A group of SLAM writers and editors list their favorite college bball players.
The month of March is the most exciting time of the year for the college basketball fan. And with March’s arrival, college basketball heads everywhere seem to reminisce about their favorite collegiate players. So some of the good people at SLAM decided to compile a list of their 10 favorite (not “best”) men’s college basketball players during their individual lifetimes. You’ll notice how the players on each list change depending on the age of the writer/editor who compiled it.
How does your list stack up? Let us know in the comment section.
Ryne Nelson
Age: 24
Madison, WI
10. Jared Jeffries, Indiana: He rode a SICK trip to the national title game all the way to the NBA Lottery. Can’t blame the Wiz for picking him — Jeffries sure looked like a top pick back then.
9. Joakim Noah, Florida: I’m a sucker for team guys. Like everyone, I wasn’t sold on Noah’s talent, but every winner needs an energy guy like Noah. And now the Bulls are winners.
8. Shannon Brown, Michigan State: High-flyer that he always was, I always pulled for Shannon, despite him playing for a Big Ten rival.
7. Kirk Hinrich, Kansas: Liked to hate on the hairdo almost as much as I did on the Jayhawks. Still, had to respect the two Final Fours.
6. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma: Just as much a monster in two seasons at OU as he is now in the L.
5. Dee Brown, Illinois: The truest prince of college hoops. The face of Illinois ball before he even stepped on campus.
4. Gordon Hayward, Butler: Took over college basketball. Took ‘Cinderella’ to another level.
3. Channing Frye, Arizona: True monster at the collegiate level. A scary ass monster.
2. Chris Paul, Wake Forest: He was neutralized against Illinois, but he clearly was one tough PG.
1. Deron Williams, Illinois: Leading Illinois to its first national title game says a lot. And I got to watch every game front row, center.
Ben York
Age: 26
Phoenix, AZ
10. Jason Kidd, California: Dude was ready for the NBA in high school.
9. Chris Webber, Michigan: The Fab Five injected excitement into the game like never before.
8. Khalid Reeves, Arizona: Arizona had a sick backcourt in the early 90′s with Reeves and Damon Stoudamire.
7. Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State: Loved his passion and intensity.
6. Ray Allen, Connecticut: I wanted (and still do) to marry his jump-shot.
5. Bobby Hurley, Duke: How could anyone not like this guy? Played the game how it should be played.
4. Mario Bennett, Arizona State: Homer pick. Saw him play at least 25 times and he was always one of my favorites.
3. Mike Bibby, Arizona: Grew up watching him play in middle school and high school before he attended Arizona.
2. Grant Hill, Duke: Still one of my favorite players of all-time.
1. Eddie House, Arizona State: Another homer pick, but this dude was insanely fun to watch at ASU. I miss those days.
Read the SLAMonline Discussion Rules before posting.