Call me crazy, but I think the SEC might beat any other conference. Let's go through this. Update: the ACC would be tough to beat. SEC: Shaquille O'Neal Charles Barkley Bernard King Pete Maravich Dominique Wilkins Chris Jackson Jamal Mashburn Rex Chapman Allan Houston Dale Ellis Bob Pettit Robert Horry Alex English (do we count this?) Who am I missing? ACC: Michael Jordan James Worthy Tim Duncan Len Bias (assume he lived) Ralph Sampson Rick Barry (do we count this?) Dave Cowens Chris Paul David Thompson Elton Brand Googs Kenny Anderson Starbury Who am I missing? Big East: No can do. Which version? I mean, if you include the traditional Big East basketball schools and then also add in the Metro Conference add-ins like Louisville and Cincy, it'd be tough to beat. But then should I give the SEC Alex English? Should I give the ACC Kenny Anderson? Pac-12: Kareem Bill Walton Jason Kidd Gary Payton Reggie Miller Jason Terry Gilbert Arenas Richard Jefferson Mike Bibby [Tired, will think about this later. Or y'all can help me out] Big 10: Magic Johnson Chris Webber Isiah Thomas John Havlicek Jerry Lucas [Tired, will think about this later. Or y'all can help me out] Big 12: Wilt Chamberlain Kevin Durant [Tired, will think about this later. Or y'all can help me out]
You taking pro career into consideration? Despite not being a superstar in the NBA, I think Laettner has to be included on any ACC list. Paul Pierce, Michael Beasley, Blake Griffin, Danny Manning, Marcus Fizer, Raef LaFrentz, TJ Ford all come to mind in the Big 12...but some of those were insignificant pros.
I'd also add Glenn Robinson, Calbert Cheaney, Glen Rice, and Jim Jackson to the Big 10. Wouldn't add Deron Williams based on his collegiate career, but he's among the elite in the NBA.
