Laettner was the leader of Duke’s first great dynasty, helping the team win back-to-back national championships in 1991 and 1992. He is best remembered for his game-winning shot against Kentucky in the 1992 Elite Eight, one of the most famous moments in college basketball history.
Ewing was a dominant defensive force and one of the greatest shot-blockers in college basketball. He led Georgetown to three national championship games, winning the title in 1984. His presence in the paint made him one of the most feared players of his era.
Robertson was one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball history. He led the nation in scoring for three straight seasons and finished his career with an average of 33.8 points per game. He also helped Cincinnati reach two Final Fours and set the standard for all-around play.
Bird carried Indiana State to a perfect 33-0 record before falling to Michigan State in the 1979 national championship game, a matchup that sparked his famous rivalry with Magic Johnson. His scoring and rebounding abilities made him one of the best all-around players ever.
Chamberlain was a physically dominant player who changed the game with his size and skill. In the 1957 national championship game, he scored 42 points despite facing double and triple teams. His impact on basketball was so great that rules were changed because of his dominance.
Johnson was one of the most versatile players in college basketball history. At 6-foot-9, he played point guard and led Michigan State to the 1979 national title in one of the most famous championship games ever, where he defeated Larry Bird’s Indiana State team.
Abdul-Jabbar is one of the most dominant players ever, leading UCLA to three national championships. He was so dominant that the NCAA banned dunking because of him. His scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills made him nearly unstoppable.
Walton was the key player in UCLA’s incredible 88-game winning streak. He won two national titles and had one of the greatest performances in NCAA history, scoring 44 points on 21-of-22 shooting in the 1973 championship game. His all-around skills and passing ability made him a unique talent.
Jordan made an immediate impact at North Carolina, hitting the game-winning shot in the 1982 national championship game as a freshman. By his junior year, he was the best player in the country, winning National Player of the Year honors in 1984. His athleticism, defense, and clutch performances set the foundation for his legendary career.
Maravich is the greatest scorer in college basketball history. He holds the all-time scoring record with 3,667 points and averaged an incredible 44.2 points per game without a three-point line. His creativity, ball-handling, and shooting ability made him unlike any player before or since.
