OT: New Argument: Who is the greatest men's college basketball player evah?

[HarthorneWingo]

For me it's a close three:

Maravich, Alcindor, and Walton. I don't know how to separate them.

[GONYK]

Tyler Hansbrough is somewhere in this conversation

[SelbyCobra]

It's Alcindor, and not particularly close. This anecdote is incredible:

https://grantland.com/features/the-50-greatest-college-basketball-players-all-time/

But to me, the thing that will always be most unfathomable about Alcindor was his very first game, played when he was an ineligible freshman: UCLA was coming off back-to-back national championships. As an exhibition, the Bruin varsity — ranked no. 1 in the nation — opened the season by scrimmaging the freshmen team. Alcindor had 31 points, 21 boards, and eight blocks. The freshmen hammered the varsity by 15 points; the no. 1 team in the country could not beat a player who could not yet play. As an ineligible 18-year-old, Alcindor was (at worst) the fourth or fifth-best basketball player in the world. So I guess talent does matter, sometimes.

[SelbyCobra]

In more modern times, Laettner and Manning are both up there, and the most forgotten modern GOAT candidate of recent memory to me is Big Dog Robinson. Because man, I remember tuning into his Saturday games on CBS and it was like a must see event the way he put up insane numbers every single game. It was similar to watching Zion at Duke or Carter at UNC. Just a monster scorer.

[HarthorneWingo]

It's Alcindor, and not particularly close. This anecdote is incredible:

https://grantland.com/features/the-50-greatest-college-basketball-players-all-time/

But to me, the thing that will always be most unfathomable about Alcindor was his very first game, played when he was an ineligible freshman: UCLA was coming off back-to-back national championships. As an exhibition, the Bruin varsity — ranked no. 1 in the nation — opened the season by scrimmaging the freshmen team. Alcindor had 31 points, 21 boards, and eight blocks. The freshmen hammered the varsity by 15 points; the no. 1 team in the country could not beat a player who could not yet play. As an ineligible 18-year-old, Alcindor was (at worst) the fourth or fifth-best basketball player in the world. So I guess talent does matter, sometimes.

I recall hearing that one. He was unstoppable.

[HarthorneWingo]

Corlis Williamson and Stacey King were excellent college players.

Back when Pistol Pete played, Notre Dame had Austin Carr who was putting up 36 ppg.

[moocow007]

Yeah I would go with the artist formerly known as Lew Alcindor.

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[moocow007]

David Thompson was another great college player.

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[MaseInYourFace]

A lot of people laugh at me for bringing him up because they think of his nba career but few had the college career of Christian Lattner. The man is in the convo at least.

[br7knicks]

All great players.

To me, if it's not pistol Pete, I don't know who.

[thebuzzardman]

So, UCLA basically filled Kareem's spot with Bill Walton? God damn. Ah, 3 year separation.

Still.

[HarthorneWingo]

So, UCLA basically filled Kareem's spot with Bill Walton? God damn. Ah, 3 year separation.

Still.

Walton could really pass the ball which gave a dimension that Lew didn’t have. And that NCAA tournament Finals game against Memphis State was probably the greatest single game a college player has ever played.

[Capn'O]

In more modern times, Laettner and Manning are both up there, and the most forgotten modern GOAT candidate of recent memory to me is Big Dog Robinson. Because man, I remember tuning into his Saturday games on CBS and it was like a must see event the way he put up insane numbers every single game. It was similar to watching Zion at Duke or Carter at UNC. Just a monster scorer.

I remember doing the same. Big Dog was unbelievable.

On that note - Zion is in the conversation though quickly dismissed due to no title. His numbers were completely off the scale.

[Strick]

This will show my age a little bit I remember growing up being absolutely wowed by Michael Beasley at K State. He was a man amongst boys and seemed like he would get 20 and 20 every night. Not saying he’s the best of all-time but I think he is on a very short list in the more recent history

[HarthorneWingo]

This will show my age a little bit I remember growing up being absolutely wowed by Michael Beasley at K State. He was a man amongst boys and seemed like he would get 20 and 20 every night. Not saying he’s the best of all-time but I think he is on a very short list in the more recent history

Damn you're old. But not nearly as old as shammgod.

[Fury]

For me it's a close three:

Maravich, Alcindor, and Walton. I don't know how to separate them.

I think these 3 are good picks

[Nazrmohamed]

Christian Laetner in my lifetime

[HarthorneWingo]

Chris Jackson at LSU

[MadGrinch]

I gotta go with Lew Alcindor , they literally took the dunk away because of him ...and it only made him better.

[8516knicks]

For me it's a close three:

Maravich, Alcindor, and Walton. I don't know how to separate them.

For me (college) Kareem, Wilt, Maravich (one man team) and David Robinson's senior season.

Most interesting one game duels - in Philly Kobe's father had 72 and Rich Laurel (Overbrook) 65 in same game
in college - Maravich had 72 (I think) and Issell 65 for Kentucky.