinois Basketball used to be in the mid-to-late 1980s. Anderson only played at Illinois for two seasons before leaving for the NBA, but his impact in Champaign still resonates all of these years later. Anderson was Mr. Basketball in Illinois in 1986, playing his high school ball at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. Anderson averaged 18.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for a 1989 Illini team that reached the Final Four.</p>
<p id="UOxVGR">Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers fans will remember Derek Harper fondly. The former Illini point guard spent 11 seasons in Dallas, averaging 15 points and over six assists per game with the Mavericks. In Champaign, Harper was known as a team-first, hard-nosed guard with a great eye for making the perfect pass — he led the Big Ten in assists in his second season with the Illini in 1981-82. He was an extension of coach Lou Henson on the floor and was an intangible leader in the early stages of what would eventually grow to become the Flying Illini.</p>
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<h1 id="8CZlnJ"><strong>Frank Williams (10) vs. Kiwane Garris (2) </strong></h1>
<p id="2uNpOJ">Frank Williams has to be one of the most popular Illini of all-time, and his legend continues with his son Da’Monte on the current Illinois squad. The 6-foot-3 guard from Peoria played for Illinois for three seasons, his best two seasons coming in 2000-01 and 2001-02. Williams won Big Ten Player of the Year his second season where he averaged 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Frank Williams was part of Bill Self’s first two Illini seasons. Williams led the Illini to the Elite Eight in 2000-01 and Sweet Sixteen in 2001-02. He is 13th all-time on the Big Ten steals list. </p>
<p id="1sKfED">Kiwane Garris (1993-1997) is one of the greatest Illini basketball players of all time. He averaged over 31 minutes per game over <em>four years</em>, a longevity that’s pretty rare these days in the college game. He was the total package: A volume scorer, a high-octane rebounder for someone was just 6-foot-2, and an unselfish passer. He was an elite free throw shooter who averaged over 80 percent from the stripe all four years he was in school. His career stat-line: 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals. The Illini made the NCAA Tournament three of his four years in Champaign.</p>
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<p id="EL00tQ">Here is the current bracket as things stand after we have half of the Sweet 16 already filled! </p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/3/26/17161192/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-player-ever-tournament-sweet-16-part-1-illinois-dee-brown-malcolmStephen Cohn2018-03-23T09:30:02-05:002018-03-23T09:30:02-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament: Sweet 16 (Part 1)
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<p>Vote here for the Sweet 16!</p> <p id="i9j1rt">Illinois Men’s Basketball missed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> again this season, marking five years in a row without a bid for the Illini. Since we still have March Madness fever at The Champaign Room, we’re holding our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament this month, and you’re going to decide the winners. </p>
<p id="ztvvnH">Today we’re continuing with the Sweet 16 for the left side of our bracket, which includes the Deon Thomas and <span>Deron Williams</span> regions. Thomas was the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed, as ranked by our staff, and Williams came in fourth overall. </p>
<p id="IG8K0j">Check out our preview of each matchup and then vote for which player you think deserves to move on in our bracket to the Elite 8. Voting will be open for one day. </p>
<p id="lmecfG"><em>Player’s seeding is in parentheses. Entire bracket is below. </em></p>
<h1 id="j8GyDb">
<strong>Deon Thomas (1) vs. </strong><span><strong>Luther Head</strong></span><strong> (9) </strong>
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<p id="4BQEyZ">Ignore the Bruce Pearl and Iowa incident, and Deon Thomas is an Illini great, no matter how you look at it. Currently the career-scoring leader for Illinois at 2,129 points and 18 points per game, Thomas is the only Illini to ever crack 2,000 points. He was named Illinois Mr. Basketball as a senior at Simeon and played in the McDonald’s All-American Game in 1989. Thomas was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994, but he was not able to find success in the NBA.</p>
<p id="XD1C7m">Playing behind Frank Williams and suffering a few injuries early on, it took Head a while to get his Illini career going, but once he saw increased playing time, his impact did not go unnoticed. Head became a consistent started during his junior season and scored double digits in 14 games. One of his shining moments include his half-court pass versus Purdue to <span><strong>Roger Powell</strong></span>, and then putting in the outback with 0.9 seconds remaining to help the Illini clinch the Big Ten. Head’s best season was his senior campaign when the Illini made it to the National Championship, and Head was the team’s leading scorer and led the Big Ten with 116 made three-pointers. He set the record for career games played by an Illini in the NCAA Tournament at 14.</p>
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<h1 id="Lvyd6u">
<strong>Dave Downey (5) vs. </strong><span><strong>Nick Weatherspoon</strong></span><strong> (4)</strong>
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<p id="G131kL">Dave Downey holds the Illinois single-game scoring record, which he set when he scored 53 points at Indiana on Feb. 16, 1963. He has the fourth-highest average in Illinois history for points per game (18.9) and grabbed 11 rebounds per game throughout his career. Drafted by the San Francisco Warriors in 1963, Downey earned the 1963 Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor for excellence in academics and athletics. Click <a href="http://longform.dailyillini.com/dave-downey-hoop-dreams/"><strong>here</strong></a> for a feature story on Dave Downey from 2016 by The Daily Illini’s Charlotte Carroll.</p>
<p id="t7pgSW">Nick Weatherspoon scored nearly 1,500 points in three season with Illinois — impressive numbers. He averaged 25 points per game — third-highest in Illinois history — as a junior in the 1972-73 season and played almost 37 minutes per game. Called Spoon, he was named to Illinois’ All-Century team in 2004 before passing away in 2008. He spent seven seasons in the NBA, including one season with the Chicago Bulls.</p>
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<h1 id="irSDVm"><strong>Bruce Douglas (3) vs. Kendall Gill (6) </strong></h1>
<p id="d4rYhk">Douglas, an Illinois Mr. Basketball coming out of high school, had a successful career as an Illini, leading the team to four straight <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness"><strong>NCAA tournament</strong></a> appearances. His sophomore campaign saw averages of almost 13 points, 5.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 steals. This is the same year in which the Illini took home a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game"><strong>Big Ten Championship</strong></a> and fell just short of a Final Four appearance. Douglas was a multiple All-Big Ten Team selection, back-to-back Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (‘85 & ‘86) and still holds the Illini career records in assists (765) and steals (264).</p>
<p id="6CdMMj">Another member of the Flying Illini squad, Kendall Gill averaged 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals en route to a Final Four. As a senior, increased those numbers to 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Gill led the Big Ten in scoring his senior year and was a First-Team All-American. Gill’s success in college landed him at the number five slot in the 1990 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft"><strong>NBA Draft</strong></a>. Gill had an impressive 15-year stint in the league and left with over 12,000 points, 4,000 rebounds, and over 1,500 steals.</p>
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<h1 id="SBZFz4"><strong>Brian Cook (7) vs. Deron Williams (2) </strong></h1>
<p id="omq2cx">Former McDonald’s All-American and Illinois Mr. Basketball, Cook had one of the most decorated careers of an Illini ever. He brought home Big Ten Player of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten, Second Team All-American, Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and left as the third-leading scorer in Illinois history. He was part of a 2001 team that earned a number one seed in the NCAA tournament, which made it to the Elite Eight before getting upset by Arizona. Illinois would get revenge a few years later. I’m looking at you, Deron Williams. Cook ended his college career with a 20-point, 7.6-rebound, and two assist senior season. He played on a few teams in the NBA, but didn’t contribute more than 7.9 points per game in any given year.</p>
<p id="2RXGax">The 2-seed and namesake of this region, Deron Williams played three seasons at the University of Illinois before foregoing his senior season and being drafted by the Jazz third overall. He boasted averages of 11 points, six assists, and three rebounds during his three years at Illinois. Williams was selected as a Consensus Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten twice, Big Ten All-Tournament Team, All-Final Four Team. He had a tremendous career at the next level. Williams made three NBA All-Star teams, All-NBA Second Team twice, NBA All-Rookie First Team, and he brought home two gold medals. One of Bill Self’s top recruits, Williams was part of a star-studded 2004-05 Illinois team that had an almost perfect regular season and reached the NCAA Championship. He hit this memorable shot to get them there:</p>
<div id="zSG7NN"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BjP6TJZ58OE?rel=0&" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="Wthuzs">Below is the entire bracket as we enter the Sweet 16. </p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/3/23/17154152/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-player-ever-tournament-sweet-16-part-1-kendall-gill-deron-williamsStephen Cohn2018-03-19T09:30:02-05:002018-03-19T09:30:02-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament: Kiwane Garris Region Round of 32
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<p>Vote here for the Round of 32!</p> <p id="i9j1rt">Illinois Men’s Basketball missed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> again this season, marking five years in a row without a bid for the Illini. Since we still have March Madness fever at The Champaign Room, we’re holding our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament this month, and you’re going to decide the winners. </p>
<p id="ztvvnH">Today we’re continuing with the Kiwane Garris Region and its Round of 32. Garris was ranked the tournament’s No. 3 overall seed by our staff. </p>
<p id="IG8K0j">Check out our preview of each matchup and then vote for which player you think deserves to move on in our bracket to the Sweet 16. Voting will be open for one day. </p>
<p id="nRbtxE"><em>Player’s seeding is in parentheses. Entire bracket is below. </em></p>
<h1 id="sNmjEX"><strong>Nick Anderson (3) vs. Ken Norman (14) </strong></h1>
<p id="K8budM">Name-dropping Nick Anderson to any Illini fan is sure to conjure up memories and happy thoughts of what Illinois Basketball used to be in the mid-to-late 1980’s. Anderson only played at Illinois for two seasons before leaving for the NBA, but his impact in Champaign still resonates all of these years later. Anderson was Mr. Basketball in Illinois in 1986, playing his high school ball at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago. Anderson averaged 18.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for a 1989 Illini team that reached the Final Four.</p>
<p id="YOxUHD">Kenny ‘Snake’ Norman played at Illinois for three seasons after transferring from nearby Wabash Valley College. He was an Illini for three campaigns: 1984-85, 1985-86 and 1986-87. He was a consensus All-American and averaged 20.7 points and 9.8 rebounds in his senior season. He led the Big Ten in rebounds and rebounds-per-game for an Illini team that finished 4th in the Big Ten and lost in the first round to Austin Peay in the NCAA Tournament in 1986-1987.</p>
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<h1 id="BQtbPn"><strong>Derek Harper (6) vs. Andy Phillip (11)</strong></h1>
<p id="cqkeVn">Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers fans will remember Derek Harper fondly. The former Illini point guard spent 11 seasons in Dallas, averaging 15 points and over six assists per game with the Mavericks. In Champaign, Harper was known as a team-first, hard-nosed guard with a great eye for making the perfect pass — he led the Big Ten in assists in his second season with the Illini in 1981-82. He was an extension of coach Lou Henson on the floor and was an intangible leader in the early stages of what would eventually grow to become the Flying Illini.</p>
<p id="nDG7HL">If you’ve never heard of Andy Phillip, that’s because he played a long, long time ago. The 6-foot-2 forward suited up for Illinois from 1941-43 and then again from 1946-47. He was National Player of the Year in 1943. Why the gap in play? The Granite City, Illinois native — like many young men at the time — joined the Marine Corps and fought as a First Lieutenant in World War II in Iwo Jima. Phillip would win an NBA Championship playing for Red Auerbach and the Boston Celtics in 1957. He was the Big Ten’s MVP in the 1942-43 season when he averaged 21.3 points per game and had a then-conference record with 40 in one game. He led the “Whiz Kids” Illinois offense. </p>
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<h1 id="9NAMdK"><strong>Kenny Battle (7) vs. Frank Williams (10)</strong></h1>
<p id="zhTBwD">Kenny Battle (along with the aforementioned Nick Anderson) was a starter on arguably the greatest Illini basketball team ever: The 1988-89 Flying Illini. Battle was a redshirt senior and starting wing on that team. He averaged 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 steals on a team that reached the Final Four and finished second in the Big Ten Conference. His 89 steals that season is a program record that still holds today. Kenny Battle was known for his relentless effort and energy on the court. He was a force and played a lot bigger than his size because of his aggression, particularly on the defensive end.</p>
<p id="c4Do7j">Frank Williams has to be one of the most popular Illini of all-time, making this head-to-head matchup at the 7-10 seed the toughest call of the opening round. The 6-foot-3 guard from Peoria played for Illinois for three seasons, his best two seasons coming in 2000-01 and 2001-02. Williams won Big Ten Player of the Year his second season where he averaged 14.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Frank Williams was part of Bill Self’s first two Illini seasons. Williams led the Illini to the Elite Eight in 2000-01 and Sweet Sixteen in 2001-02. He is 13th all-time on the Big Ten steals list and the father of current Illinois player Da’Monte Williams. </p>
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<h1 id="2DPHiD"><strong>Kiwane Garris (2) vs Chuck Carney (15)</strong></h1>
<p id="cRdCEj">Kiwane Garris (1993-1997) is one of the greatest Illini basketball players of all time. He averaged over 31 minutes per game over <em>four years</em>, a longevity that’s pretty rare these days in the college game. He was the total package: A volume scorer, a high-octane rebounder for someone was just 6-foot-2, and an unselfish passer. He was an elite free throw shooter who averaged over 80 percent from the stripe all four years he was in school. His career stat-line: 16.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals. The Illini made the NCAA Tournament three of his four years in Champaign.</p>
<p id="zPta2u">Chuck Carney is one of the greatest athletes to ever attend the University of Illinois. How? He’s the first Big Ten athlete ever to be an All-American in both football and men’s basketball. As a football player, he played receiver for legendary head coach Bob Zuppke from 1918-21. As a basketball player, he was one of the conference’s top scorers from 1920-22. In addition to being part of <a href="http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illini-sports/mens-basketball/2005-01-29/all-century-team.html">Illinois Basketball’s All-Century Team</a>, Chuck Carney is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.</p>
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<p id="M2EHXE"><strong>Below is the entire 32-team bracket:</strong></p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/3/19/17109674/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-player-ever-tournament-kiwane-garris-region-round-of-32-ncaa-illiniMichael Berns2018-03-16T09:30:01-05:002018-03-16T09:30:01-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament: Dee Brown Region Round of 32
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<p>Vote here for the Round of 32!</p> <p id="i9j1rt">Illinois Men’s Basketball missed the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA Tournament</a> again this season, marking five years in a row without a bid for the Illini. Since we still have March Madness fever at The Champaign Room, we’re holding our Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament this month, and you’re going to decide the winners. </p>
<p id="ztvvnH">Today we’re continuing with the <span>Dee Brown</span> Region and its Round of 32. Brown was ranked the tournament’s No. 2 overall seed by our staff. </p>
<p id="IG8K0j">Check out our preview of each matchup and then vote for which player you think deserves to move on in our bracket to the Sweet 16. Voting will be open for one day. </p>
<p id="3SBrcm"><em>Player’s seeding is in parentheses. Entire bracket is below. </em></p>
<h2 id="kd0sxz">
<span><strong>Dee Brown</strong></span><strong> (1) vs. Donnie Freeman (16)</strong> </h2>
<p id="Io9jyV">The Headband. The Braids. The Mouth Guard. The Jersey Pop. The One-Man Fastbreak. Dee needs no introduction or statistics to backup his four legendary seasons in Champaign. Dee Brown was the face of the 2005 Final Four team that lost to UNC in the NCAA title game, and one of the most iconic players in the last 20 years of college basketball. Brown is 4th in school history in career points (1,812), 2nd in career three pointers (299) and steals (231), and 3rd in career assists (674). Brown is the winningest player in Illinois history with 114 victories in his four years. In 2005, Brown was named the Sporting News National Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year and was a consensus First-Team All-American. In 2006 he was a consensus Second-Team All-American while also winning the Bob Cousy Award and the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award.</p>
<p id="sUeIF1">Donnie Freeman’s jersey hangs in the SFC rafters alongside Dee Brown’s. Freeman, a 6’3” guard, played at Illinois from 1964-66 and left Champaign as the university’s all time leading scorer (he now ranks 16th with 1,449 career points). He is third all time in Illini history in scoring average at 20.1 points per game and 10th in total rebounds (742). Freeman earned First-Team All-American and All-Big Ten honors in 1966 after averaging 27.8 points per game. Freeman would go on to play 9 seasons professionally in the ABA and NBA where he averaged 19 PPG and made 5 All-Star teams.</p>
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<h2 id="zMDExC">
<span><strong>Demetri McCamey</strong></span><strong> (8) vs. </strong><span><strong>Brandon Paul</strong></span><strong> (9)</strong>
</h2>
<p id="mInyuQ">McCamey played four seasons for Bruce Weber and had a tough act to follow. The do-it-all guard led Illinois to two NCAA tournaments from 2008-2011. McCamey was named to the Second-Team All-Big Ten team in 2009 and 2011 and named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2010. He ranks 7th on the Illini career scoring list (1,718), 2nd in assists (733), and 4th in three point field goals made (236). McCamey never made it the NBA but has played all over the globe including the D-League. McCamey now plays in Italy for Fortitudo Bologna.</p>
<p id="EKsqiy">McCamey’s opponent was a teammate of his in his final two seasons with the Illini. Brandon Paul ranks just behind McCamey on the all time scoring list in 9th with 1,654 points. Paul had many highlight moments during his Illini career, including a buzzer beater against Minnesota in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-basketball-tournament">Big Ten Tournament</a> that helped secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament, and a 35 point game in a winning effort in a top-15 matchup at Gonzaga in that same senior season. However, he had no bigger moment than his 43 point game in Champaign to upset #3 Ohio State during his junior season. It is the third highest scoring total an Illinois player has ever put up in a single game. Paul is only the 2nd player in Illinois history with 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 300 assists and 100 steals. Paul made two All-Big Ten Third Teams and is currently in his rookie season in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs after bouncing around Europe and the D-league.</p>
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<h2 id="UcacN8">
<span><strong>James Augustine</strong></span><strong> (5) vs. Efrem Winters (12)</strong>
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<p id="aqxA0m">Let’s pivot away from the scoring guards and head to the low post for this matchup. James Augustine was a four year starter and teammate of Dee Brown and was the anchor down low during the magical 2005 season and back to back Big Ten Championships. Augustine is tied with Dee Brown for the most wins in program history with 114. Augustine is Illinois’ all time career leader in rebounds with 1,023, which is 114 more rebounds than second place on that list. Augustine also ranks 6th on the all-time blocked shots list with 139. Augustine was drafted in the second round by the Orlando Magic where he played 27 games over two seasons. Augustine is still playing overseas where he has had very successful professional career.</p>
<p id="wLWRNA">Efrem Winters played in Champaign from 1983-86 and was a four year starter for Lou Henson. The McDonald’s All-American played on some great Illini teams in the mid-80’s with teammate Bruce Douglas, another Illini great in this tournament. The 6’9” forward’s Illini teams won 20 games every year and made the NCAA Tournament every season. Winters is 3rd on the Illini career rebounding list with 853, 12th in scoring (1,487), and 8th in blocks (103). </p>
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<h2 id="RT9Jqw">
<span><strong>Malcolm Hill</strong></span><strong> (4) vs. </strong><span><strong>Roger Powell</strong></span><strong>, Jr. (13)</strong>
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<p id="Ssjlbt"><span>Malcolm Hill</span> is the most recent player on this list and he led a unique Illini career because he never made it to an NCAA Tournament. However, that doesn’t mean he didn’t cement himself as an all time Illini great. Hill finished his career with 1,850 points, which was good enough to surpass Dee Brown for third all-time. In his junior season Hill led the Illini in points, rebounds, assists, steals and was one-shy of the team lead in blocks. Hill could do it all and had to do it all during his time in Champaign. Hill made two Second-Team All-Big Ten Teams and earned an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention during his sophomore season.</p>
<p id="b7hcws">Malcolm Hill is on upset alert as he is going up against the final starter of the 2005 Final Four Team. Roger Powell, Jr. was the starting power forward and not unlike Hill, he could do a little bit of everything. The Rev averaged 9 points and 4 boards for his career and shot 57% from the field for his career which ranks 5th in Illini history. Powell was a two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and was the fourth leading scorer (12 PPG) and second leading rebounder (5.7 RPG) on the national runner-up team. Powell could also take over games and be the team’s best player if the trio of guards needed a break. The most memorable such game,was the Final Four win over Louisville. Powell had 20 points and 5 rebounds on 9-13 shooting in the easy 15 point victory for the Illini. Powell is now a top assistant coach under Bryce Drew at Vanderbilt and has helped secure a top flight 2018 recruiting class. The Rev has a bright coaching career.</p>
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<p id="uX2VlL">Below is the entire bracket prior to the start of the Round of 32. </p>
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<p id="hSbVEa"><em>Let us know how or why you voted the way you did in the comments! </em></p>
https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/3/16/17104712/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-player-ever-tournament-dee-brown-region-round-of-32-illinoisMatt ONeall2018-03-14T09:30:02-05:002018-03-14T09:30:02-05:00Greatest Illini Men’s Basketball Player Ever Tournament: Deron Williams Region Round of 32
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<p>Vote here for the Round of 32!</p> <p id="3VbAk8">The Champaign Room continues its quest to determine the Greatest Illinois Men’s Basketball Player of all time with the <span>Deron Williams</span> Region Round of 32 today! You guys have already decided on Deon Thomas’ Sweet 16 Region, and now it’s time to preview the matchups in the Deron Williams portion.</p>
<p id="lmX64E">We will preview each matchup, and the polls will stay open for 24 hours. YOU decide who moves on to the Sweet 16.</p>
<p id="WyLH7h"><em>Player’s seeding is in parentheses. Entire bracket is below.</em></p>
<h2 id="IpRAsP"><strong>Bruce Douglas (3) vs. Andy Kaufmann (14)</strong></h2>
<p id="QJCotN">Douglas, an Illinois Mr. Basketball coming out of high school, had a successful career as an Illini, leading the team to four straight <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA tournament</a> appearances. His sophomore campaign saw averages of almost 13 points, 5.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.4 steals. This is the same year in which the Illini took home a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/big-ten-championship-game">Big Ten Championship</a> and fell just short of a Final Four appearance. Douglas was a multiple All-Big Ten Team selection, back-to-back Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (‘85 & ‘86) and still holds the Illini career records in assists (765) and steals (264).</p>
<p id="8f5WQ8">Andy Kaufmann joined the team as a freshman during the Flying Illini Final Four run. He is known as one of the greatest scorers in Illinois history. As a junior, he averaged over 21 points per game, five rebounds, and shot almost 40 percent from behind the arc. His 660-point season is one of the highest in Illini history, along with 46 points against Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the second-highest scoring performance in school history. Nothing is more memorable than his buzzer beater against Iowa. </p>
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<h2 id="Y7UrOL"><strong>Kendall Gill (6) vs. Eddie Johnson (11)</strong></h2>
<p id="Wg0fVe">Another member of the Flying Illini squad, Kendall Gill averaged 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals en route to a Final Four. As a senior, increased those numbers to 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Gill led the Big Ten in scoring his senior year and was a First-Team All-American. Gill’s success in college landed him at the number five slot in the 1990 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft">NBA Draft</a>. Gill had an impressive 15-year stint in the league and left with over 12,000 points, 4,000 rebounds, and over 1,500 steals. </p>
<p id="Co2fXt">Johnson played his seasons at Illinois from 1977-81 and made an impact right off the bat. The 6-foot-7, small forward started every game his junior and senior year. He averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, and a pair of assists during both seasons. He led the Illini to a 15-0 start, including this buzzer beater against some guy named, Magic Johnson. </p>
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<p id="HfqImN">Johnson would go onto a long career in the NBA where he ranks as the highest-scoring player to never make an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-all-star-game">NBA All-Star game</a> (19,202).</p>
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<h2 id="Y3E3fC"><strong>Brian Cook (7) vs. Johnny “Red” Kerr (10)</strong></h2>
<p id="xTUAsM">Former McDonald’s All-American and Illinois Mr. Basketball, Cook had one of the most decorated careers of an Illini ever. He brought home Big Ten Player of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten, Second Team All-American, Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and left as the third-leading scorer in Illinois history. He was part of a 2001 team that earned a number one seed in the NCAA tournament, which made it to the Elite Eight before getting upset by Arizona. Illinois would get revenge a few years later. I’m looking at you, Deron Williams. Cook ended his college career with a 20-point, 7.6-rebound, and two assist senior season. He played on a few teams in the NBA, but didn’t contribute more than 7.9 points per game in any given year. </p>
<p id="rGEGdX">A 6-foot-9, 230-pound bruiser, Kerr played from 1951-54. Most notably, Kerr was the Big Ten Player of the Year in his final season with Illinois, and he also helped the team win a Big Ten Championship and reach the NCAA Final Four in 1952. Kerr put up averages of 14, 17, and 25 points in his three years of varsity basketball. A 12-year veteran in the NBA, eight of his seasons, Kerr finished averaging a double-double. </p>
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<h2 id="fD2zwa"><strong>Deron Williams (2) vs. Marcus Liberty (15)</strong></h2>
<p id="BYSsFC">The 2-seed and namesake of this region, Deron Williams played three seasons at the University of Illinois before foregoing his senior season and being drafted by the Jazz third overall. He boasted averages of 11 points, six assists, and three rebounds during his three years at Illinois. Williams was selected as a Consensus Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten twice, Big Ten All-Tournament Team, All-Final Four Team. He had a tremendous career at the next level. Williams made three NBA All-Star teams, All-NBA Second Team twice, NBA All-Rookie First Team, and he brought home two gold medals. One of Bill Self’s top recruits, Williams was part of a star-studded 2004-05 Illinois team that had an almost perfect regular season and reached the NCAA Championship. He hit this memorable shot to get them there: </p>
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<p id="Mc5n68">Liberty only played with the Illini for two years, but they were rather memorable. He was part of the Flying Illini team in the 1989 season. Liberty was one of the leading scorers for the squad at 17.8 points per game and over seven rebounds per game. A McDonald’s All-American in high school, Liberty’s game didn’t translate well to the NBA. After just four seasons in the league, he wound up overseas where he played for another eight years. </p>
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<p id="uX2VlL">Below is the entire bracket prior to the start of the Round of 32. </p>
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<p id="6iT1CI"><em>Let us know how or why you voted the way you did in the comments!</em></p>
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https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/3/14/17111374/greatest-illini-mens-basketball-player-ever-tournament-deron-williams-region-round-of-32Tristen Kissack