Big East Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose | Jul 4, 2023

Dec 13, 2016; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) gets congratulations from head coach Jay Wright and guard Jalen Brunson (1) after leaving the game late in the second half against the Temple Owls at The Pavilion. Villanova defeated Temple, 78-57. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

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Big East Basketball Connecticut Huskies forward Adama Sanogo Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Adama Sanogo

Sanogo certainly had himself a collegiate career. A 6’9 forward and former Top 100 recruit, he arrived at Connecticut during the pandemic and spent the last three years with the Huskies, evolving into one of the best frontcourt weapons in the entire nation.

He was starting right from the jump as a freshman and put up modest numbers early in his career. He showed potential late in that freshman season and carried it over, with a 30-point outburst against Auburn early in his sophomore season. As a junior, he averaged 17.2 points and 7.7 rebounds and proved to be essential for the Huskies. He played a major role in the postseason, leading Connecticut to the national championship and averaging 19.7 points and 9.8 rebounds on 67% shooting during that run.

For that bombastic junior year, one where he led Big East Basketball in scoring and was among the top rebounders, Sanogo earned First Team All-Big East honors for a second straight year. The Tourney success was far more important and Sanogo was actually the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player for his production and leadership as the Huskies cut down the nets. He’s off to the NBA for the future but clearly, his contributions at Connecticut won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

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