The Best of the Best
The best five players in Jayhawk history
From Clyde Lovellette to Danny Manning, Kansas has had its own team of all-stars.
Friday, February 15th, 2008
Photos courtesy of Spencer Research Library
When it comes to picking a favorite player, fans cite different Jayhawks ranging from Clyde Lovellette to Wilt Chamerlain and from Danny Manning to Julian Wright. But looking at statistics, effect on the program, legacy and championships, we have developed a list of the top five Kansas Jayhawk mens basketball players.
No. 1: Danny Manning (1986-1988)
The greatest player in KU history must have a lot of excellent qualities. Manning has all of them. On-the-court skill combined with off-the-court integrity helped Manning become the greatest player in KU history. Averaging 20 points and eight rebounds for his career didn’t hurt either. Manning’s crowning achievement came in 1988 when he led the Jayhawks to the national championship in Oklahoma. The team still bears the title “Danny and the Miracles.” Manning was awarded the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four that year. Manning also finished his senior year with the Naismith and Wooden player of the year awards.
No. 2: Wilt Chamberlain (1957-1958)
No one can argue the dominance of Wilt “the stilt” in his years as a basketball player. His incredible 30 points per game along with a little more than 18 boards speak for themselves. His finishing rank of 20th in points scored would be much higher if not for the freshmen only teams during the 50s which restricted freshmen to their own junior varsity teams. Even then, Chamberlain’s freshmen games would sell out regularly as people wanted to catch of a glimpse of this basketball phenom. His only shortcoming? Failing to win a title. But no one can argue Chamberlain’s influence on the program’s legacy.
No. 3: Clyde Lovellette (1950-1952)
Before Chamberlain, Lovellette was the post player dominating the game. Finishing fourth in all-time points scored (again with only 3 years playing). Lovellette’s career points per game average of 24.5 is topped only by Chamberlain himself. Lovellette also had one of the all time great collegiate years his senior year, averaging more than 28 points and 14 rebounds per game. He also helped win a national title and Play of the Year honors.
No. 4: JoJo White (1965-1969)
While many other guards might have put up better numbers during their careers, none had the presence and style of White. A leader on and off the court, White led the Jayhawks in scoring during his final years and ended up finishing 24th all time. White achieved this before stats were kept on assists and steals. If they had been recorded, those numbers would be among the top of the list.
No. 5: Darnell Valentine (1977-1981)
One of the all-time top guards at the University, he displayed excellent skills in his offensive and defensive game. Valentine not only finished fifth in scoring but also first in steals with 334. He also holds the record for most steals in a single season at 92. Rounding out his overall game is his third-place finish in all-time assists.
—Edited by Nick Mangiaracina
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