Top 25 College Basketball Players of All Time.

[incHOGnito]

ESPN has started a countdown of the top 25 college basketball players of all time.  Starting at 25 they are down to number 21 (Tim Duncan).

I believe Corliss should be on the list somewhere!
2-time SEC Player of the Year
1994 Most Outstanding Player (NCAA Tournament)
Leading scorer on a National Championship Team and a Runner-up.

I am guessing most on this board would agree he should be on the list, but my question is what do you think ESPN's likelihood of recognizing it is?

[HotlantaHog]

Not going to happen. The list will be dominated by ACC players (UNC and Duke), Kentucky and UCLA - and maybe a few individual outstanding players (Shaq, Ralph Sampson). Not saying I agree, but little chance he will make the list.

[ErieHog]

He won't make it, and it will be justified--  but before anyone flies off of the handle, college careers are made on a combination of championships and high profile games/outstanding moments---   while we certainly appreciate huge games that Corliss had in places like at Ole Miss (with 4,500 people on hand) and against Vanderbilt,  it's not going to stack up to the Alcindors, Waltons, Maravich, Laettener, etc.

[WrigleyvilleHog]

Agreed; think about it...only 25 players. when you start putting that list together, spaces fill up fast.

[hog.goblin]

If he wasn't 25 down through 22 then he got left off the list.

[jbcarol]

If it's any consolation, Kentucky will not have anyone either.

[hog.goblin]

If it's any consolation, Kentucky will not have anyone either.

Let's hope they don't put Monster Mash in there.  Great college player, but not top 25.

[jbcarol]

Let's hope they don't put Monster Mash in there.  Great college player, but not top 25.

Mash should have stayed his senior year and collected a championship (?) to make that list.  Top five at UK though.  Great teammate with John Pelphrey for two years.

[Ugly Uncle]

If Pistol Pete isn't #1 then the whole list is a joke anyway.

[ErieHog]

If Pistol Pete isn't #1 then the whole list is a joke anyway.

I dunno.  I'd be able to argue Walton or Alcindor, as they were remarkable winners at Westwood, and had record-level performances.

[jbcarol]

Top 20 is more Pete Maravich, Bill Walton, Lew Alcindor, Elvin Hayes, David Thompson, Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Sen. Bill Bradley, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Ojauwon (sp), Laettner, JJ Redick, Grant Hill, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Wilt Chamberlain, and (Danny Manning or Clyde Drexler or another old schooler or five I've omitted).

[DEVICEHIGH]

Corliss is like DMAC.

We like to think that they are the best that ever was in all of college sports. But they are not...

[hog.goblin]

Top 20 is more Pete Maravich, Bill Walton, Lew Alcindor, Elvin Hayes, David Thompson, Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Sen. Bill Bradley, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Ojauwon (sp), Laettner, JJ Redick, Grant Hill, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Wilt Chamberlain, and (Danny Manning or Clyde Drexler or another old schooler or five I've omitted).

I'm not sure Jordan makes the list for the same reason Corliss' doesn't.  It's hard to if you come out after 3 years.


Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game, along with 5 rebounds, nearly 2 assists per game.
Corliss averaged 19 points per game, along with 7 rebounds, and just over 2 assists per game.

Each had a national championship with Corliss having a second NC appearance.  Corliss absolutely dominated some high profile games (including against UNC's taller and longer Rasheed Wallace).  Jordan had great moments but I wasn't around and watching the ACC to see if he dominated many games (I'm sure he did).

Jordan clearly was the better pro player, still the best of all time in my opinion.  But in college, they produced quite equal results if not a nod better to Corliss.

All that being said, MJ has a much better chance of being on this list because he is MJ.

[jbcarol]

Jordan is on the marginal line like Wilt Chamberlain and why I did not include Magic (2 years).  There may some old schoolers and some new guys that fill those spots.  Jordan hit a NC championship game winner as a freshman and won the MVP his Jr. season.  But he may be omitted to be cool. 

Remember we are lite on North Carolina here and remember who is doing the list.  Don't know if Worthy is worthy.

[clifflee4mvp]

I dunno.  I'd be able to argue Walton or Alcindor, as they were remarkable winners at Westwood, and had record-level performances.

nope maravich hands down. If there had been a 3 point line, he would've averaged 50 a game. He was out of this world!

[ErieHog]

nope maravich hands down. If there had been a 3 point line, he would've averaged 50 a game. He was out of this world!

Basketball greatness is about winning more than scoring;  he couldn't touch either as a winner-- and they weren't shabby scorers themselves--  Walton still holds the record for points in an NCAA CG.

[BrooklynRoss]

I'm not sure Jordan makes the list for the same reason Corliss' doesn't.  It's hard to if you come out after 3 years.


Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game, along with 5 rebounds, nearly 2 assists per game.
Corliss averaged 19 points per game, along with 7 rebounds, and just over 2 assists per game.

Each had a national championship with Corliss having a second NC appearance.  Corliss absolutely dominated some high profile games (including against UNC's taller and longer Rasheed Wallace).  Jordan had great moments but I wasn't around and watching the ACC to see if he dominated many games (I'm sure he did).

Jordan clearly was the better pro player, still the best of all time in my opinion.  But in college, they produced quite equal results if not a nod better to Corliss.

All that being said, MJ has a much better chance of being on this list because he is MJ.

Yeah, I remember the old adage when Jordan was playing at UNC.

"There's only one man in the country who can contain Michael Jordan and that's Dean Smith."

Nobody scored much in that system but he exploded when he was counted on to be the leading scorer for the Bulls.

[clifflee4mvp]

winning = team
Greatest Player = Individual accolades

So since Robert Horry has more rings than Lebron, Horry is the better player? No Horry has been a key part of some great teams. Your logic is lacking, but I know your posts so I'm sure you'll have something so let's hear it.

[ErieHog]

winning = team
Greatest Player = Individual accolades

So since Robert Horry has more rings than Lebron, Horry is the better player? No Horry has been a key part of some great teams. Your logic is lacking, but I know your posts so I'm sure you'll have something so let's hear it.

That's the difference between professional and amateur basketball--  individual vs. team accomplishment.

What makes a college player truly great is if his team wins;  in the pros, you can be regarded as great, even if your teams stink.

[Fort Swine]

Williamson had a great run at UA, but don't know if he can top some of the names that have already been mentioned.  The great UCLA teams, I. Thomas from the 81 IU team are just a few.  #21 was Duncan.  Didn't win a championship but a 2 time Wooden Award winner. 

[Pigdiana Jones]

Corliss was also an All-American a couple or 3 times too. Unless I'm way off in left field, I'm pretty sure he made that list.

[jbcarol]

Great point.  Some of the great teams will not have representation.  Indiana in '75 and '76 had May, Buckner, Benson, etc.  No Top 25 type.  Isaiah played on the '80 and '81 (championship) teams.  Two years may keep him off.  Alford may be Indiana's best shot but he is not feeling like Top 25 of all time material.

[hogsanity]

If Pistol Pete isn't #1 then the whole list is a joke anyway.

On this, you speak the truth

[jbcarol]

Yeah, I remember the old adage when Jordan was playing at UNC.

"There's only one man in the country who can contain Michael Jordan and that's Dean Smith."

Nobody scored much in that system but he exploded when he was counted on to be the leading scorer for the Bulls.

Yeah, on the show "5 Reasons You Can't Blame Portland for Not Selecting Michael Jordan", I think Dean Smith was #2 after The Glide who was #1. 

Plus he played with Worthy, Sam Perkins, Buzz Peterson, (Brad and Matt Daugherty/Doherty?).  Lot of playas.

[wwwhogfan]

Honestly, Corliss would do good to make the Top 50.  Lots of outstanding college players through the years.  If we are talking about the Top 25 Razorbacks of all-time it is a different story.  But not Top 25 ever.

[kuhog]

As good as Corliss was, I don't even think he's Arkansas' best basketball player. I would have to go with Moncrief.

[pigsooiec5]

Corliss will not even sniff this list.

[dfresh]

In my time:  Christian Laetner, Shaq, Larry Johnson,..... thats it.

[Junkyard Hog]

ESPN has started a countdown of the top 25 college basketball players of all time.  Starting at 25 they are down to number 21 (Tim Duncan).

I believe Corliss should be on the list somewhere!
2-time SEC Player of the Year
1994 Most Outstanding Player (NCAA Tournament)
Leading scorer on a National Championship Team and a Runner-up.

I am guessing most on this board would agree he should be on the list, but my question is what do you think ESPN's likelihood of recognizing it is?

If Duncan is the 21st best of all time, then Corliss won't be on the list.  He was great, but not one of the 25 best of all time.

[hog.goblin]

As good as Corliss was, I don't even think he's Arkansas' best basketball player. I would have to go with Moncrief.

I like Moncrief, and he is one of my favorites.  He had an overall better game and that translated to a better pro game.  But by the individual statisctics and team success, Corliss had the better college career.

Corliss averaged 19 points per game, along with 7 rebounds, and just over 2 assists per game.
Sid averaged 17 points per game, along with 8 rebounds, and just over 2 assists per game.  Moncrief would have averaged more with the 3 point line but also averaged 15.3 points per game in his first 3 seasons compared to 19 for Corliss.

Team Success:  Moncrief, in order, No Tournament apperance, first round loss, final four, elite 8
Corliss, Sweet 16, NC, Runner-Up

[hawgsav1]

I dunno.  I'd be able to argue Walton or Alcindor, as they were remarkable winners at Westwood, and had record-level performances.

Agree.  i think Alcindor should be number one.  However, i think Pistol Pete and Walton should round out the top 3 or 4 (though I don't know who else should be there instead of them, possibly Ewing).

[hawgsav1]

Jordan isn't even top 10 in scoring in Carolina history.


And Walton will be very high based on his NCAAT performances.  Great player who was helped by playing on very well funded and talented UCLA teams. 

Elvin Hayes should make the list if he hasn't already.  The game in the Astrodome helped changed the popularity of college basketball.

They have to have a member of Phi Slamma Jamma

[hawgsav1]

Basketball greatness is about winning more than scoring;  he couldn't touch either as a winner-- and they weren't shabby scorers themselves--  Walton still holds the record for points in an NCAA CG.

I agree with you, but Pistol Pete didn't have the kind of role players that Wooden had with Alcindor, Gail Goodrich, Walton, the Dutch guy Swen Nater, Walt Hazzard, etc.  These guys were superstars in college AND the NBA.  Besides, winning is a team thing.  That's why Chamberlain deserves more credit than he gets.  Russell vs. Chamberlain was amazing, but look at who Russell had on his team also.  Russell had some of the greatest players of all time on his team.  Chamberlain didn't have many good players on his team.

[oldfart]

jerry west has got to be in there somewhere, along with oscar robertson.  saw both of them play in their collegiate careers, were outstanding for their time (and today would be great as well)

[la20688]

I think everyone is forgetting about Magic & Bird!

[RedSatinHog]

I dunno.  I'd be able to argue Walton or Alcindor, as they were remarkable winners at Westwood, and had record-level performances.

UU is right.  Maravich put up numbers that are without equal.  Just look at his career numbers at LSU.  He was phenomenal.

[3kgthog]

These stupid lists lost all credibility after some of the b.s. on the football list.

[ErieHog]

UU is right.  Maravich put up numbers that are without equal.  Just look at his career numbers at LSU.  He was phenomenal.

Here's the number that matters most: 88-2  -- UCLA's record with Alcindor.   Maravich was no slouch, but is there *in spite of* his team's performance.

[Uncle_dad]

Not going to happen. The list will be dominated by ACC players (UNC and Duke), Kentucky and UCLA - and maybe a few individual outstanding players (Shaq, Ralph Sampson). Not saying I agree, but little chance he will make the list.

Don't forget Georgetown and Indiana!

[condohog]

If we had won in 95 he might be closer to making the top 50. There are all-americans every year so in order to make the list you really have to make your mark on history. 

[Hogginitall]

Top 20 is more Pete Maravich, Bill Walton, Lew Alcindor, Elvin Hayes, David Thompson, Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Sen. Bill Bradley, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Ojauwon (sp), Laettner, JJ Redick, Grant Hill, Michael Jordan, David Robinson, Wilt Chamberlain, and (Danny Manning or Clyde Drexler or another old schooler or five I've omitted).

JJ Redick?  Top 25 of ALL TIME?

[Sow’sEar]

If Pistol Pete isn't #1 then the whole list is a joke anyway.

we will have to agree to disagree on this one.  No way he is rated higher than Walton or Alcindor or even Bird. He was a great scorer, and no doubtedly should be on the list, but not #1.  His teams didn't win.

[HognotinMemphis]

If Pistol Pete isn't #1 then the whole list is a joke anyway.

He'll probably be in top 5. His LSU teams were not good in his 3 years there. Thus, he likely won't be #1.

[RedSatinHog]

Here's the number that matters most: 88-2  -- UCLA's record with Alcindor.   Maravich was no slouch, but is there *in spite of* his team's performance.

Try and tell that to the folks at LSU.  They did, after all, name an arena after Maravich.

There was more to 88-2 than just Alcindor.  Even Kareem would tell you that.  A big part of his success was due to the players he had around him.

Maravich's career numbers don't lie, and this is after all a discussion about greatest players:

In only three years playing for his father Press Maravich at LSU, Maravich scored 3,667 points — 1,138 points in 1968, 1,148 points in 1969 and 1,381 points in 1970 while averaging 43.8, 44.2 and 44.5 points per game. In the process, "Pistol Pete" set 11 NCAA and 34 Southeastern Conference records, as well as every LSU record in points scored, scoring average, field goals attempted and made, and free throws attempted and made, and assists. In his collegiate career, the 6' 5" (1.96 m) guard averaged an incredible 44.2 points per game in 83 contests and led the NCAA in scoring three times. He also set an NCAA record by scoring more than 50 points 28 times. He was named a three-time All-American and still holds many of these records, more than 35 years later. Notably, his 3,667 points don't factor in the 741 he scored his freshman year, or the fact that they played without a three-point line.

Maravich was a three time first team All-American and was named The Sporting News' player of the year in 1970, and received the USBWA College Player of the Year and Naismith Award as well. He scored a personal record of 69 points versus Alabama during a game that year, and garnered numerous other awards and college records.

[dchoss]

I agree with you, but Pistol Pete didn't have the kind of role players that Wooden had with Alcindor, Gail Goodrich, Walton, the Dutch guy Swen Nater, Walt Hazzard, etc.  These guys were superstars in college AND the NBA.  Besides, winning is a team thing.  That's why Chamberlain deserves more credit than he gets.  Russell vs. Chamberlain was amazing, but look at who Russell had on his team also.  Russell had some of the greatest players of all time on his team.  Chamberlain didn't have many good players on his team.

we are talking COLLEGE players here, didn't bill russell win back to back national chmpionships at san francisco back in the 19 50's ?  can you name me one other player on those teams who helped him?  Bill Russell, IMHO, greatest NBA and College player of all time.

[ErieHog]

Try and tell that to the folks at LSU.  They did, after all, name an arena after Maravich.

There was more to 88-2 than just Alcindor.  Even Kareem would tell you that.  A big part of his success was due to the players he had around him.

Maravich's career numbers don't lie, and this is after all a discussion about greatest players:

In only three years playing for his father Press Maravich at LSU, Maravich scored 3,667 points — 1,138 points in 1968, 1,148 points in 1969 and 1,381 points in 1970 while averaging 43.8, 44.2 and 44.5 points per game. In the process, "Pistol Pete" set 11 NCAA and 34 Southeastern Conference records, as well as every LSU record in points scored, scoring average, field goals attempted and made, and free throws attempted and made, and assists. In his collegiate career, the 6' 5" (1.96 m) guard averaged an incredible 44.2 points per game in 83 contests and led the NCAA in scoring three times. He also set an NCAA record by scoring more than 50 points 28 times. He was named a three-time All-American and still holds many of these records, more than 35 years later. Notably, his 3,667 points don't factor in the 741 he scored his freshman year, or the fact that they played without a three-point line.

Maravich was a three time first team All-American and was named The Sporting News' player of the year in 1970, and received the USBWA College Player of the Year and Naismith Award as well. He scored a personal record of 69 points versus Alabama during a game that year, and garnered numerous other awards and college records.

Its not to say Maravich is a terrible player;  he's definitely Top 5 All-Time, if not #1;  the problem is that he wasn't *that* much more outstanding than Alcindor,  also a 3 time All American, a POTY, but also a 3 time MOP of the NCAA Tournament, and a 3 time National champion.

[jbcarol]

Of course Pistol and Alcindor (who could not dunk by rule) played at the same time. 

Pete scored in the 50's and 60's each time he played us but LSU came out 0-6.

What's more amazing is that according to his testimony he went through those three years in a drug-induced haze and a heart that was too small to be exerting itself.

[hog.goblin]

we are talking COLLEGE players here, didn't bill russell win back to back national chmpionships at san francisco back in the 19 50's ?  can you name me one other player on those teams who helped him?  Bill Russell, IMHO, greatest NBA and College player of all time.

...K.C. Jones!

[clifflee4mvp]

I'm telling you if there was a 3 point line, Pete would've scored 5000 points in his career!

[beatdrum]

I believe Pistol Pete may be a little overrated because of all the scoring. By that rationale, Hank Gathers should crack the top 25.

Two names are not coming up that I figured would be mentioned by now...

Modern Day: Glen Robinson. In college, this dude was unbelievable.

All time: David Thompson. Greatest player in ACC history.