Best College Basketball Players of All Time
Throughout the history of college basketball, there have been many great players who made a name for themselves. However, among those great players, there are a select few who achieved legendary status.
Here’s a list of the ten best college basketball players of all time. Check out the list and read the staggering stats that these college icons put up.
10. Christian Laetner (Duke, 1988-1992)
Christian Laetner was not only one of the best college basketball players of all time, but arguably the most hated. During the late 1980s, Laetner was the captain of Duke University, who was instrumental in the college’s rise to prominence.
Fans of other teams could not stand how confident, cocky, and talented the Duke player was. From 1991 to 1992, Laeter was the best college basketball player in the country.
He helped Duke win back-to-back championships and two outstanding player awards. Of course, what Christian is most known for is winning his final championship with his famous buzzer beater for the win.
9. Elgin Baylor (Seattle, 1956-1958)
Elgin Baylor became one of the best college basketball players of all time, despite facing setbacks due to racism. Since colleges didn’t recruit from black high schools, Baylor had to play for Idaho University and then Seattle University.
Despite playing for a low-level college Baylor’s talent was undeniable. He averaged a staggering 31.3 points and 19.5 rebounds per game and led the small school to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
If Elgin wasn’t held back from going to a big school, he’d easily be at the top of this list. Becoming one of the best college basketball players of all time despite not getting fair shake shows how talented he was.
8. David Thompson (NC State, 1972-1975)
David “The Skywalker” Thompson is an NC State legend, who is a must for this list of college greats. “The Skywalker” helped make NC State a top college team and started the school’s trend of recruiting athletic rim breakers.
Everywhere Thompson went, he put on a show for all the fans in attendance with his well-rounded game and slam dunks. In his 3rd year at NC State, David helped the school become a force in college basketball.
He went on to win NCAA player of the year honors and led NC State to the 1974 national title.
7. Jerry Lucas (Ohio State, 1958 to 1962)
During the late 1950/1960s, Jerry Lucas was a force to reckon with. During his time at Ohio State, he became undoubtedly one of the best college basketball players of all time.
As a college player, Lucas nearly averaged a staggering 24.3 points and 17.2 rebounds per game. The best player in Big Ten history set numerous records, which include 3 conference POTY awards and a previous scoring average record.
His most impressive feat was recording the only 30 point, 30 rebound game in NCAA history against Kentucky in the NCAA tournament.
6. Elvin Hayes (Houston, 1964 to 1968)
The University of Houston became known for producing legendary big men and Elvin Hayes was the first. He became one of the best college basketball players of all time in an era full of greats.
Hayes had the honor of playing in the first nationally televised college game in history against UCLA. He made a statement by shutting down Kareem, while putting up 39 points and 15 rebounds in the win.
Big E put himself among the greats by averaging a whopping 31 points and 17 rebounds while playing in college.
5. Bill Russell (San Francisco, 1953 to 1956)
Nobody will ever argue that Bill Russell isn’t one of the best college basketball players of all time. Russell was so dominant at defense that the NCAA changed their rules and widened the lane.
The legendary center took a small University of San Francisco squad and led them to two national championships. Bill put up an unbelievable stat line of 20 points and 20 rebounds for his time in college basketball.
Then as we all know, Russell went to the pros and became the greatest player ever with 11 NBA championships.
4. Oscar Robinson (Cincinnati, 1957-1960)
For those who saw him play, Oscar Robinson is easily considered one of the best college basketball players of all time. He defined the guard position as what we know it today.
Oscar was a complete player, who dominated on both sides of the floor and could not be stopped. En route to winning two national player of the year honors, Robinson averaged 33.8 points and 15.2 rebounds per game.
“The Big O” would then increase his mythical status in the NBA by averaging a triple-double in a season.
3. Pete Maravich (LSU, 1967 to 1970)
If you ask the experts, who the best college basketball players of all time were, Pete Maravich is always mentioned. “Pistol Pete” was known for his legendary handles and ability to destroy opposing defenses.
While playing at LSU, Maravich put up absurd numbers that will never be touched. The basketball icon averaged a record 44.2 points per game which is still the NCAA record six decades later. Pete was a true legend of the sport.
2. Bill Walton (UCLA(1971 to 1974)
The late Bill Walton is more known by modern audiences for being a long-time announcer. What many forgot was that Walton is one of the best college basketball players of all time.
Bill was part of the iconic UCLA teams of the 1960s and 1970s. As the captain of the UCLA team, Walton led his team to an unprecedented 77 game winning streak.
During his college career, Walton won 2 championships and was a 3x NCAA POTY winner.
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (UCLA 1966 to 1969)
Out of all of the best college basketball players of all time, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is at the top of the list. The only word to describe Kareem’s 3-year run as captain of the UCLA basketball team is perfection.
During his time in college, Jabbar won every single possible award a player could win for all three years. He was a 3x national champion, player of the year, and Final Four POTY all while averaging a double-double in college. Kareem had the perfect run in college.
