Leaving out legends like John Wall while putting Zach Edey in the top three is indefensible. The original list is a mess—we're here to set the record straight with a Top 10 that makes sense.
The offseason always brings out lists. Some are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some—like the Field of 68’s “Top 25 Players of College Basketball Since 2000”—leave you scratching your head.
Their list, starting from 25 to No. 1:
25. Shane Battier
24. Buddy Hield
23. Russ Smith
22. Jameer Nelson
21. Frank Kaminsky
20. Dwyane Wade
19. Blake Griffin
18. Jimmer Fredette
17. Doug McDermott
16. Joakim Noah
15. Shabazz Napier
14. Emeka Okafor
13. Zion Williamson
12. Adam Morrison
11. JJ Redick
10. Cooper Flagg
9. Kevin Durant
8. Jay Williams
7. Kemba Walker
6. Stephen Curry
5. Anthony Davis
4. Carmelo Anthony
3. Zach Edey
2. Jalen Brunson
1, Tyler Hansbrough
Read that again. No John Wall. No Trae Young. No Michael Beasley. And somehow, Zach Edey is top three while Anthony Davis—a national champion and defensive juggernaut with 186 blocks in a single season—sits at No. 5.
Our top 10 tells a different story:
10. Zach Edey – two-time Wooden Award winner, yes, but not top three.
9. Cam Reddish – versatile scorer with NBA-level impact.
8. Cooper Flagg – elite prospect, but far too early to crown.
7. Tyler Hansbrough – numbers don’t lie, UNC’s all-time great.
6. John Wall – electric playmaker, SEC Player of the Year, program-changer.
5. Carmelo Anthony – national title run cemented him as an all-time freshman force.
4. Jay Williams – NPOY, Duke legend, 21 points per game as a junior.
3. Kemba Walker – 23.5 points per game during UConn’s unforgettable title run.
2. Kevin Durant – averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, utterly unstoppable.
1. Anthony Davis – national title, Final Four MOP, Naismith winner, 186 blocks (single-season UK record).
Durant and Davis are in a tier of their own. Brunson? Great, but not top three. Edey? Dominant, but not over Anthony Davis.
So, whose list passes the eye test? Field of 68’s chaotic shuffle or one that actually reflects the dominance, stats, and legacies that shaped college basketball since 2000?
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. #UpTheAlbion