Stromile Swift was one of the most athletic big men LSU has ever had. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and high-flying dunks made him a key player in LSU’s 2000 Elite Eight run. He was a dominant force on both ends of the floor.
Brandon Bass was a dominant power forward with a well-rounded game. He was an elite rebounder and shot-blocker and could score from anywhere. His dominance in the SEC earned him conference Player of the Year honors.
Tyrus Thomas was the defensive backbone of LSU’s 2006 Final Four team. His elite shot-blocking and rebounding made him a game-changer, and his high-flying dunks made him a fan favorite. He played just one season at LSU but left a lasting impact.
Ben Simmons was one of the most hyped freshmen in college basketball history, and he lived up to expectations. He was a do-it-all forward, showcasing elite passing, rebounding, and defense. Although LSU didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, Simmons’ individual talent and impact were undeniable.
Rudy Macklin was a rebounding and scoring powerhouse. He led LSU to the Final Four in 1981, one of the biggest moments in the program’s history. He remains LSU’s all-time leading rebounder, and his toughness and consistency made him a fan favorite.
Glen Davis was a dominant post player and a key piece in LSU’s 2006 Final Four run. He combined size, agility, and skill, making him one of the most effective forwards in school history. His leadership and clutch performances helped put LSU back in the national spotlight.
Chris Jackson was a scoring machine, averaging 30.2 points per game as a freshman—an NCAA record that still stands. His ball-handling, quickness, and deep shooting range made him nearly unguardable. Despite only playing two seasons, he left an unforgettable impact on LSU and college basketball.
Before Shaq and Maravich, Bob Pettit was LSU’s first true superstar. He led the Tigers to the 1953 Final Four and was an unstoppable scorer and rebounder. Pettit paved the way for big men to play a more skilled offensive game, which made him a trendsetter for future generations.
Shaquille O’Neal was a force of nature in college basketball. Standing at 7’1” and 300+ pounds, he dominated the paint with his size, athleticism, and power. In his final two seasons, he averaged over 24 points, 14 rebounds, and nearly 5 blocks per game. He was one of the most physically dominant college players ever and set the foundation for his Hall of Fame NBA career.
No player in NCAA history has ever matched Pete Maravich’s scoring ability. "Pistol Pete" averaged 44.2 points per game over his career, setting records that still stand today—without the three-point line! His ball-handling, shooting, and creativity made him a revolutionary player. Even though LSU wasn’t a powerhouse during his time, Maravich's individual dominance and influence on basketball make him LSU’s greatest player ever.
