Cory Bradford

Bradford played in one regular season game before making the transition to "redshirt" status.[3]

As a freshman, Bradford appeared in all 32 of the Illini's games. He totaled a record-setting 494 points with 25 steals, 62 assists and hauled in 84 rebounds. Bradford led all Illini players in many scoring categories including total points (494), field goals made (174), field goal attempts (450) and making 85 three-point field goals after attempting 205. Bradford connected on a three-point field goal in each game of the season. Bradford was honored at the end of the season by being named Big Ten Freshman of the Year as well as making the Third-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and the Basketball News All-Freshman second team.[4]

During Bradford's sophomore season, he again started in all 32 games. He finished the season as the team leader in points (490), three-point field goals (96 of 255) while averaging 15.3 points per game. Bradford continued his streak of consecutive games with a three-point field goal by making one in each game in this season. Under the direction of Lon Kruger, the combination of Bradford and freshmen Frank Williams, Brian Cook and junior Marcus Griffin helped to create a resurgent Illini by finishing the season nationally ranked at 21 by the Associated Press. Bradford would be named to the Second Team All-Big Ten selection by both coaches and media following the season.[5]

The Fighting Illini experienced a new head coach and a change in philosophy led by the play of sophomores Frank Williams and Brian Cook along with senior forward Marcus Griffin, Bradford's role became more focused on what he did best, making three-point baskets. This new direction benefited the Illini by pushing them into a first place tie in the conference as well as a berth in the Elite Eight of the 2001 NCAA Tournament and an Associated Press ranking of 4 at the season's end. During the course of the season Bradford made 72 of 194 three-point shots, however, he saw his 88 consecutive game shooting streak snap on Feb. 13, 2001 against Wisconsin. Even with a reduced role, Bradford finished the season with the fourth highest point total averaging 9.9 points per game. As a tribute to Bradford's efforts, he was an Honorable-mention All-America selection by the Associated Press as well as an Honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection by the media.[6]

Bradford's senior season once again saw him start in all 35 games that the Illini played. Bradford would again lead the team in three-point shots made as well as attempted. Along with Frank Williams, Bradford was named the team's captain. Bradford was third on the Fighting Illini in scoring with 406 points (11.6 per game), only trailing Williams and Brian Cook. Through his leadership and accurate shooting, the Illini would repeat as Big Ten champions as well as finishing the season as part of the Sweet Sixteen in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. Individually, Bradford finished his four seasons at Illinois with 1,735 points, currently the fifth highest point total in the history of the Fighting Illini, and 327 three-point attempts, currently number one in Illini history.[7]