The 10 Greatest Power Forwards in College Basketball History

The power forward position has long been a cornerstone of college basketball, with dominant big men anchoring the frontcourt and setting the tone for their teams. These versatile athletes possess a unique blend of size, strength, and skill, capable of controlling the paint, crashing the boards, and even stepping out to knock down perimeter shots.

In the annals of college basketball, a select few power forwards have risen above the rest, etching their names in the history books with their unparalleled performances and lasting impact on the game. From legendary figures who defined their eras to modern-day stars who continue to push the boundaries of the position, these are the 10 greatest power forwards in college basketball history.

Ranking Methodology

In compiling this list, we've taken into account a comprehensive set of criteria to objectively evaluate the greatest power forwards to ever grace the college hardwood. Key factors include:

• Statistical Performance: Gauging a player's overall productivity and efficiency through metrics such as points, rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage.
• College Achievements: Considering individual accolades, such as All-American selections and conference player of the year awards, as well as team accomplishments like NCAA tournament runs and national championships.
• Impact on the Game: Evaluating a player's overall influence on the game, including their ability to dominate opponents, change the flow of a game, and leave an indelible mark on their program.
• Long-Term Legacy: Assessing a player's lasting impact on the sport, their place in the pantheon of college basketball greats, and their continued influence on the game.

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

The 10 Greatest Power Forwards in College Basketball History

1. Tim Duncan, Wake Forest

One of the most dominant big men in college basketball history, Tim Duncan's impact on the game is undeniable. During his four-year career at Wake Forest, the towering power forward established himself as a force to be reckoned with, averaging a double-double in each of his seasons and leading the Demon Deacons to the NCAA tournament three times.

Duncan's college stats are staggering: 16.6 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 54.0% from the field. He was a two-time consensus National Player of the Year, a three-time ACC Player of the Year, and a four-time First-Team All-American.

Beyond the individual accolades, Duncan's leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental in transforming Wake Forest into a perennial contender. His ability to control the paint, protect the rim, and anchor the team's offense and defense made him one of the most valuable players in the college game.

Even after transitioning to the NBA, where he went on to become a five-time champion and 15-time All-Star with the San Antonio Spurs, Duncan's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in college basketball history remains firmly intact.

2. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma

The modern-day prototype of the versatile, high-flying power forward, Blake Griffin's college career at Oklahoma was nothing short of spectacular. During his three seasons with the Sooners, the 6'10" big man established himself as one of the most dominant players in the game, redefining the position with his combination of size, athleticism, and skill.

Griffin's numbers speak for themselves: 22.7 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 65.4% from the field. He was a consensus National Player of the Year in 2009, a two-time Big 12 Player of the Year, and a three-time First-Team All-American.

But Griffin's impact went beyond the stat sheet. His ability to control the paint, finish with authority around the rim, and even handle the ball in transition made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He led Oklahoma to the Elite Eight in 2009, showcasing his leadership and ability to elevate his team to new heights.

Griffin's combination of size, skill, and athleticism set a new standard for the power forward position, paving the way for a new generation of versatile big men who could dominate both inside and out. His college legacy as one of the most dominant and influential power forwards in the game's history is firmly cemented.

3. Kevin Durant, Texas

When it comes to pure scoring prowess, few power forwards in college basketball history can match the exploits of Kevin Durant. During his lone season at the University of Texas, the lanky 6'9" forward captivated audiences with his effortless scoring ability and unparalleled skill set.

Durant's numbers were simply staggering: 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.9 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 47.3% from the field and 40.4% from beyond the arc. He was the consensus National Player of the Year, the Naismith College Player of the Year, and the Big 12 Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the most dominant individual performers in college basketball history.

But Durant's impact went beyond the individual accolades. His ability to score from anywhere on the floor, combined with his length and defensive versatility, made him a nightmare for opposing teams. He led the Longhorns to the NCAA tournament and was instrumental in their run to the Elite Eight, showcasing his ability to elevate his team to new heights.

While Durant's college career was relatively short-lived, his influence on the game is undeniable. He paved the way for a new generation of versatile, perimeter-oriented power forwards who could stretch the floor and create their own shots. Durant's college legacy as one of the most unstoppable scorers in the history of the game is secure.

4. Elgin Baylor, Seattle

In the annals of college basketball history, few players have left as indelible a mark as Elgin Baylor. The Seattle University legend was a true pioneer of the power forward position, redefining the way the game was played with his unparalleled skill, athleticism, and scoring prowess.

During his three-year career with the Chieftains, Baylor averaged a staggering 31.3 points and 19.0 rebounds per game, showcasing a level of dominance that was virtually unmatched in his era. He was a two-time consensus National Player of the Year, a three-time First-Team All-American, and the NCAA tournament's Most Outstanding Player in 1958.

Baylor's impact on the game went far beyond the numbers, however. His ability to handle the ball, create his own shots, and elevate above defenders with his incredible leaping ability made him a true trailblazer for the power forward position. He was a pioneer of the modern, versatile big man, paving the way for future generations of players to redefine the boundaries of the position.

While Baylor's college career was cut short when he left Seattle after his junior season to turn professional, his legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the game remains firmly intact. His influence on the sport, both in the college and professional ranks, is undeniable, and he will forever be remembered as a true icon of the game.

5. Wayman Tisdale, Oklahoma

When it comes to dominant, all-around power forwards in college basketball history, few can match the impact of Wayman Tisdale. During his four-year career at the University of Oklahoma, the 6'9" big man established himself as one of the most versatile and productive players in the game, leaving an indelible mark on the Sooners' program and the sport as a whole.

Tisdale's numbers are staggering: 25.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting an impressive 54.9% from the field. He was a three-time consensus First-Team All-American, a three-time Big Eight Player of the Year, and the 1983 National Player of the Year.

But Tisdale's impact went far beyond the stat sheet. His combination of size, strength, and skill made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, as he could score from the post, knock down mid-range jumpers, and even handle the ball in transition. His ability to control the paint and dominate the glass was a key factor in Oklahoma's success during his tenure, as he led the Sooners to three NCAA tournament appearances and a Final Four berth in 1988.

Tisdale's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in college basketball history is further cemented by his off-court impact. He was a beloved figure on the Oklahoma campus and in the surrounding community, using his platform to inspire and uplift those around him. His untimely passing in 2009 was a profound loss for the sport, but his influence and impact on the game will never be forgotten.

6. Horace Grant, Clemson

In the annals of college basketball history, few power forwards have been as consistently dominant and impactful as Horace Grant during his time at Clemson University. The 6'10" big man was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor, establishing himself as one of the most well-rounded and versatile players of his era.

Grant's college stats are impressive: 15.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting an efficient 55.3% from the field. He was a two-time First-Team All-ACC selection, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year in the conference, and a consensus Second-Team All-American in 1987.

But Grant's impact went far beyond the numbers. His ability to anchor the Clemson defense, protect the rim, and control the glass was instrumental in the Tigers' success during his tenure. He led the team to three NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet Sixteen berth in 1987, showcasing his leadership and ability to elevate his team to new heights.

Grant's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in college basketball history is further cemented by his long-term impact on the game. His defensive prowess, rebounding dominance, and all-around skill set paved the way for a new generation of versatile big men who could impact the game on both ends of the floor. His influence can be seen in the play of countless power forwards who have followed in his footsteps.

7. Draymond Green, Michigan State

In the modern era of college basketball, few power forwards have left as indelible a mark on the game as Draymond Green during his time at Michigan State. The 6'7" forward was a true do-it-all player, combining a unique blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ to become one of the most dominant and influential players of his generation.

Green's college stats are impressive: 12.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting 45.0% from the field. He was a consensus National Player of the Year in 2012, a two-time First-Team All-American, and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2012.

But Green's impact went far beyond the numbers. His ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways, from facilitating the offense to locking down opposing players on defense, made him an invaluable asset for the Spartans. He was the driving force behind Michigan State's success during his tenure, leading the team to three Big Ten regular-season titles, two Big Ten tournament championships, and a Final Four appearance in 2012.

Green's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in college basketball history is further cemented by his ability to adapt and evolve his game. He was a true pioneer of the "point forward" archetype, showcasing the versatility and playmaking skills that have become increasingly valuable in the modern game. His influence can be seen in the rise of versatile, do-it-all big men who can impact the game in a multitude of ways.

8. Alonzo Mourning, Georgetown

When it comes to dominant, rim-protecting power forwards in college basketball history, few can match the impact of Alonzo Mourning during his time at Georgetown University. The 6'10" big man was a true force of nature, using his combination of size, strength, and athleticism to terrorize opposing offenses and establish himself as one of the most dominant defensive players in the game.

Mourning's college stats are impressive: 16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 55.0% from the field. He was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American, the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and 1993, and the National Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

But Mourning's impact went far beyond the individual accolades. His ability to anchor the Georgetown defense, protect the rim, and alter shots at the basket was instrumental in the Hoyas' success during his tenure. He led the team to two Big East regular-season titles, two Big East tournament championships, and a Final Four appearance in 1989.

Mourning's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in college basketball history is further cemented by his enduring influence on the game. His dominance as a shot-blocker and rim protector paved the way for a new generation of big men who could impact the game on the defensive end. His impact can be seen in the play of countless power forwards who have followed in his footsteps, using their size, strength, and athleticism to shut down opposing offenses.

9. Jalen Smith, Maryland

In the modern era of college basketball, few power forwards have been as dominant and versatile as Jalen Smith during his time at the University of Maryland. The 6'10" big man was a true unicorn, combining a rare blend of size, skill, and athleticism that made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

Smith's college stats are staggering: 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.2 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 54.0% from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc. He was a consensus First-Team All-American in 2020, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and the Big Ten Most Improved Player.

But Smith's impact went far beyond the numbers. His ability to control the paint, protect the rim, and stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting made him a true unicorn in the college game. He was the driving force behind Maryland's success during his tenure, leading the team to two NCAA tournament appearances and a Big Ten regular-season title in 2020.

Smith's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in college basketball history is further cemented by his ability to adapt and evolve his game. He was a true pioneer of the modern, versatile big man, showcasing the skills and athleticism that have become increasingly valuable in the modern game. His influence can be seen in the rise of power forwards who can impact the game on both ends of the floor, using their size, skill, and athleticism to dominate the competition.

10. Larry Johnson, UNLV

In the annals of college basketball history, few power forwards have been as dominant and influential as Larry Johnson during his time at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The 6'7" forward was a true force of nature, using his combination of size, strength, and skill to overwhelm opponents and establish himself as one of the most unstoppable players of his era.

Johnson's college stats are nothing short of staggering: 20.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 55.2% from the field. He was a consensus National Player of the Year in 1991, a two-time First-Team All-American, and the Big West Player of the Year in 1990 and 1991.

But Johnson's impact went far beyond the individual accolades. His ability to control the paint, score in a variety of ways, and anchor the UNLV defense was instrumental in the Runnin' Rebels' success during his tenure. He led the team to two consecutive Final Four appearances, including a national championship in 1990, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant and influential players in college basketball history.

Johnson's legacy as one of the greatest power forwards in the game is further solidified by his enduring influence on the sport. His combination of size, strength, and skill paved the way for a new generation of versatile big men who could impact the game on both ends of the floor. His impact can be seen in the play of countless power forwards who have followed in his footsteps, using their unique blend of attributes to dominate the competition.

Honorable Mentions

While the 10 players listed above stand out as the greatest power forwards in college basketball history, there are several other notable players who narrowly missed the cut. These include:

• Kenyon Martin, Cincinnati: A dominant defensive presence who led the Bearcats to the Final Four in 2000.
• Zion Williamson, Duke: A freakishly athletic power forward who captivated audiences with his highlight-reel dun