Note: This is a post I did orginally 11/11/11 for My Big East Contest
Everybody, the day that I have been talking about for the last month or so has finally arrived, I finally received my first task in the Big East biggest fan contest. My 1st task is to pick an All-Time Big East Dream team, the players can be current or from the past. My team can’t be compiled of more than 12 players and I can only pick players who actually played in the Big East. Trust me the last rule was important, because I wanted to add Dwyane Wade and Kenyon Martin to my list so bad, but both players played for Marquette and Cincinnati when both teams were in Conference USA.
When I first received the email that told us to create a Big East Dream Team I made a list within five minutes, then I asked a few friends what they thought of my list in then a little doubt crept in. I eventually stuck with 11 of my original 12 picks. This was hard to narrow down because Big East basketball is rich with history and great players. Well, I gave it a shot in here the 12 players I would assemble on my team.
My Starting 5:
Patrick Ewing, Center, Georgetown(81-85)– Ewing is the best big man to ever step foot in the Big East started a legacy that a lot of big men would follow. Without this intimidating national championship winning 7 foot monster Georgetown probably doesn’t land Mourning, Harrington, Mutombo and Hibbert in the future. Ewing controlled the paint on both sides of the floor and also led the Hoyas to a National Championship Title.
Derrick Coleman, Foward, Syracuse(86-90)– DC was a big man who could score anywhere after he passes half court, a walking double double had a very smooth game for a 6’10” forward. DC made it cool for big men to be left handed and have handles. Left handers stand up.
Carmelo Anthony, Forward, Syracuse(02-03)– As a true Freshman Melo came to Syracuse in brought home a National Championship. This man is a threat to score soon as he leaves the locker room, with is inside-outside combination during his one year in the conference he averaged a double-double.
Ray Allen, Guard, Connecticut(93-96)– At UConn, Ray was a prototype of a sweet, smooth and efficient game. Ray could dunk on you, shoot your face off from 3 or cross you up if you didn’t respect his dribble while making it all look effortless. The Allen vs. Iverson battle’s were priceless.
Allen Iverson, Guard, Georgetown(94-96)– Iverson was the best person I’ve ever seen play in College, with ankle breaking handle that could electrify the crowd on command and a freakish scoring ability from a short slender stature nobody in there right mind can keep the man called “A.I.” off of this list.
The Bench:
Chris Mullin, Guard/Forward, St. John’s(81-85)– The lucky lefty was robbed of a lot of points in college, why? Because he played before their was a 3-point line. Of course you have to a guy that can do everything good, All-American and Wooden Award winner. I’m a lefty also so him and DC fill my left hand quota.
Alonzo Mourning, Center, Georgetown(88-92)– Zo is the next best big man to grace the Big East behind Ewing this is my opinion use the comment section to disagree. Zo like Ewing was an ultimate paint controller on both ends of the court. Zo was the defensive player of the year and an All-American. Zo put in work and this who I would like to control the paint if Ewing is tired, in foul trouble or if I want to twin tower attack.
Kemba Walker, Guard, Connecticut(08-11)– Walker is the youngest player on the list. With his scoring ability, leadership and heart it’s no way I can leave him off of the list. Did anybody think the Huskies were going to win it all in 2011? In the main reason was a beast named Kemba Walker, I’d take him on my team any day.
Richard Hamilton, Guard, Connecticut(96-99)– Hamilton has a smooth game, he also led the Huskies to the Nat. Championship,the most outstanding player of that tournament also and an All-American. Hamilton was a clutch player just check the highlights of the tournament. I developed a mid range jumpshot because of Hamilton, that’s enough right there to pick him besides his accolades.
Ed Pinckney, Foward, Villanova(81-85)– Pinckney led Nova to one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history when they took down the Hoyas in the Nat. Championship game. Every team needs a player who has led a overachiever for leadership. Ed was a consistent scorer the Nova in one of their all time greats.
Billy Owens, Forward, Syracuse(88-91)– Billy O was one of the 1st point forward style players I remember. Owens was a pure beast who could break the press with his handle or get points in the paint. This former All-American is a must have on my team for his versatility alone.
Donyell Marshall,Guard/Forward, Connecticut(92-94)– At UConn Marshall was a scoring machine point-blank. The 1st image of UConn I remember is Marshall hanging 30+ points on multiple teams. Marshall was a problem on the court and I would want the other coaches to worry so I’d take him on my team.
How do you like My Big East Dream Team? I personally feel like I did a great job for as many great players I had to pick from, so bring the slander or bring the praise. It was hard to pick 12 let alone a starting 5 but I went with the players l personally liked the most. Feel free to comment and tell me who you agree or disagree with. Also, don’t forget Vote for J. Smith @ My Big East Volvo.
