Big East Biggest Fan Challenge Number 1: Ultimate Top 12 Dream Team

The time has finally come, the first contest for the Biggest Big East fan. I was given the challenge of selecting 12 players, either current or past player, to assemble the ultimate Big East team. At first, I thought this would be simple with so many great players that have laced up for Big East teams, but it proved difficult to just name 12. Here are the players I selected to form the greatest Big East team. Let's see if you agree with my picks.

The starting 5

No one dominated the paint like Ewing.

Patrick Ewing, Center (81-85) The greatest center to ever lace up for the Big East, Ewing was the first name that came across my mind for the dream team. The 7" center became the first super star of the Big East. He was named rookie of the year in 1982 and after that, the awards continued to pour in (All American, AP Player of the year, the list goes on forever). Ewing made his name famous for his defense, but developed into one of the most dominant post players in Big East history. He averaged 15.3 points a game, pulled down 9.2 rebounds per game, and swatted 3.4 shots a night (who wanted to challenge him). Ewing put Georgetown on the map and continued his legacy in the NBA. He is also the first Big East player to be named to the Basketball Hall of Fame, so Ewing made history on and off the field.

Just watch his highlight video. This proves Ewing is one, if not the best, Big Player to ever suit up for this conference. He dominated the paint, had a sweet mid-range jump shot, and was simply better than everyone else on the court. If you don't have him as a starter, I feel sorry for you.

Mullin made a living on the perimeter, before the three point line.

Chris Mullin, Small Forward (81-85) Mullin, much like Ewing, brought fame to the Big East. The 6-6 small forward was a dangerous shooter his entire career. He was named Big East player of the year three times and made the All American team in his senior season (1985). As a shooter, he shot over 50% for his career, an unreal number. He totaled 2440 points in conference play. But the biggest shocker about those points, he did it all before the 3-point line was introduced in the college game! Imagine the numbers he could have if the line had been introduced. He was a big man that had an outside shot, something even today people would hate to guard.

As a freshman, Anthony dominated the league and won the National Championship, no arguing how incredible he was.

Carmelo Anthony, Forward (02-03) It is really hard to put together a team with so many talented players and in a league that has so much history, but Anthony was a monster in his one season. The 6'8" freshman team averaged 22.8 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. He had 22 double-doubles (NCAA freshman record) and put the team on his back when it counted most. He averaged 21.4 points a game in conference and play and was named Most Outstanding Player as he led the Syracuse Orange to the National Championship. He left after just one season to the NBA, but there is no arguing his incredible talent.

One of the most dangerous shooters in the history of the game.

Ray Allen, Shooting Guard (93-96) Probably the smoothest jump shooter I have ever seen, Ray Allen was one of the most feared perimeter threats in Big East history. Over his career, he averaged 19 points a game and 6 rebounds per game. The 6'5" guard was named Big East player of the year in 1996 and All American in the same season. He ranks 20th all time in three point percentage, hitting a ridiculous 44.8% of his three point shots. A guard that was 6'5", could dunk, rebound, and scorch nets from beyond the arch, he is a rare athlete and should be starting on everyone's team!

The "Answer" joins my starting 5.

Allen Iverson, Point Guard (94-96) Some consider him a controversial pick for his actions off the court, but no one can question his ability on the court. AI brought the Georgetown fans to their feet for his 2 seasons of play. He averaged 23 points a game, 3.6 rebounds a game, 4.6 assists a game, and 3.2 steals a game. he was named rookie of the year in 1995 and was named defensive player of the year in both 1995 and 1996. He was named All American in 1996. One of the most amazing stats for AI was the number of steals he came up with in just two years, ranking him 10th all time (imagine if he had stayed in college for four years?).

So there are my starting 5. With Ewing inside the paint, Mullin dominating from the perimeter, and Melo dominating the paint and soaring through the air, there is no starting front line that could deal with that. Adding Allen and Iverson in the backcourt, this might be one of the most dangerous starting 5 ever put together! But it gets better, there is the bench. See who could be on my bench!

The Bench

The bench was hard to come up with. With so many great players in the history of the Big East, picking a solid bench was hard with a limited number of seats, but these are the players I feel are the best in the history of the conference.

Imagine this guy coming off the bench for your team, unreal.

Alonzo Mourning, Center (88-92) "Zo" was one of the most dominate big men in the history of the conference. Following in the shadow of Ewing at Georgetown, Zo made a name for himself on defense and added offense along the way. He averaged 16.7 points a game, 8.6 rebounds a game, and 3.8 blocks a game. He was defensive player of the year in 89, 90, and 92, gaining player of the year status in 92. He was also All American in 92 as well. Zo ranks 4th all time in blocks. He had 224 blocks in Big East play, 4th most in Big East history. Imagine this monster coming off the bench to give Ewing a breather, come on! Zo is a starter in everyone's league and for my team, he comes off the bench, insane!

The name "Rip" says it all!

Richard "Rip" Hamitlon, Guard (96-99) The 6'7" guard from UCONN, Rip Hamilton, was the next great UCONN star (following Ray Allen) and brings all the accolades with him. He averaged 19.8 points a game, 4.5 rebounds a game, 2.7 assists a game, giving the Huskies a huge threat from the backcourt (now he is on my team). He was the player of the year in 98, co-player of the year in 99. He was an All American in 99 as well, showing he was the best of the nation. He scored 1046 points in three years during Big East play, showing how clutch he was when it mattered most.

Derrick Coleman, Forward (86-90) The 6'10" forward out of Syracuse was one of the most dynamic big men in league history. He averaged 15 points a game, 10.7 rebounds a game, and 2.2 blocks a game. he was named rookie of year in 87 and player of the year in 1990. He pulled down 1537 rebounds during his career and had 83 double-doubles, 3rd highest all time. Coleman was not a lumbering player, he ran up and down the court with the speed of a guard and had the athletic ability to match-up with anyone. With him on the bench, this team cannot lose a game!

A 6'10" shooter that can rebound, your silly not to add him to the team.

Troy Murphy, Forward (98-01) The 6'10" forward was one of the best scorers in recent history, averaging 21.4 points a game and 9.8 rebounds a game. He was named player of the year in 2000 and co-player of the year in 2001. He was an All American in 2000 and 2001, shooting from the perimeter and dominating the lane with his size. He scored 2011 points in just 3 years, an unreal number. He averaged in 9.9 rebounds per game in conference play, ranking 5th all time. He could pound the boards and score, making him the ideal player to add to any team.

One of the most explosive guards in league history.

Kerry Kittles, Guard (92-96) The 6'5" guard out of Villanova is a living record book! Kittles owns nearly every record at Nova, quite the accomplishment considering the history of Nova. In his four seasons, he averaged 18.9 points a game, 5.9 rebounds a game, 3.3 assists a game. He was named player of the year in 1995 and named second team All American. He made first team All American in 1996. He finished his career scoring 2243 points (unreal). He scored 1288 points during Big East play, 5th best all time in league history! So, late in a game, Kittles comes off my bench and attacks the opponent, no one can defend that.

A walking monster.

Donyell Marshall, Forward (91-94) The 6'9" wingman from UCONN brought incredible length and athletic play and now finds himself on my team. Marshall averaged 19.1 points a game, 7.6 rebounds a game, and 2.7 blocks a game. He was named defensive player of the year and player of the year in 1994, becoming an All American as well. In 1994, he made 159 field goals in conference play, still a Big East record. Marshall had incredible length and speed, making him one of the toughest defenders to deal with. He had the quickness of a small player, but the size of a big man where he could dominate the paint the best of them.

If you are a real USF fans, he needs no introduction.

Dominique Jones, Guard (07-10) Oh yes, a Bull made my list. Come on, Bulls will always be represented here. DoJo, the 6'4" point guard, literally put the team on his back in the 09-10 season. He won the Big East scoring title and was named 1st team All Big East (honorable mention for All American). Over his career, he averaged 18.9 points a game and 5.4 rebounds a game (had a career high of 46 points in one game vs. Providence).

USF basketball does not have a lot of history of success, especially recently, but Dojo changed that. Dojo put the team on his back and took over games, driving the lanes and pulling up for cold blooded dagger threes. He got the fans excited and took USF to a 20-win season, something the program has not seen in years. He brought excitement back to the program and will always be a legend for not only the program, but the university as a whole.

Well, there you have it, my ultimate dream team. It was hard to pick just 12 players for this team. Names like Ben Gordon, Kemba Walker, Sleepy Floyd, etc. are all legendary players, but to me, these are the ultimate players. Each brings a unique style, skill set, and quality to the team. It would be a challenge to put another team to defeat this one, but what do you think about my picks? Like the picks, have other names you would want to throw out there for the team, let me know and join the discussion.

Once again, thanks to #VolvoBigEastfan and #VolvoS60 for allowing me to be part of this fun and exciting challenge!

If you are wanting to know what kind of fan I am, this music video show sum it up perfectly for you.