The last player Illini fans had a chance to see take those steps was Meyers Leonard back in the 2012 NBA Draft. He was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 11th overall pick that year.
The main reason for the lack of NBA talent is a combination of recruiting ability and coaching ability.
Every team has to have at least one of these things or they are left out to dry.
The past two Illinois coaches haven’t shown the fan base that they have great coaching and/or recruiting ability.
John Groce does have a chance to change that this year, though.