Seton Hall
The 50 greatest Big East basketball players of all-time
Date: March 27, 2020By: Michael Daly
Honorable Mentions:
Hakim Warrick, Wesley Matthews, Donyell Marshall, Isaiah Whitehead, Ryan Gomes, Tina Charles, John Wallace, Jalen Brunson, Felipe Lopez
Credit: Seton Hall Athletics
50. Angel Delgado, Seton Hall (2014-2018)
By the end of his career at Seton Hall, Delgado finished with the second most total rebounds in Big East history with 1,455 rebounds. He played an instrumental role in Seton Hall’s three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances during his sophomore, junior, and senior season.
49. Kris Dunn, Providence (2012-2016)
Dunn gradually improved each season and was a two-time Big East Player of the Year during his final two seasons at Providence. In his junior season, he averaged 16.2 points-per-game and led the Friars to the round of 32 in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
48. Otis Thorpe, Providence (1980-1984)
He was one of the only bright spots for a program that struggled just a few years after Dave Gavitt stepped away from Providence’s sideline. During his four years, he was selected to three All-Big East teams and averaged a double-double in his senior season.
47. Da’Sean Butler, West Virginia (2006-2010)
West Virginia relied on Butler to lead them to the Big East Championship and the Final Four in 2010. Butler finished his last two seasons with the Mountaineers scoring 17.1 and 17.2 points-per-game in his junior and senior campaign. Bob Huggins coached a solid core with Butler, Devin Ebanks, and Kevin Jones.
46. Angel McCoughtry, Louisville (2005-2009)
She finished her time at Louisville ending up as the all-time leading scorer in school history with 2,779 points. Her school record stands to this point. McCoughtry caught the attention of the Big East during his sophomore year when she was named the Big East Player of the Year. Louisville became a contender in their first few years in the Big East thanks to McCoughtry’s contributions.
45. Luke Harangody, Notre Dame (2006-2010)
Arguably one of the most underrated players in Big East history, Harangody averaged double figure scoring totals in all four seasons at Notre Dame. He was the conference’s Player of the Year in the 2007-2008 season and was a three-time Consensus second-team All-American. His 1,222 rebounds rank third all-time in Big East history.
44. Otto Porter Jr., Georgetown (2011-2013)
He made a significant leap from his freshman season to his sophomore season, as he nearly doubled his scoring average. In 2012-2013, Porter’s dominance made him the clear choice for Big East Player of the Year, and he was picked for the Consensus First-Team All-America. He anchored the Hoyas to their fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament in his second and final season at Georgetown.
43. Cappie Pondexter, Rutgers (2002-2006)
Pondexter made an immediate impact for Rutgers as a freshman when she was named Big East Rookie of the Year in 2003. Her stellar four-year career at Rutgers put her at second all-time on Rutgers’ scoring list. She became the third player in Rutgers history have her number retired.
42. Shelly Pennefather, Villanova (1983-1987)
Won Big East Player of the Year three consecutive times and was a relentless scorer for the Wildcats. She was the first and only Villanova Wildcat to have won the Big East Player of the Year. When she graduated, her legacy was cemented as the all-time leading scorer and rebounds with 2,408 points and 1,171 rebounds.
41. DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh (2007-2009)
Played two years for the Pittsburgh Panthers and hit a stride in the 2008-2009 season when he was named the Big East Co-Player of the Year and was a Consensus First-Team All-American. In his sophomore year, he led Pittsburgh to the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament. He was a dominant post player during that season with 15.7 points-per-game and 12.3 rebounds-per-game.
Credit: Syracuse Basketball
40. Jonny Flynn, Syracuse (2007-2009)
As a freshman, he stepped into a role that required him to run the offense and he made the most of it. His sophomore season was one to remember as he averaged 17.4 points-per-game and had 6.7 assists-per-game.
39. Jeremy Hazell, Seton Hall (2007-2011)
Hazell was named to three all Big East teams and scored 22.7 points-per-game in his sophomore season. He was an extremely consistent scorer and is now ranked third on the all-time scoring list for the Pirates with 2,146 points.
38. Metta World Peace, St. John’s (1997-1999)
Before he attended St. John’s in 1997, the Red Storm had not qualified for the NCAA Tournament since the 1992-1993 season. His tenacious style of play carried St. John’s to the NCAA Tournament in both years with the program. He scored an average of 14.5 points-per-game and grabbed 6.3 rebounds-per-game in his second season.
37. Kerry Bascom, UConn (1987-1991)
One of the pioneers of UConn women’s basketball, Bascom was a tremendous offensive threat who scored 22.6 points-per-game in the 1988-1989 season. In each of her final three seasons with the Huskies, she put up an average of 20-plus points-per-game. During the three-year stretch, she secured three Big East Player of the Year awards.
36. Malik Sealy, St. John’s (1988-1992)
Finished his career with St. John’s as the second all-time leading scorer with 2,401 points. Named to three All-Big East teams during his college career, Sealy carried the torch that was left behind by the past greats of St. John’s.
35. Gerry McNamara, Syracuse (2002-2006)
His ball handling skills as a freshman helped Syracuse to a national championship with his 13.3 points-per-game and his 4.4 assists-per-game average. From his sophomore to senior season, McNamara scored at least 15.0 points-per-game and was honored with two All-Big East First Team selections in his final two years at Syracuse.
34. Ruth Riley, Notre Dame (1997-2001)
She was honored with two selections to the First-Team All-America in her junior and senior seasons. In 2001, her Notre Dame team won the national championship and she was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
33. Richard Hamilton, UConn (1996-1999)
His two-time Big East Player of the Year seasons in 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 were truly mesmerizing. He carried UConn to a national championship in 1999 and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year.
32. Reggie Williams, Georgetown (1983-1987)
As a freshman, Williams came off the bench for the national championship Georgetown Hoyas team and averaged 9.1 points-per-game. By the time his senior year was completed, Williams staked his claim as one of the greatest Hoyas of all time. He was a Consensus First-Team All American and the Big East Player of the Year in 1987.
31. Skylar Diggins-Smith, Notre Dame (2009-2013)
Her career at Notre Dame took college basketball by storm and she ended up earning two nominations to the AP First-Team All-America in her last two seasons at Notre Dame. Her talent led the Fighting Irish to three successive Final Four appearances and two national championship game occurrences. Her two biggest personal accolades include two Big East Player of the Year designations and two Nancy Lieberman Awards.
30. Emeka Okafor, UConn (2001-2004)
One of the greatest two-way players in Big East history, Okafor was a two-time Big East Player of the Year winner and a two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. He was the leading shot blocker in the nation in the 2002-2003 season. His career at UConn ended with a national championship.
29. Quincy Douby, Rutgers (2003-2006)
Easily the most prolific scorer out of Rutgers in the last 30 years, Douby led the Big East in scoring during his junior year with a 25.4 scoring average. Douby was the first Rutgers player to ever lead the Big East in scoring.
28. Marshon Brooks, Providence (2007-2011)
Set the Big East single-game scoring record with 52 points against Notre Dame on Feb. 23, 2011. He was a prodigious scorer for the Friars during a difficult time in the Keno Davis era. The nation started paying attention to Brooks during his senior year when he was averaging 24.6 points a night.
27. Dan Callandrillo, Seton Hall (1978-1982)
Seton Hall joined the Big East in Callandrillo’s sophomore season and he was one of the premiere scorers in the conference from the very beginning. In the Big East’s inaugural season, he dropped 19.4 points-per-game. His groundbreaking season came during his senior year when he scored 25.9 points-per-game and was named the Big East Player of the Year. He finished his career at Seton Hall with three All-Big East selections.
26. Doug McDermott, Creighton (2010-2014)
Despite only playing one season in the Big East, McDermott overpowered his opponents with his scoring prowess. His 26.7 points-per-game in 2013-2014 were good enough to earn him the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, and the Big East Player of the Year.
25. Diana Taurasi, UConn (2000-2004)
During her two-time National Player of the Year run that ended in 2004, Taurasi ushered the UConn Huskies to three consecutive national championships. She became the third UConn player to win Big East Player of the Year two-times, which she did in 2003 and 2004.
24. Troy Bell, Boston College (1999-2003)
His time at Boston College was near the end of Boston College’s experience in the Big East before they moved to the ACC. He was the Big East Player of the Year in 2001 and 2003, a three-time First team All-Big East pick and a two-time Consensus Second-Team All-American.
23. Billy Owens, Syracuse (1988-1991)
1991 was a magical year for this 6-foot-8-inch forward who brought in 23.3 points-per-game for the Syracuse Orange. In that same year, he received Big East Player of the Year recognition and was a member of the Consensus First-Team All-America unit.
22. Rebecca Lobo, UConn (1991-1995)
Claimed two consecutive Big East Player of the Year awards in 1993 and 1994. Her best year in a UConn uniform came in the 1993-1994 season when she impressively averaged 19.2 points-per-game.
Credit: Seton Hall Athletics
21. Terry Dehere, Seton Hall (1989-1993)
Dehere willed his Seton Hall squad to a Sweet Sixteen, an Elite 8, and a Final Four during his four years at the Hall. The 1992-1993 season turned out to be a magnificent one for the guard who scored 22.4 points-per-game and became the second player in program history to win the conference’s Player of the Year achievement.
20. Dana Barros, Boston College (1985-1989)
The three-time All Big East selection and one-time First-Team Big East choice steadily improved each year at Boston College. His career high in scoring came during his senior year with 23.9 points-per-game.
19. Troy Murphy, Notre Dame (1998-2001)
All of his three seasons at Notre Dame were commanding, as he made his mark on the league with two Big East Player of the Year selections. On top of his dominance in the Big East, he was recognized twice as a Consensus First-Team All-American.
18. Sherman Douglas, Syracuse (1985-1989)
After a slow start with Syracuse, Douglas found his rhythm in the 1986-1987 season when he scored an average of 17.3 points-per-game and dished 7.6 assists-per-game. He went down as one of the best facilitators and court generals in Syracuse history.
17. Scottie Reynolds, Villanova (2006-2010)
An extremely skillful guard who was a Consensus First-Team All-American in his senior season. In 2008-2009, he led the charge for a scrappy Villanova team that made it all the way to the Final Four. His career high scoring total was 18.2 points in the 2009-2010 season.
16. Mark Jackson, St. John’s (1983-1987)
In the 1985-1986 season, Jackson took over Lou Carnesecca’s offense and made an average of 9.1 assists in each contest. He was the season’s assist leader in the NCAA in 1986. His defensive skillset was an underrated part of his game, as he was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in the 1986-1987 season.
15. Alonzo Mourning, Georgetown (1988-1992)
The shot blocking ability that he possessed seemed like a match made in heaven with John Thompson Jr. Mourning was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and the 1991-1992 Big East Player of the Year. In his senior season, he amassed an average of 21.3 points-per-game and 5.0 blocks-per-game.
14. Eric “Sleepy” Floyd, Georgetown (1978-1982)
One of the best players the Big East had to offer in their infant stages, Floyd was a three-time All Big East selection. The shifty guard managed to score 17.7 points-per-game in a Georgetown uniform and helped the Hoyas get to the national championship game in 1982 against North Carolina.
13. Ed Pinckney, Villanova (1981-1985)
Coming into college, Pinckney was overshadowed by Chris Mullin and Patrick Ewing, but that did not stop him from having a legendary stint with the Villanova Wildcats. He was elected to the First-Team Big East twice, 1983 and 1985. His crowning achievement in college was winning a national championship in 1985 against Georgetown.
12. Kemba Walker, UConn (2008-2011)
As a freshman in 2009, he saw significant minutes on a Final Four team and he eventually blossomed into a serious scoring threat for Connecticut. Walker closed out his college career with a story book ending that saw his team defeat Butler in the 2011 national championship game. His late-game heroics led him to capturing the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player award in 2011.
11. Kerry Kittles, Villanova (1992-1996)
The focal point of two NCAA Tournament teams, Kittles thrived in the big moment. He was the Big East Player of the Year in the 1994-1995 season and was acknowledged as part of the Consensus First-Team All-America in 1996.
10. Sue Bird, UConn (1998-2002)
She was a crucial member of three Final Four squads at Connecticut. In 2000, she was the inaugural recipient of the Nancy Lieberman Award, for the nation’s top point guard. In her final season playing for head coach Geno Auriemma, Bird won the College Player of the Year award and secured the third title in program history.
9. Allen Iverson, Georgetown (1994-1996)
Iverson was one of the most scintillating players in the country with his ability to make plays and get to the hole. On top of being an All-American, he was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in both seasons at Georgetown. Iverson’s 124 steals in 1996 led the country. He finished the 1995-1996 season ranked seventh in the country in points-per-game with 25.0 and he paced the conference in scoring.
8. Ray Allen, UConn (1993-1996)
Connecticut made the NCAA Tournament three times with Allen leading the way. He stands at fifth all-time on the scoring list for UConn with 1,922 points. He was awarded the Big East Player of the Year honor in 1996. His 23.4 points-per-game in the 1995-1996 period charted second in the conference behind Iverson and 10th nationally.
7. Derrick Coleman, Syracuse (1986-1990)
Chosen as a member of the First-Team All-Big East three times and was the Big East Player of the Year in 1990. His 2,143 points sits second all time on Syracuse’s scoring leader board.
6. Dwayne “Pearl” Washington, Syracuse (1983-1986)
In his junior season at Syracuse, Washington scored 17.3 points-per-game and averaged 7.8 assists-per-game. He was arguably one of the greatest basketball players in Syracuse’s history and his resume backs that claim. He was selected to three successive Big East First Teams.
5. Walter Berry, St. John’s (1984-1986)
The tandem of Berry and Mullin was nearly impossible to beat for most teams in the Big East and the country. Berry was a prominent member of the 1985 Final Four team that fell to Georgetown. As a sophomore, Berry scored an average of 23.0 points-per-game and brought home the Big East Player of the Year award, as well as the Wooden Award. St. John’s had back-to-back Wooden Award winners in Berry and Mullin.
4. Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse (2002-2003)
Anthony was one of the first prominent NBA prospects to be one-and-done in college. He made the most of his only year at Syracuse by winning the national championship and he scored 22.2 points-per-game. His impact as a freshman was indelible and Syracuse reaped the benefit of having a once in a generation talent on their roster, albeit for one season.
3. Chris Mullin, St. John’s (1981-1985)
He remains the only player in Big East history to have won the conference’s Player of the Year Award three times. Mullin won the Wooden Award in 1985, starting the consecutive Wooden Awards for St. John’s players. Mullin finished his career at St. John’s as the all-time leading scorer with 2,440 points.
2. Maya Moore, UConn (2007-2011)
She epitomized winning for the Huskies with a career record of 150-4 over her four years with the program. When it was all said and done for Moore in college, she finished as the fourth-leading scorer in NCAA history with 3,036 points. Moore was a three-time Big East Player of the Year and a two-time Wooden Award winner. She was the ultimate winner.
Credit: NY Daily News
1.Patrick Ewing, Georgetown (1981-1985)
He was the Big East’s prized possession coming out of high school when he decided to stay in the Northeast. He led Georgetown to three national championship games, and he won a national championship in 1984. Head coach Thompson utilized his defensive skills which shaped Ewing into being the Defensive Player of the Year in all four seasons at Georgetown. Ewing was widely regarded as the most dominant big man in college basketball history.
Michael Daly is the Web Editor at WSOU SPORTS and can be reached at wsousportswebeditor@gmail.com.
