SportsGamer's All-Time Starting Five in NCAA History

PG

"Pistol"

Pete

Maravich

LSU

Tigers

Running the point we've selected LSU Tiger "Pistol" Pete Maravich. Maravich was widely know for his incredible passing ability. However, many people also forget that his 44.5 ppg was the highest ever for a season. Maravich was also named a First Team All-American three times (68', 69', 70'). Furthermore, in 1970 he was named the Naismith Award Winner, identifying him as the nation's top player. How he didn't win this award the previous two seasons when he also averaged over 40+ ppg is beyond me. It's important to remember that Maravich's amazing scoring average came at a time when there wasn't even a three-point line. "Pistol" Pete clearly presents a mismatch for anyone.

NCAA Career Averages: 44.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.1 apg.

SG

Oscar

Robertson

Cincinnati

Bearcats

University of Cincinnati's Oscar Robertson is our choice to start at shooting guard. The 6'5, 220 lb Robertson rebounded the basketball so well during his career that we could've played him at the small forward position if we had wanted to. "The Big O" was named the Sporting News College Player of the year in 1958, 59', and 60'. Also, Robertson lead the nation in scoring three years in a row with 35.1, 32.6, and 33.7 ppg. Better yet, we don't even have to worry about having a backup at this position because Robertson averaged an incredible 38.8 minutes per game during his three year career at UC. Robertson could play as many as four different positions on the court successfully if we needed him to.

NCAA Career Averages: 33.8 ppg, 15.2 rpg, 4.8 apg.

SF

Larry

Bird

Indiana State

Sycamores

Larry Legend gets the nod at small forward on our All-Time NCAA Starting Five. Bird's college career is best remembered when he lead the Sycamores to the championship in 1979 over Earvin "Magic" Johnson's Michigan State Spartans. However, also in 1979 Bird was named a First Team All-American, as well as the Naismith Award Winner. The recognition of a First Team All-American was Bird's second (1978) at that point. Another amazing stat about Bird is the fact that he shot over 53% for his college career despite being known strictly for his three point prowess.

NCAA Career Averages: 30.3 ppg, 13.3 rpg, 4.6 apg.

PF/C

Bill

Walton

UCLA

Bruins

Technically, UCLA's Bill Walton is listed as a center. However, the power forward and center positions are so often inter-changeable that we'll take "Big Red" as our starting power forward. Walton, who back then eerily resembled Michael J. Fox when he played Teen Wolf, was named the college player of the year in 1972, 1973, and 1974. Bill was also a part of the 88 game winning streak, in which he led UCLA to two national titles. At the conclusion of both national title runs Walton was named the tournament MVP for both. Lastly, he was also named an All-American three times during his college career. Walton can look like whatever animal he wants to just as long as he's in our starting lineup.

NCAA Career Averages: 20.3 ppg, 15.7 rpg, 3.6 apg.

PF/C

Lew

Alcindor

UCLA

Bruins

UCLA Bruin Lew Alcindor, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as he goes by now, is often described as the best college basketball player in the history of the game. Alcindor's deadly sky hook combined with his 7'2 frame made it impossible for defenders to block his shots. This three time All-American, three time national champion, three time National Player of the Year, and three time Tournament MVP will fit nicely in our lineup as the starting center. During Alcindor's career from 1967-69' he scored 2,325 points and was the first person in history to receive the Naismith Award. The original sky hook master is a welcome addition to real Fab Five.

NCAA Career Averages: 26.4 ppg, 15.5 rpg.