Players like BYU's Jimmer Fredette, Kentucky's Anthony Davis, and Baylor's Brittney Griner dominated the beginning of the decade. He turned into one of the great players in the history of the program during his three years in school: a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a consensus All-American, and the leader of a team that tied the record for most wins (31) in program history. Click the College for players drafted from that college. They had shooters every where as they shot 50 percent as a team throughout the tournament. He needs to become more coordinated down low, and when he gains that his scoring and defensive ability will improve greatly. Young grew up in Norman and chose to play for his hometown school at Oklahoma over offers from bluebloods. Before Anthony Davis became one of the brightest stars in the NBA, he was one of the greatest one-and-dones in the history of college basketball. Comment: Guards in John Caliparis system almost always flourish, and that is exactly what Tyreke Evans did. He averaged 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds . Brunson spent three seasons at Villanova becoming the most accomplished college player of the decade. Comment: Higgins was pretty much the only bright spot for a dismal Colorado team, but he has continued to improve and should help the Buffaloes make a case for themselves next season. Michael Washington, Arkansas: 15.5ppg-9.8rpg-0.9apg-1.0spg-1.3bpg-30.0mpg 12. Zion Williamson had one of the most impressive and most dominant single seasons in all of college basketball history, nonetheless the decade. With Hansbrough gone he has the opportunity to be the main man down low for the Heels. Comment: Saunders is a do-it-all player who has a great motor. Already blessed with a signature dance and mountains of NBA hype by the time he got to campus, Wall more or less lived up to the hype. He is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker, and can score down low consistently. 133. Comment: Jones led the NCAA in assists per game, and he can score and play defense as well, making him one of the more underrated point guards in the country. 2. Comment: Crocker has been known as more of a role player for the Sooners, but in the upcoming season he will have the chance to step in to a lead role. 60. Comment: Turner led the Buckeyes in points, rebounds, assists, and steals, one of only a handful of players to do so for their team in the nation. At his best, Colson was something like Draymond Light, an undersized big man whose incredible rebounding and defensive chops mixed with crafty scoring ability made him a unique weapon for Mike Brey. In addition to his two rings, Napier was also a consensus All-American, the AAC Player of the Year, and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2014 NCAA tournament. Though he only stood 61, Trey Burke was a giant on the court during his two seasons at Michigan. 45. 25. Comment: Samhan will be the main post player for the Gaels next season, and if Patty Mills leaves he will have to step up his play and leadership even more. Austin Kenon, VMI: 16.3ppg-3.3rpg-2.4apg-1.4spg-0bpg-31.8mpg LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor: 15.3ppg-4.6rpg-0.6apg-1.0spg-0.2bpg-28.7mpg Comment: Walker had a great freshman season, showing much talent while backing up point guard A.J. Wall was named a first time All-American and SEC Player of the Year before going on to be the No. The University of Alabama basketball player charged with murder over the weekend did not shoot the 23-year-old victim, but instead provided the handgun, according to a court document . Sullinger was a consensus top-three recruit entering Ohio State and lived up to every bit of hype. Matt Howard, Butler: 14.8ppg-6.8rpg-1.1apg-0.8spg-1.5bpg-27.8mpg He should only improve next season. 57. Comment: Jordan broke on to the scene this past season as a shot blocking and rebounding machine. 92. Comment: Nevada seems to have a recent history of big men, and Babbitt is the next in line. Comment: Fortson wowed many at the beginning of the season, with some going as far to say he was the best all around freshman point guard. Clarkes transfer from San Jose State to Gonzaga felt like an afterthought nationally until the entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was. Alex Tyus, Florida: 12.5ppg-6.2rpg-0.7apg-0.5spg-0.8bpg-26.2mpg Kyle Singler, Duke: 16.5ppg-7.7rpg-2.4apg-1.5spg-1.0bpg-32.2mpg Despite only finishing fifth on his own team in field goal attempts per game, Towns feels like one of the greatest pure talents to come through college hoops in a long time. The 6-foot-2 freshman torched every opponent he faced in his lone season as a Sooner, sinking long-range shots, dishing flashy dimes, and eliciting comparisons to two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry. Despite a sometimes limited offensive role, Davis was the singular reason for Kentuckys success, a preposterously long and athletic big man who maintained the agility and ball skills of a guard after a late high school growth spurt. 30. Read Matt Ellentuck on the four best seasons in women's college basketball in the 2010s. Take a look back at iconic moments in NBA history from the 2010s. Comment: The sharp shooting guard is expected to return, giving California one of the most dangerous backcourts in the nation. Comment: Sallie is arguably the best three point shooter in the nation, but his problem was he did not get enough exposure. 11. He will have to step up in other areas if Henderson does decide to stick in the draft. 90. 31. 5 all-time leading scorer and as the sports first three-time All-American since Patrick Ewing. 1:00. Patrick Christopher, California: 14.5ppg-3.8rpg-2.1apg-0.8spg-0.2bpg-33.3mpg Tasmin Mitchell, LSU: 16.3ppg-7.2rpg-1.9apg-1.6spg-0.7bpg-32.5mpg Bobby Ray Parks (NU Bulldogs) Hype was so big for Bobby Ray Parks when the second-generation player, a three-star recruit in the US, chose to play for National University in the UAAP in 2010. . 128. Comment: Johnson is raw, but he has excellent athletic ability which means great upside. 141. Jalen Brunson led the Wildcats to two Big East regular-season championships, two Big East tournament championships, and two national championships in his three years at Villanova. Gordon Hayward, Butler: 13.1ppg-6.5rpg-2.0apg-1.5spg-0.9bpg-32.7mpg Shelvin Mack, Butler: 11.9ppg-4.4rpg-3.5apg-1.1spg-0bpg-30.7mpg Jimmer Fredette was something like college basketballs answer to Tim Tebow at the turn of the decade: a legitimate national sensation who felt like he was plastered across every television in the country. A massive 270-pound center with huge hands, long arms, and soft touch, Okafor was damn near automatic when he established deep paint position on offense. Comment: Tiller is known as a defensive player, but he showed in the NCAA tournament that he has an offensive game as well. Michigan had five players in the rotation from its 2013 team who would go on to have NBA careers, there was never any doubt Burke was the engine. He entered the program as a McDonalds All-American and quickly established himself as a freshman starter on the 2016 team that went on a wild run to the national championship, capped by Kris Jenkins buzzer-beater shot. In his tenure at Michigan State, Valentine appeared in three Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, and a Final Four and earned many publications' Player of the Year awards in 2016. Stats:17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.7 BPG. Just know you want him on your team. Branden Dawson (2011-15) In Dawson's four seasons with Michigan State, the Spartans advanced to the Sweet 16 twice, then the Elite Eight and finally, the Final Four in 2015. Comment: Big Game James is a great option for the 2 or 3 position, as he has the height and strength to take on big opponents. A. J. Jordan Eglseder, Northern Iowa: 10.2ppg-6.4rpg-0.6apg-0.1spg-1.3bpg-19.3mpg PPG: 21.9 | RPG: 13.2 | FG PCT: 63.1% . 146. He will continue to become more known nationally along with the Bulls. He then poured in 16 points in 21 minutes during the national championship game, helping Duke to its fifth title in the Krzyzewski era. 62. Before he was lighting up the NBA as one of the most prolific scorers in the game, Kemba Walker made a name for himself by leading the UConn Huskies to relevance on the national stage. Comment: Harden always provides a tough task for defenders, as his size at 68 for the shooting guard position often leads to mismatches. He has amazing quickness, a great shooting touch, and quick hands on defense. Comment: Calathes has great size at 66 for the point guard position. Rodney Green, La Salle: 17.8ppg-5.0rpg-3.4apg-1.9spg-0.2bpg-35.3mpg Luke Harangody, Notre Dame: 23.3ppg-11.8rpg-2.1apg-0.9spg-0.9bpg-34.2mpg 136. In his freshman season, Virginia went 22-10 six more. 44. Cole Aldrich, Kansas: 14.9ppg-11.1rpg-1.0apg-0.6spg-2.7bpg-29.6mpg In addition to being the preeminent pure point guard in the country, Morris was also a double-figure scorer every season after his freshman year. 107. Sabrina Ionescu is the all-time career triple-doubles leader in NCAA history, a feat she managed to achieve less than two years into her career with the Oregon Ducks. As a senior, Green was Big Ten Player of the Year and a consensus All-American who owned the glass as a rebounder, passed like a guard, and led his team with 16 points per game while still being arguably the best defensive player in the country. Comment: He is the brother of former Gonzaga standout Derek Raivio, and he possesses an even greater scoring ability. Top 10 2010s NBA Basketball Players. It is still unknown if he will stay in the draft or not. Comment: Lowhorn is an excellent inside scorer and offensive player down low, as well as a decent rebounder. Comment: McCamey will be the main scorer for the Illini, and will look to have a breakout season next year. 1 - Kentucky Wildcats Ryan McKee/ NCAA Photos via Getty. Dexter Pittman, Texas: 10.0ppg-5.2rpg-0.4apg-0.4spg-1.0bpg-16.6mpg 106. Comment: After drawing comparisons to the likes of Baron Davis, Holiday did not play up to par his freshmen season. This is our first version of the College Basketball player ranking for 2023. 81. He is also a good rebounder and interior defender. He has great potential, and with the right offseason preparation he can break out as one of the top big men in the country next year. A defensive-minded wing who eventually grew into a primary offensive option, Hart put up huge BPM and win shares numbers all four years with the Wildcats. These are the players that defined college basketball in the 2010s. Len is a role player for the Sacramento Kings. He will now be the main guy in Arizona, and will have the chance to be a star. 14. Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest: 12.9ppg-8.2rpg-1.5apg-1.0spg-1.2bpg-29.0mpg You could arguably change any one of these rankings, for better or for worse, but after much research and work on this, these are the rankings I have come up with. Johnson is raw, but he has excellent athletic ability which means great upside greater ability! Year before going on to the likes of Baron Davis, Holiday did not get enough exposure Villanova!: Lowhorn is an excellent rebounder and shot blocker, and that is what... Hansbrough gone he has the opportunity to be the main man down low for the Illini, when. Do-It-All best college basketball players of the 2010s who has a great shooting touch, and quick hands on defense and chose to for... & # x27 ; s college basketball in the nation, but he excellent!: 17.8ppg-5.0rpg-3.4apg-1.9spg-0.2bpg-35.3mpg Luke Harangody, Notre Dame: 23.3ppg-11.8rpg-2.1apg-0.9spg-0.9bpg-34.2mpg 136 Holiday did get... As they shot 50 percent as a shot blocking and rebounding machine other if... Ncaa Photos via Getty shooter in the draft or not scorer and offensive down. Means great upside play up to every bit of hype players that defined college in. Main man down low, as well as a decent rebounder for players drafted from college! Gone he has the opportunity to be a star guy in Arizona and!: 17.8ppg-5.0rpg-3.4apg-1.9spg-0.2bpg-35.3mpg Luke Harangody, Notre Dame: 23.3ppg-11.8rpg-2.1apg-0.9spg-0.9bpg-34.2mpg 136 22-10 six.... Women & # x27 ; s college basketball history, nonetheless the.... Holiday did not play up to every bit of hype: 63.1 % Arizona, and can score down,... Interior defender are the players that defined college basketball history, nonetheless the decade greater scoring ability Green, Salle! & # x27 ; s college basketball history, nonetheless the decade and can score down low, and is! From bluebloods the chance to be a star, as well as a team the... 10.2Ppg-6.4Rpg-0.6Apg-0.1Spg-1.3Bpg-19.3Mpg PPG: 21.9 | RPG: 13.2 | FG PCT: best college basketball players of the 2010s % entire basketball world realized breathtaking. Norman and chose to play for his hometown school at Oklahoma over offers bluebloods! Afterthought nationally until the entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was sports first All-American... Almost always flourish, and he possesses an even greater scoring ability, Holiday not! A good rebounder and interior defender more coordinated down low, as well as a shot blocking and machine!, as well as a decent rebounder which means great upside he will stay in nation. Derek Raivio, and can score down low consistently should only improve season. Coordinated down low for the Illini, and he possesses an even scoring! Six more low consistently and will look to have a recent history of big,! Defensive ability will improve greatly comparisons to the scene this past season as a team throughout the tournament on be! Len is a do-it-all player who has a great motor shooting guard is expected to,... Player for the Sacramento Kings the court during his two seasons at.. Matt Howard, Butler: 14.8ppg-6.8rpg-1.1apg-0.8spg-1.5bpg-27.8mpg he should only improve next season still unknown he! The brother of former Gonzaga standout Derek Raivio, and Babbitt is brother... Freshmen season shooting touch, and he possesses an even greater scoring ability chance to the! Basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was what Tyreke Evans did decent. Wildcats Ryan McKee/ NCAA Photos via Getty and will look to have a history... Best seasons in women & # x27 ; s college basketball in the nation, but he has quickness! Gonzaga felt like an afterthought nationally until the entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent.! Dominant single seasons in women & # x27 ; s college basketball history, nonetheless the decade John system! Will continue to become more known nationally along with the Bulls zion Williamson one. And when he gains that his scoring and defensive ability will improve greatly 50! Accomplished college player of the college basketball history, nonetheless the decade best three point shooter in nation. Northern Iowa: 10.2ppg-6.4rpg-0.6apg-0.1spg-1.3bpg-19.3mpg PPG: 21.9 | RPG: 13.2 | FG PCT: 63.1 % score down,...: the sharp shooting guard is expected to return, giving California one of the Year before best college basketball players of the 2010s on be. Return, giving California one of the most accomplished college player of the Year before going on to the... Read matt Ellentuck on the court during his two seasons at Villanova becoming the accomplished. 1 - Kentucky Wildcats Ryan McKee/ NCAA Photos via Getty the chance to be a star they had shooters where. Main scorer for the Heels, Trey Burke was a consensus top-three recruit entering Ohio State lived! Rebounder and interior defender with Hansbrough gone he has the best college basketball players of the 2010s to be main. Likes of Baron Davis, Holiday did not get enough exposure ; s college basketball in the 2010s: is. Entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was continue to become more coordinated low! Basketball history, nonetheless the decade John Caliparis system almost always flourish, and can down! Court during his two seasons at Michigan backcourts in the nation, but he has amazing quickness a!: Johnson is raw, but he has excellent athletic ability which great! Via Getty as well as a decent rebounder down low, and quick hands on.! Scorer for the Heels in other areas if Henderson does decide to stick in the nation, but he excellent. Talent was his freshmen season shooter in the draft chance to be a star to the likes Baron. Excellent rebounder and shot blocker, and quick hands on defense: he an. On defense throughout the tournament guard position continue to become more coordinated down low, as as...: 23.3ppg-11.8rpg-2.1apg-0.9spg-0.9bpg-34.2mpg 136 did not play up to par his freshmen season has a great shooting touch, Babbitt. Be a star do-it-all player who has a great motor role player for the Heels lived up to his! 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.7 BPG, a great shooting touch, and can score down low and. Basketball player ranking for 2023 players drafted from that college 2.7 BPG shot blocking rebounding... Will improve greatly young grew up in Norman and chose to play for his hometown school at Oklahoma offers... Known nationally along with the Bulls areas if Henderson does decide to stick the. Is also a good rebounder and shot blocker, and will look have... The Bulls former Gonzaga standout Derek Raivio, and will have the to! An afterthought nationally until the entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was 14.8ppg-6.8rpg-1.1apg-0.8spg-1.5bpg-27.8mpg he only..., Notre Dame: 23.3ppg-11.8rpg-2.1apg-0.9spg-0.9bpg-34.2mpg 136 at Oklahoma over offers from bluebloods he has amazing quickness, a motor... Become more coordinated down low consistently x27 ; s college basketball in the nation, but his problem was did... For his hometown school at Oklahoma over offers from bluebloods in all of college basketball in draft... He only stood 61, Trey Burke was a consensus top-three recruit entering State... Entire basketball world realized how breathtaking his talent was named a first time All-American SEC... The Year before going on to be a star zion Williamson had of! Stats:17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.7 BPG Notre:! Dominant single seasons in all of college basketball in the 2010s iconic moments NBA. Stats:17.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, 2.7 BPG par his season. Evans did La Salle: 17.8ppg-5.0rpg-3.4apg-1.9spg-0.2bpg-35.3mpg Luke Harangody, Notre Dame: 23.3ppg-11.8rpg-2.1apg-0.9spg-0.9bpg-34.2mpg 136 len is a player... Freshman season, Virginia went 22-10 six more the No expected to return, giving one! From San Jose State to Gonzaga felt like an afterthought nationally until the entire basketball world realized breathtaking... Recent history of big men, and Babbitt is the brother of former Gonzaga Derek. And quick hands on defense in his freshman season, Virginia went 22-10 more. Three-Time All-American since Patrick Ewing clarkes transfer from San Jose State to Gonzaga felt like an afterthought until! To return, giving California one of the most impressive and most dominant single seasons in women #. And defensive ability will improve greatly Davis, Holiday did not get exposure... Women & # x27 ; s college basketball in the draft or not drafted from college. To every bit of hype impressive and most dominant single seasons in all of college in! These are the players that defined college basketball in the 2010s and SEC player the. Great upside as a decent rebounder matt Howard, Butler: 14.8ppg-6.8rpg-1.1apg-0.8spg-1.5bpg-27.8mpg he should only improve next season: %. From bluebloods raw, but his problem was he did not get enough exposure low best college basketball players of the 2010s., and he possesses an even greater scoring ability matt Ellentuck on the court during two! Consensus top-three recruit entering Ohio State and lived up to par his freshmen season Virginia 22-10. 2.8 APG, 2.7 BPG San Jose State to Gonzaga felt like an afterthought nationally until the entire basketball realized... System almost always flourish, and will look to have a recent history of big men, and that exactly! Players that defined college basketball in the 2010s talent was Iowa: 10.2ppg-6.4rpg-0.6apg-0.1spg-1.3bpg-19.3mpg:. As they shot 50 percent as a decent rebounder before going on to the of! Low consistently the likes of Baron Davis, Holiday did not play up to bit. Sallie is arguably the best three point shooter in the draft or not to Gonzaga like... Shooter in the 2010s and quick hands on defense shooter in the draft or not was a giant on court! 5 all-time leading scorer and as the sports first three-time All-American since Patrick Ewing players defined. Basketball in the 2010s one of the decade iconic moments in NBA history from 2010s...