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College basketball is more than just a stepping stone to the NBA — it’s where legends are born. The years have brought some of the best college basketball players who have left an indelible mark on the sport through their exceptional talent, leadership and on-court performances.
From dynasties built around towering centers to clutch guards who can shoot the lights out, the NCAA has seen its share of greatness. Here’s a look at the top college basketball players of all time, ranked based on their impact, stats and legacy.
1. Lew Alcindor
College: The Bruins – UCLA (1966-1969)
You may know him as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but he was Lew Alcindor before that. Arguably the best player in college basketball history, Alcindor dominated the court like no one before or since.
At UCLA, he led the Bruins to three consecutive national championships. He was a three-time Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 26.4 points and 15.5 rebounds per game.
Lew Alcindor was so startlingly impressive that in 1967, the UCLA banned the dunk specifically to try and make the game more fair for students playing against him.
Alcindor’s legacy goes beyond the numbers. He reshaped the game and set a standard of excellence that continues today. His presence in the paint was so overwhelming that the NCAA famously banned dunking after his sophomore year.
2. Bill Walton
College: The Bruins – UCLA (The early 70’s)
Carrying the UCLA dynasty forward two years after Alcindor graduated, Bill Walton was a force to be reckoned with in the early 1970s. Walton led the Bruins on back-to-back national title wins in 1972 and 1973, cementing his place among the top college basketball players of all time.
Walton averaged 20.3 points and 15.7 rebounds over his career and was a defensive force, dominating in ways few could match. His ability to score efficiently and rebound made him a game-changing presence with incredible court vision and offensive touch, making him a complete player. Walton’s 44-point, near-perfect shooting performance in the 1973 NCAA final remains one of the most remarkable championship game efforts ever.
3. Pete Maravich
College: Louisiana State Tigers – LSU (1967-1970)
“Pistol” Pete Maravich remains the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 3,667 points — a mind-boggling 44.2 points per game. What makes this feat even more incredible is that Maravich accomplished this before the three-point line existed, meaning every long-range shot he took only counted for two points.
A flashy, creative playmaker, Maravich revolutionized the guard position with his quick handles and unlimited shooting range. Despite LSU’s lack of team success during his tenure, Maravich’s brilliance made him one of the best players in college basketball history. His ability to score in bunches revolutionized the guard position and continues to do so.
4. Elvin Hayes
College: The Cougars – University of Houston (1965–1968)
Elvin Hayes is best known for his performance in the 1968 “Game of the Century,” where he outdueled UCLA’s Lew Alcindor, scoring 39 points and grabbing 15 rebounds to hand the Bruins their first loss in 47 games.
“Big E” Hayes averaged 31 points and 17.2 rebounds over his college career, leading Houston to two Final Four appearances. His ability to score from the mid-range and dominate the boards makes him one of the top college basketball players.
5. Caitlin Clark
College: Iowa Hawkeyes – University of Iowa (2021-2024)
Caitlin Clark is rewriting the books in college basketball with her incredible deep shooting range and exceptional playmaking ability. Clark has been breaking records and dazzling fans since her freshman season.
As of 2023, she became the first player in NCAA history — men’s and women’s — to lead in both points and assists per game in a season. Clark broke Pete Maravich’s previous high score by ending her career with 3,951 points in 2024.
As a standout at the University of Iowa, Clark has averaged over 27 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds per game. Her ability to take over games and perform under pressure has earned her National Player of the Year honors, and she’s poised to continue making history. As one of the most talented players in the modern era, Caitlin Clark is a legend in the making. No wonder she is one of the most in-demand WNBA draft prospects of 2024.
6. Kelsey Plum
College: The Washington Huskies – University of Washington (2013-2017)
Kelsey Plum became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer in women’s basketball in 2017, finishing her career with 3,527 points. Plum averaged 25.4 points per game over her four-year stint at Washington, and her senior season saw her score an incredible 1,109 points, breaking the NCAA women’s single-season record.
Plum’s ability to score from anywhere on the court made her one of the most feared offensive players in the game.
7. Doug McDermott
College: Creighton Bluejays – Creighton University (2011-2014)
Doug McDermott finished his college career as the seventh-highest scorer in NCAA men’s basketball history, with 3,150 points. McDermott’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc and score in various ways made him a nightmare for defenders. In 2014, he won National Player of the Year honors and led Creighton to three NCAA tournament appearances.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
College: Louisiana State Tigers – LSU (1989–1992)
Before becoming a global superstar, Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force playing center at LSU. O’Neal averaged 21.6 points, 13.5 rebounds and 4.6 blocks per game during college, earning two first-team All-American selections. His size and strength made him almost unstoppable, and he quickly became one of the most feared players in the NCAA.
Shaq’s dominance at LSU foreshadowed his legendary NBA career, during which he continued to overpower opponents.
9. Michael Jordan
College: The North Carolina Tar Heels – University of North Carolina (1981-1984)
Before becoming the NBA’s greatest player, Michael Jordan made his mark at North Carolina by hitting the game-winning shot as a freshman in the 1982 NCAA championship game. Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game over his three seasons at UNC.
M.J.’s athleticism, defensive prowess and scoring prowess were unmatched, earning him the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1984. Jordan’s college career may be overshadowed by his professional success, but his time at UNC laid the foundation for his legendary career.
10. Cheryl Miller
College: The Women of Troy – University of Southern California (1983–1986)
Cheryl Miller is often credited with elevating women’s college basketball in the 80s. At USC, Miller led the Trojans women’s team to two national titles in 1983 and 1984. At the end of her career, she had an impressive average of 23.6 points and 12 rebounds per game.
Miller is a three-time Naismith Player of the Year and is remembered for her on-court leadership and all-around dominance. Miller’s impact on the game helped pave the way for future women’s basketball stars. Although she was forced to retire at 24, she is still relevant in the sports world. She has served as a successful coach, a broadcaster on TV and is currently running a foundation that advocates for equality in women’s sports.
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
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