The 10 Greatest College Basketball Players in Big 10 History

The Big 10 Conference has long been regarded as one of the premier destinations for elite college basketball talent. From the hardwood dynasties of Indiana and Michigan State to the modern-day powerhouses of Purdue and Wisconsin, the conference has produced some of the most legendary players to ever grace the NCAA hardwood. As we reflect on the rich history of Big 10 basketball, it's time to unveil the 10 greatest college players to ever don the colors of this storied conference.

Methodology for Ranking the Greats

Compiling a definitive list of the Big 10's all-time basketball greats is no easy task. To ensure we capture the true essence of greatness, we've established a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate each player's impact and legacy:

1. Statistical Performance: Raw numbers don't tell the whole story, but they provide a crucial foundation. We'll examine scoring averages, rebounding numbers, assist totals, and other key statistical benchmarks to gauge a player's individual dominance.

2. College Achievements: Championships, awards, and individual accolades are a testament to a player's ability to elevate their team. We'll consider NCAA tournament success, conference titles, and personal honors like Player of the Year awards.

3. Impact on Team Success: The greatest players don't just put up gaudy stats - they transform their teams into perennial contenders. We'll evaluate how each player's presence influenced their program's overall success during their college careers.

4. Professional Career Influence: While college performance is the primary focus, we'll also consider how a player's legacy carried over to the professional ranks. NBA draft position, longevity, and overall impact in the pros will be factored in.

With these criteria in mind, let's dive into the 10 greatest college basketball players in Big 10 history.

The 10 Greatest Big 10 College Basketball Players

1. Earvin "Magic" Johnson - Michigan State

There's a strong case to be made that Earvin "Magic" Johnson is not only the greatest player in Big 10 history, but one of the most influential figures the sport has ever seen. The 6'9" point guard revolutionized the game with his unparalleled vision, passing ability, and all-around court dominance.

During his three-year career at Michigan State from 1977 to 1979, Johnson led the Spartans to the 1979 NCAA championship, earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. He averaged a remarkable 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game, showcasing a skill set that was decades ahead of its time.

Johnson's impact extended far beyond the stat sheet. His charismatic leadership and flair for the dramatic transformed Michigan State into a national powerhouse, paving the way for the program's sustained success in the decades that followed. The Lansing native's ability to elevate his teammates and captivate audiences made him a true icon of the sport.

Drafted 1st overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, Johnson went on to become one of the NBA's all-time greats, winning five championships and three MVP awards. His college dominance and professional excellence cement his status as the greatest player in Big 10 history.

2. Calbert Cheaney - Indiana

If there's one player who embodies the grit and determination that defines Indiana basketball, it's Calbert Cheaney. The Hoosiers' all-time leading scorer carved out a legendary four-year career in Bloomington, cementing his place among the conference's elite.

Cheaney's college accolades are staggering. He was named the 1993 Naismith Player of the Year, the consensus National Player of the Year, and the Big 10 Player of the Year - all while leading Indiana to the 1993 NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen. The 6'7" swingman averaged an impressive 22.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game over his illustrious career.

What made Cheaney so special was his well-rounded game and relentless work ethic. He was a deadly shooter from the perimeter, a tenacious defender, and a leader who elevated his teammates to new heights. Cheaney's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

Drafted 6th overall by the Washington Bullets in 1993, Cheaney enjoyed a successful 13-year NBA career, solidifying his status as one of the most complete players to ever come out of the Big 10. His combination of individual accolades, team success, and professional longevity cement his place as the second-greatest player in conference history.

3. Draymond Green - Michigan State

In an era defined by flashy scorers and athletic wings, Draymond Green carved out a unique legacy as one of the most versatile and impactful players in Big 10 history. The 6'7" forward's unparalleled all-around game and fierce competitive spirit made him a nightmare for opponents during his four-year tenure at Michigan State.

Green's numbers during his college career were impressive, as he averaged 12.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. But his true value extended far beyond the stat sheet. Green was the engine that drove Michigan State's success, orchestrating the offense, locking down on defense, and setting the tone with his relentless hustle.

The Saginaw, Michigan native's crowning achievement came in 2012, when he led the Spartans to the Final Four and was named the Big 10 Player of the Year. Green's ability to stuff the stat sheet, make winning plays, and elevate his teammates made him an invaluable asset for Tom Izzo's program.

Drafted 35th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2012, Green has gone on to become a four-time NBA champion and three-time All-Star. His unique skill set and unparalleled competitiveness have made him one of the league's most impactful players, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest all-around talents to ever come out of the Big 10.

4. Glenn Robinson - Purdue

When it comes to pure scoring prowess, few players in Big 10 history can match the dominance of Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson. The 6'8" forward's relentless attacking mentality and uncanny scoring ability made him an unstoppable force during his two-year tenure at Purdue.

Robinson's numbers are staggering - he averaged 30.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game, leading the nation in scoring as a junior in 1994. His ability to score from all three levels, coupled with his physical tools and relentless motor, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Beyond the individual accolades, Robinson's impact on Purdue's success was undeniable. He led the Boilermakers to the 1994 NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen, earning consensus National Player of the Year honors in the process. Robinson's sheer offensive firepower transformed Purdue into a national powerhouse, paving the way for the program's sustained success in the years that followed.

Drafted 1st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1994, Robinson enjoyed a successful 11-year NBA career, making two All-Star teams and winning the 1994-95 Rookie of the Year award. His college dominance and professional achievements cement his status as one of the most unstoppable scorers in Big 10 history.

5. Jalen Rose - Michigan

The Fab Five era at Michigan will forever be etched in college basketball lore, and at the heart of that legendary squad was Jalen Rose. The 6'8" point forward's unique blend of size, skill, and swagger made him a transcendent talent during his four-year career with the Wolverines.

Rose's numbers were impressive, as he averaged 17.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over his college career. But his true impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Rose's ability to orchestrate the offense, create for his teammates, and make timely plays in the clutch made him the driving force behind Michigan's back-to-back Final Four appearances in 1992 and 1993.

The Chicago native's flair and confidence were as much a part of his legacy as his on-court brilliance. Rose and the Fab Five's bold fashion choices, trash-talking, and unapologetic style of play captivated audiences and cemented their place in college basketball lore.

Drafted 13th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 1994, Rose enjoyed a successful 13-year NBA career, making one All-Star team and winning a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. His college dominance, cultural impact, and professional achievements solidify his status as one of the most influential and talented players in Big 10 history.

6. Trey Burke - Michigan

In an era defined by high-powered offenses and dynamic guard play, Trey Burke stands out as one of the most dominant and impactful point guards to ever grace the Big 10 hardwood. The 6'1" floor general's combination of scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and clutch performances made him a nightmare for opposing teams during his two-year tenure at Michigan.

Burke's numbers during the 2012-13 season were nothing short of staggering, as he averaged 18.6 points, 6.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. His ability to control the tempo, create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, and make timely plays in the clutch were instrumental in leading the Wolverines to the 2013 NCAA championship game.

Beyond the individual accolades, Burke's impact on Michigan's success was undeniable. He was the driving force behind the Wolverines' run to the national title game, earning consensus National Player of the Year honors in the process. Burke's leadership, poise, and all-around brilliance transformed Michigan into a national powerhouse and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest point guards in Big 10 history.

Drafted 9th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2013, Burke enjoyed a successful NBA career, making the All-Rookie Second Team and proving himself as a reliable floor general at the professional level. His college dominance, team success, and individual awards make him a clear-cut selection among the Big 10's all-time greats.

7. Keita Bates-Diop - Ohio State

In an era dominated by high-flying wings and explosive scorers, Keita Bates-Diop carved out a unique legacy as one of the most versatile and impactful players in recent Big 10 history. The 6'7" forward's combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess made him a nightmare for opponents during his four-year tenure at Ohio State.

Bates-Diop's numbers during the 2017-18 season were nothing short of remarkable, as he averaged 19.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, coupled with his efficient scoring and playmaking, earned him consensus National Player of the Year honors and the Big 10 Player of the Year award.

Beyond the individual accolades, Bates-Diop's influence on Ohio State's success was undeniable. He led the Buckeyes to the 2018 NCAA tournament, where they advanced to the Second Round. Bates-Diop's versatility, basketball IQ, and relentless motor made him an invaluable asset for Chris Holtmann's program, transforming Ohio State into a perennial contender in the Big 10.

Drafted 48th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2018, Bates-Diop has carved out a solid NBA career, proving himself as a reliable two-way forward at the professional level. His college dominance, individual awards, and all-around impact cement his status as one of the most well-rounded players to ever come out of the Big 10 conference.

8. Evan Turner - Ohio State

When it comes to all-around excellence and sheer statistical dominance, few players in Big 10 history can match the legacy of Evan Turner. The 6'7" guard's unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a nightmare for opposing teams during his three-year tenure at Ohio State.

Turner's numbers during the 2009-10 season were nothing short of staggering, as he averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. His ability to stuff the stat sheet, create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, and make timely plays in the clutch earned him consensus National Player of the Year honors and the Big 10 Player of the Year award.

Beyond the individual accolades, Turner's impact on Ohio State's success was undeniable. He led the Buckeyes to the 2010 NCAA tournament, where they advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. Turner's versatility, leadership, and all-around brilliance transformed Ohio State into a national powerhouse, cementing his legacy as one of the most complete players in Big 10 history.

Drafted 2nd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2010, Turner enjoyed a successful 10-year NBA career, proving himself as a reliable and versatile contributor at the professional level. His college dominance, individual awards, and professional achievements make him a clear-cut selection among the Big 10's all-time greats.

9. Desmond Howard - Michigan

In an era defined by explosive scorers and dynamic playmakers, Desmond Howard stands out as one of the most electrifying and impactful players to ever grace the Big 10 hardwood. The 5'10" wide receiver's combination of speed, agility, and game-breaking ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses during his four-year tenure at Michigan.

Howard's numbers during the 1991 season were nothing short of remarkable, as he averaged 27.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. His ability to stretch the field vertically, make plays in the open court, and find the end zone earned him the Heisman Trophy, cementing his status as one of the most dominant players in college football history.

But Howard's impact extended far beyond the gridiron, as he was also a standout on the basketball court. His athleticism, scoring prowess, and playmaking ability made him a valuable asset for the Wolverines' basketball team, where he averaged 14.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game over his college career.

Howard's crowning achievement came in 1991, when he led Michigan to the NCAA championship game, earning the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award in the process. His ability to make game-changing plays, captivate audiences, and elevate his team's success cemented his legacy as one of the most electrifying and impactful players in Big 10 history.

Drafted 4th overall by the Washington Redskins in the 1992 NFL Draft, Howard went on to enjoy a successful 11-year professional football career, making four Pro Bowls and winning a Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1991. His college dominance, individual accolades, and professional achievements make him a clear-cut selection among the Big 10's all-time greats.

10. Caris LeVert - Michigan

In an era defined by high-powered offenses and dynamic guard play, Caris LeVert stands out as one of the most versatile and impactful players to ever grace the Big 10 hardwood. The 6'7" guard's combination of size, skill, and two-way excellence made him a nightmare for opposing teams during his four-year tenure at Michigan.

LeVert's numbers during his college career were impressive, as he averaged 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. But his true value extended far beyond the stat sheet. LeVert's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, orchestrate the offense, and make timely plays in the clutch made him an invaluable asset for the Wolverines.

The Pickerington, Ohio native's crowning achievement came in 2016, when he led Michigan to the NCAA tournament Sweet Sixteen, earning All-Big 10 First Team honors in the process. LeVert's versatility, basketball IQ, and relentless motor transformed the Wolverines into a perennial contender in the conference, cementing his legacy as one of the most well-rounded players in Big 10 history.

Drafted 20th overall by the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, LeVert has carved out a successful NBA career, proving himself as a reliable two-way wing at the professional level. His college dominance, individual awards, and all-around impact make him a worthy selection among the Big 10's all-time greats.

Honorable Mentions

While the 10