John Gasaway made this list at ESPN. Lots of room for argument at the more popular jersey numbers.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket...sey-number
As he points out, only numbers 0-5, single or double digits, are currently eligible for use in college hoops.
Have fun debating over these and/or complaining that a player from your favorite team didn't make this list.
Quote:00. Tony Delk, Kentucky (1992-96) over Cliff Robinson and Eric Montross, among others (just assume "among others" from here on)
0. Frank Mason III, Kansas (2013-17) over Russell Westbrook, Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson
1. Zion Williamson, Duke (2018-19) over Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Hakim Warrick
2. Russ Smith, Louisville (2011-14) over Isaiah Thomas, Grant Williams, Raymond Felton
3. Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-14) over Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul
4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
5. Walter Dukes, Seton Hall (1950-53) over John Havlicek, Jason Kidd, Jalen Rose
10. Otis Birdsong, Houston (1973-77) over Rick Mount, Dick Groat, Mookie Blaylock
11. Jerry Lucas, Ohio State (1959-62) over Isiah Thomas, Don Barksdale, Bobby Hurley
12. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati (1957-60) over Phil Ford, Steve Alford, Kenny Anderson
13. Wilt Chamberlain, Kansas (1956-58) over Glenn Robinson, John Wooden, James Harden
14. Johnny Neumann (Ole Miss, 1970-71) over Jameer Nelson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest, Chris Douglas-Roberts
15. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2002-03) over Tom Gola, Kemba Walker, Alex Groza
20. Gary Payton, Oregon State (1986-90) over Chris Mullin, Greg Oden, Allan Houston
21. Tim Duncan, Wake Forest (1993-97) over Quinn Buckner, Walter Berry, Dominique Wilkins
22. Elgin Baylor, Seattle (1956-58) over Jay Williams, Clyde Drexler, Jim Jackson
23. Michael Jordan (North Carolina, 1981-84) over Pete Maravich, Anthony Davis, Wayman Tisdale
24. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma (2012-16) over Johnny Dawkins, Mark Aguirre, Jamal Mashburn
25. Danny Manning, Kansas (1984-88) over Penny Hardaway, Juwan Howard, Gail Goodrich
30. Stephen Curry, Davidson (2006-09) over Rasheed Wallace, Kenny Smith, Michael Beasley
31. Wes Unseld, Louisville (1965-68) over Shane Battier, Pearl Washington, Reggie Miller
32. Bill Walton, UCLA (1971-74) over Christian Laettner, Richard Hamilton, Julius Erving
33. Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), UCLA (1966-69) over Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing
34. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston (1981-84) over Charles Barkley, Austin Carr, Len Bias
35. Kevin Durant, Texas (2006-07) over Sidney Wicks, Dick Barnett, Bob McAdoo
40. Calbert Cheaney, Indiana (1989-93) over Cody Zeller and Kurt Thomas
41. Sam Perkins (North Carolina, 1981-84) over Glen Rice
42. Bill Bradley, Princeton (1962-65) over Scott May, Jerry Stackhouse, Elton Brand
43. Mychal Thompson, Minnesota (1974-78) over Clyde Lee and Terry Dischinger
44. David Thompson, NC State (1972-75) over Elvin Hayes, Jerry West, Adrian Dantley
45. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State (2012-16) over Raef LaFrentz, Donovan Mitchell, DeJuan Blair
50. Ralph Sampson, Virginia (1979-83) over David Robinson, Tyler Hansbrough, Emeka Okafor
51. Still waiting for its legend
52. James Worthy, North Carolina (1979-82) over Walt Frazier and Jamaal Wilkes
53. Artis Gilmore, Jacksonville (1969-71) over Bernard King and Jon Koncak
54. Kent Benson, Indiana (1973-77) over Marques Johnson, Howard Porter, Horace Grant
55. Dikembe Mutombo, Georgetown (1988-91) over Michael Olowakandi and Brian Zoubek
Jersey numbers that are no longer eligible
6. Bill Russell, San Francisco (1953-56) over Cliff Hagan and Hal Lear
7. Hank Luisetti, Stanford (1935-38)
16. Clyde Lovellette, Kansas (1950-52)
17. Bob Cousy, Holy Cross (1946-50)
28. Frank Selvy, Furman (1951-54)
90. Bob Kurland, Oklahoma State (1942-46)
99. George Mikan, DePaul (1942-46)
33 & 34 were pretty spectacular. Some names I hadn't thought about in a while. Kenny Walker of Kentucky was also a #34. Wouldn't put him above those on the list, but he was very good. Mel Turpin on that same team should be on at #54. He was a bust as a pro, but was a very good college player. Turpin was picked #6 in the 1984 draft-behind Hakeem, Sam Bowie (UK teammate, #31 s/b listed as well), Michael, Sam Perkins and Charles Barkley. Perhaps the best NBA draft ever. Kevin Willis and John Stockton were in that draft, among others.
#21 pretty good number too. Jack Givens who scored 41 points for UK in the 1978 championship game probably doesn't meet the standard of those other 4.
I'd pick Rick Mount over Otis Birdsong at #10. Saw both of them play. Rick was an unstoppable scorer.
I'd also put Pete over Michael Jordan at #23. Pete was one of a kind. Michael really blossomed as a pro. Not sure I wouldn't put Davis or Tisdale above Jordan for college.
Quote:4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
What about Kenyon Martin? Player of the year for the best team in the country. #1 NBA draft pick even with the uncertainty of picking a player who just broke his leg.
I'd never vote for Chris Webber for anything. Choke artist and a cheater.
K.C. Jones? He never averaged over 11 points per game. He won 2 national titles, but that's because he was teammates with Bill Russell.
Larry Johnson had great stats, but he faced weak competition. And he had 4 future NBA players as teammates. A really good NBA player, but not an all-time great college player.
No arguments with Reddick.
(03-14-2020 10:51 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
What about Kenyon Martin? Player of the year for the best team in the country. #1 NBA draft pick even with the uncertainty of picking a player who just broke his leg.
I'd never vote for Chris Webber for anything. Choke artist and a cheater.
K.C. Jones? He never averaged over 11 points per game. He won 2 national titles, but that's because he was teammates with Bill Russell.
Larry Johnson had great stats, but he faced weak competition. And he had 4 future NBA players as teammates. A really good NBA player, but not an all-time great college player.
No arguments with Reddick.
If you click through the link, you'll see Kenyon Martin on the list at that number. Some of the numbers have as many as 10 names listed.
#27 is no longer eligible, but you have to include Cincinnati's Jack Twyman. One of only 3 retired jerseys at the NCAA school with the 11th most all-time wins.
Averaged 21 points and 16 rebounds a game as a junior. 24 points and 16 rebounds as a senior.
More importantly, Twyman was an incredible leader and a great human being. He's best known for his dedication to his NBA teammate Maurice Stokes, who was paralyzed after falling on his head during a game. At age 23, Twyman became Stokes' legal guardian and took care of him for the rest of his life.
(03-14-2020 10:59 PM)Wedge Wrote: [ -> ] (03-14-2020 10:51 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
What about Kenyon Martin? Player of the year for the best team in the country. #1 NBA draft pick even with the uncertainty of picking a player who just broke his leg.
I'd never vote for Chris Webber for anything. Choke artist and a cheater.
K.C. Jones? He never averaged over 11 points per game. He won 2 national titles, but that's because he was teammates with Bill Russell.
Larry Johnson had great stats, but he faced weak competition. And he had 4 future NBA players as teammates. A really good NBA player, but not an all-time great college player.
No arguments with Reddick.
If you click through the link, you'll see Kenyon Martin on the list at that number. Some of the numbers have as many as 10 names listed.
Aha.
So Kenyon Martin was 5th best, I guess. I would put Reddick #1 and Martin #2.
(03-14-2020 10:59 PM)Wedge Wrote: [ -> ] (03-14-2020 10:51 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
What about Kenyon Martin? Player of the year for the best team in the country. #1 NBA draft pick even with the uncertainty of picking a player who just broke his leg.
I'd never vote for Chris Webber for anything. Choke artist and a cheater.
K.C. Jones? He never averaged over 11 points per game. He won 2 national titles, but that's because he was teammates with Bill Russell.
Larry Johnson had great stats, but he faced weak competition. And he had 4 future NBA players as teammates. A really good NBA player, but not an all-time great college player.
No arguments with Reddick.
If you click through the link, you'll see Kenyon Martin on the list at that number. Some of the numbers have as many as 10 names listed.
Looked further down below those top 4. They did list Jack Givens and Kenny Walker as I mentioned. But they inexplicably did not include Mel Turpin or Sam Bowie, top 6 picks in the best NBA draft ever.
(03-14-2020 10:51 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
What about Kenyon Martin? Player of the year for the best team in the country. #1 NBA draft pick even with the uncertainty of picking a player who just broke his leg.
Larry Johnson had great stats, but he faced weak competition. And he had 4 future NBA players as teammates. A really good NBA player, but not an all-time great college player.
Kenyon Martin should be mentioned for that jersey number, but the two best college players were obviously Webber and Johnson, with Johnson beating him out by a small margin (slightly better stats, won a national title).
But both clearly trump Martin. Martin's best year, when he was the POY, wasn't as good as either of LJ's years, and not as good as one of Webber's two years. Both were All-Americans in both of their years, Martin was an AA only once in four years.
And importantly, while both Webber and Johnson were very impactful in the NCAA tournament, Kenyon never did anything and neither did Cincy. True, he missed the tournament his big senior year, but he never did anything in his first three years either. Cincy went out with a whimper early all three of those years. And don't tell me about talent, as Cincy won at least 25 games all four of Martin's years.
In contrast, Webber and Johnson made the Final 4 in each of their two seasons. They are clearly part of Big Dance lore, Martin isn't.
There's just no comparing him to LJ and Webber.
I've
made corrections to this list, LOL. Not many, as he did a great job. Even got 32, 33, and 44 right, and those are extremely tough ones to pick.
(03-14-2020 09:39 PM)Wedge Wrote: [ -> ]John Gasaway made this list at ESPN. Lots of room for argument at the more popular jersey numbers.
https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basket...sey-number
As he points out, only numbers 0-5, single or double digits, are currently eligible for use in college hoops.
Have fun debating over these and/or complaining that a player from your favorite team didn't make this list.
Quote:00. Tony Delk, Kentucky (1992-96) over Cliff Robinson and Eric Montross, among others (just assume "among others" from here on)
0. Frank Mason III, Kansas (2013-17) over Russell Westbrook, Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson
1. Zion Williamson, Duke (2018-19) over Damian Lillard, Jalen Brunson, Hakim Warrick
2. Russ Smith, Louisville (2011-14) over Isaiah Thomas, Grant Williams, Raymond Felton
3. Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-14) over Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul
4. Chris Webber, Michigan (1991-93) over K.C. Jones, Larry Johnson, JJ Redick
It's close, but LJ had better regular seasons than Webber, and led his team to a national title.
5. Walter Dukes, Seton Hall (1950-53) over John Havlicek, Jason Kidd, Jalen Rose
10. Otis Birdsong, Houston (1973-77) over Rick Mount, Dick Groat, Mookie Blaylock
11. Jerry Lucas, Ohio State (1959-62) over Isiah Thomas, Don Barksdale, Bobby Hurley
12. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati (1957-60) over Phil Ford, Steve Alford, Kenny Anderson
13. Wilt Chamberlain, Kansas (1956-58) over Glenn Robinson, John Wooden, James Harden
14. Johnny Neumann (Ole Miss, 1970-71) over Jameer Nelson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrest, Chris Douglas-Roberts
15. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2002-03) over Tom Gola, Kemba Walker, Alex Groza
Carmelo in 2003 and Walker in 2011 had identical spectacular seasons, but Walker also was very good the year before, whereas Carmelo only played that one year.
20. Gary Payton, Oregon State (1986-90) over Chris Mullin, Greg Oden, Allan Houston
Payton had a very good junior year and outstanding senior year, but Mullin was a star all four of his years. He won Big East POY awards three straight years, and the Wooden Award as 1985 national POY, despite sharing the court with Patrick Ewing during that time. Also, Payton never won an NCAA tournament game, Mullin led STJ to the Final 4. Easy call for Mullin.
21. Tim Duncan, Wake Forest (1993-97) over Quinn Buckner, Walter Berry, Dominique Wilkins
22. Elgin Baylor, Seattle (1956-58) over Jay Williams, Clyde Drexler, Jim Jackson
23. Michael Jordan (North Carolina, 1981-84) over Pete Maravich, Anthony Davis, Wayman Tisdale
Jordan is Jordan, but Maravich was a record-setter for three years at LSU.
24. Buddy Hield, Oklahoma (2012-16) over Johnny Dawkins, Mark Aguirre, Jamal Mashburn
25. Danny Manning, Kansas (1984-88) over Penny Hardaway, Juwan Howard, Gail Goodrich
30. Stephen Curry, Davidson (2006-09) over Rasheed Wallace, Kenny Smith, Michael Beasley
31. Wes Unseld, Louisville (1965-68) over Shane Battier, Pearl Washington, Reggie Miller
32. Bill Walton, UCLA (1971-74) over Christian Laettner, Richard Hamilton, Julius Erving
33. Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), UCLA (1966-69) over Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing
34. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston (1981-84) over Charles Barkley, Austin Carr, Len Bias
35. Kevin Durant, Texas (2006-07) over Sidney Wicks, Dick Barnett, Bob McAdoo
Durant was spectacular but only for one year at Texas. Wicks was great individually for two years, leading UCLA to the national title both times.
40. Calbert Cheaney, Indiana (1989-93) over Cody Zeller and Kurt Thomas
41. Sam Perkins (North Carolina, 1981-84) over Glen Rice
So close I'd call it a tie.
42. Bill Bradley, Princeton (1962-65) over Scott May, Jerry Stackhouse, Elton Brand
43. Mychal Thompson, Minnesota (1974-78) over Clyde Lee and Terry Dischinger
44. David Thompson, NC State (1972-75) over Elvin Hayes, Jerry West, Adrian Dantley
45. Denzel Valentine, Michigan State (2012-16) over Raef LaFrentz, Donovan Mitchell, DeJuan Blair
50. Ralph Sampson, Virginia (1979-83) over David Robinson, Tyler Hansbrough, Emeka Okafor
51. Still waiting for its legend
52. James Worthy, North Carolina (1979-82) over Walt Frazier and Jamaal Wilkes
53. Artis Gilmore, Jacksonville (1969-71) over Bernard King and Jon Koncak
54. Kent Benson, Indiana (1973-77) over Marques Johnson, Howard Porter, Horace Grant
55. Dikembe Mutombo, Georgetown (1988-91) over Michael Olowakandi and Brian Zoubek
Jersey numbers that are no longer eligible
6. Bill Russell, San Francisco (1953-56) over Cliff Hagan and Hal Lear
7. Hank Luisetti, Stanford (1935-38)
16. Clyde Lovellette, Kansas (1950-52)
17. Bob Cousy, Holy Cross (1946-50)
28. Frank Selvy, Furman (1951-54)
90. Bob Kurland, Oklahoma State (1942-46)
99. George Mikan, DePaul (1942-46)
Quote:00. Tony Delk, Kentucky (1992-96) over Cliff Robinson and Eric Montross, among others (just assume "among others" from here on)
0. Frank Mason III, Kansas (2013-17) over Russell Westbrook, Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson
Give me Sindarius Thornwell over Frank Mason III any day.
It's fairly easy to compare the two given that both played the exact same years. One was Big 12 POY and the other was SEC POY. Stats are similar as well, but Sindarius had better numbers over the course of his career and IMO, Mason only got named to more all american lists because he was at Kansas. Of course, only one player ever played in the Final Four.
Nope, I'm totally not biased at all
(03-16-2020 07:49 AM)Gamecock Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:00. Tony Delk, Kentucky (1992-96) over Cliff Robinson and Eric Montross, among others (just assume "among others" from here on)
0. Frank Mason III, Kansas (2013-17) over Russell Westbrook, Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson
Give me Sindarius Thornwell over Frank Mason III any day.
It's fairly easy to compare the two given that both played the exact same years. One was Big 12 POY and the other was SEC POY. Stats are similar as well, but Sindarius had better numbers over the course of his career and IMO, Mason only got named to more all american lists because he was at Kansas. Of course, only one player ever played in the Final Four.
Nope, totally no biased at all
Mason over Thornwell is a defensible choice. Mason wasn't just an All-American, he was the consensus POY as a senior, winning the AP, Naismith, and Wooden Awards.
If he had picked Thornwell over Mason, that would have been defensible too. The bias is in anyone who says one was clearly better than the other.
(03-15-2020 10:45 AM)quo vadis Wrote: [ -> ]23. Michael Jordan (North Carolina, 1981-84) over Pete Maravich, Anthony Davis, Wayman Tisdale
Jordan is Jordan, but Maravich was a record-setter for three years at LSU.
35. Kevin Durant, Texas (2006-07) over Sidney Wicks, Dick Barnett, Bob McAdoo
Durant was spectacular but only for one year at Texas. Wicks was great individually for two years, leading UCLA to the national title both times.
I agree with both of your comments here.
As a college player, Jordan was great. But Maravich was unreal. Maravich and Oscar are the two best college players of all time.
(03-16-2020 11:05 AM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]As a college player, Jordan was great. But Maravich was unreal. Maravich and Oscar are the two best college players of all time.
Yes, Maravich was the Wilt Chamberlain of college basketball, he put up numbers that dizzy the head. And no question, Oscar is a GOAT candidate at any level, college or NBA.
However, my vote for best college player of all time goes to Lew Alcindor. Three seasons, three years of sterling stats, three times national POY, three times national champion and tournament MVP.
He really had a perfect college career, or almost, I think UCLA went 88-2 his years.
(03-16-2020 09:45 AM)quo vadis Wrote: [ -> ] (03-16-2020 07:49 AM)Gamecock Wrote: [ -> ]Quote:00. Tony Delk, Kentucky (1992-96) over Cliff Robinson and Eric Montross, among others (just assume "among others" from here on)
0. Frank Mason III, Kansas (2013-17) over Russell Westbrook, Jared Sullinger, Thomas Robinson
Give me Sindarius Thornwell over Frank Mason III any day.
It's fairly easy to compare the two given that both played the exact same years. One was Big 12 POY and the other was SEC POY. Stats are similar as well, but Sindarius had better numbers over the course of his career and IMO, Mason only got named to more all american lists because he was at Kansas. Of course, only one player ever played in the Final Four.
Nope, I'm totally not biased at all
Mason over Thornwell is a defensible choice. Mason wasn't just an All-American, he was the consensus POY as a senior, winning the AP, Naismith, and Wooden Awards.
If he had picked Thornwell over Mason, that would have been defensible too. The bias is in anyone who says one was clearly better than the other.
My post was a little tongue in cheek, i've edited it to make the sarcasm a bit more clear. But I DO think Thornwell had the better career and senior season.
(03-16-2020 11:23 AM)quo vadis Wrote: [ -> ] (03-16-2020 11:05 AM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]As a college player, Jordan was great. But Maravich was unreal. Maravich and Oscar are the two best college players of all time.
Yes, Maravich was the Wilt Chamberlain of college basketball, he put up numbers that dizzy the head. And no question, Oscar is a GOAT candidate at any level, college or NBA.
However, my vote for best college player of all time goes to Lew Alcindor. Three seasons, three years of sterling stats, three times national POY, three times national champion and tournament MVP.
He really had a perfect college career, or almost, I think UCLA went 88-2 his years.
Maravich and Chamberlin didn't have the incredible talent surrounding them that Kareem did so its hard to compare. Maravich was just unbelievable. Everyone knew he was LSU's scorer. And he kept putting up shots and scoring.
Lucius Allen, Curtis Rowe and Sidney Wicks were all at UCLA during that time, all long term pros. Lynn Shackelford did play a season in the ABA. May have been others, but those were names I quickly recognized looking at the roster.
Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. and William Theodore Walton III, my two favorite basketball players of all time (regardless of college or pro).
(03-16-2020 01:04 PM)bullet Wrote: [ -> ] (03-16-2020 11:23 AM)quo vadis Wrote: [ -> ] (03-16-2020 11:05 AM)Captain Bearcat Wrote: [ -> ]As a college player, Jordan was great. But Maravich was unreal. Maravich and Oscar are the two best college players of all time.
Yes, Maravich was the Wilt Chamberlain of college basketball, he put up numbers that dizzy the head. And no question, Oscar is a GOAT candidate at any level, college or NBA.
However, my vote for best college player of all time goes to Lew Alcindor. Three seasons, three years of sterling stats, three times national POY, three times national champion and tournament MVP.
He really had a perfect college career, or almost, I think UCLA went 88-2 his years.
Maravich and Chamberlin didn't have the incredible talent surrounding them that Kareem did so its hard to compare. Maravich was just unbelievable. Everyone knew he was LSU's scorer. And he kept putting up shots and scoring.
Lucius Allen, Curtis Rowe and Sidney Wicks were all at UCLA during that time, all long term pros. Lynn Shackelford did play a season in the ABA. May have been others, but those were names I quickly recognized looking at the roster.
Leaders in points per game over college career:
44.2 - Pistol Pete (6.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists)
33.8 - Oscar Robertson (15.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists)
31.0 - Elvin Hayes (17.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists)
30.7 - Freeman Williams (4.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists)
30.3 - Larry Bird (13.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists)
Oscar and Kareem are the only 3-time players of the year. The USBWA POY award (which started his 2nd year) is now named the Oscar Robertson Trophy.
Unlike Pistol Pete, Oscar managed those scoring totals despite being surrounded by future NBA players like Connie Dierking (#5 overall draft pick in '58), Wayne Stevens, Ralph Davis, Bob Wiesenhahn, and Paul Hogue (#2 overall draft pick in '62).
Oscar also managed to do that despite being on one of the first integrated teams play most of its away games in the South.