Best Big Ten Basketball Players Of All Time
The Big Ten Conference is one of the best-known and most competitive sports conferences in the United States, featuring some of the top college basketball programs in the country. Over the years, the conference has produced many great basketball players who have gone on to play in the NBA or become legends in their own right.
Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas is a former point guard who played for Indiana University from 1979 to 1981 before being drafted into the NBA. During his time in the Big Ten, he earned All-American and All-Big Ten honors twice, and was named the conference's Player of the Year in 1981. He led his team to an NCAA championship in 1981, and also played a key role in the gold medal-winning 1980 U.S. Olympic basketball team. In the NBA, he went on to win two championships with the Detroit Pistons, and was a 12-time All-Star.
Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Earvin "Magic" Johnson played for Michigan State University from 1977 to 1979, where he led his team to a national championship in 1979. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament that year, and also earned All-American and All-Big Ten honors twice during his college career. He went on to have an incredible NBA career, winning five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and earning three MVP awards. He is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time.
Calbert Cheaney
Calbert Cheaney is a former small forward who played for Indiana University from 1989 to 1993. During his time in the Big Ten, he set the conference record for career points with 2,613, a record that still stands today. He was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big Ten player, and also won the Wooden Award in 1993 as the best player in college basketball. He went on to have a solid NBA career, playing for several teams over a 13-year span.
Glenn Robinson
Glenn Robinson played for Purdue University from 1992 to 1994, earning All-American and All-Big Ten honors both years. He was named the conference's Player of the Year in 1994, when he led his team to a Big Ten championship and was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament. He was selected as the first overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft, and went on to have a successful 11-year career in the NBA.
John Havlicek
John Havlicek played for Ohio State University from 1959 to 1962, where he earned All-American and All-Big Ten honors twice. He helped his team win a national championship in 1960 and also played on the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team in 1960. He went on to have a Hall of Fame career in the NBA, winning eight championships with the Boston Celtics and earning 13 All-Star selections.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great basketball players who have played in the Big Ten Conference over the years. Each of these players made significant contributions to the sport, setting records and achieving incredible feats on the court. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations of basketball players and fans.
