1. JR Kemba Walker – Height: 6’1 – Weight: 172 – UConn
2010-11 stats: 23.5 ppg 5.4 rpg 4.5 1.9 spg
If the season ended in the Big East regular-season finale, Walker probably would end up No. 1 on this list. What happened next was possibly the greatest postseason run in modern-day college basketball.
Let’s start with the stats. He was tops in many categories, including some analytical ones in terms of player efficiency rating, win shares, and total usage rate. Walker was a great shooter in his own right but was the best in all of Division I basketball at getting to the free throw line.
While Brooks’s scoring highs may be a tad bit higher than Walkers, there’s no question that the Husky’s floor was greater. With the exception of one game, Walker never scored less than 14 points. He had a career-high of 42 versus Vermont and dropped 30+ points a few times in conference play. In an overtime win over Syracuse, Walker had 33 points, 12 boards, five assists and six steals while going 13/14 from the line.
In the Big East Tournament, Walker averaged 26 ppg, including the game-winning jumper over Pittsburgh in the quarterfinals. He was named the Most Outstanding Player in the conference tournament.
His run continued in the NCAA tournament, dropping 36 points over San Diego State to advance, and averaging 23.5 ppg in the six games. He had an off shooting night in the title game against Butler, but the First team All-American still managed to help win the national championship.
What happened next?
When Walker entered his name in the NBA draft, there were questions as to whether the late season run was a one-time thing or a sign of things to come later. Turned out to be the ladder, as the former Huskie has become an All-Star and franchise player for the now Charlotte Hornets. Over the last two years, Walker has averaged over 20 ppg in the NBA.
Next: Ranking the top conferences
Hope you enjoyed the presented list. With everything that’s happened in terms of conference realignment, the Big East has recovered nicely enough to remain a power conference league. But it’ll never be as good or as prestigious in one year as the 2010-11 season, where basketball was at it’s finest.