Post by Commissioner on Apr 10, 2016 22:58:28 GMT -5
From August 2012, here, in one super long post, is a series of posts I did at DetroitTitanHoops.com on the Horizon League's top 50 players since 1994. I'll have to update it sometime -- it already seems quite dated without Ray McCallum's or Ryan Broekhoff's final seasons, or Kendrick Perry's last two, or Kiefer Sykes, Khalil Felder and Alec Peters, among others.
A few weeks ago someone suggested I put together a list of the best Horizon players, after someone else linked a column on the 50 best MAC players. So what the hell, I did.
A couple guidelines: 1) You had to make an all-conference team to be considered; 2) what is "best?" Do we mean best in their best season? Best 10 games? Or best overall career? Beats me. I think Spencer Haywood was a better college player than Dave DeBusschere, but I'd rank DD as the greatest Titan ever thanks to three seasons rather than one. Yet I'd probably rank Spencer #2, ahead of great 4 years stars like Rashad and John Long. So I guess there's no real fixed formula, but I did tend to discount guys who only played 1 or 2 years in the league. Don't take any particular ranking too seriously. 3) I started with the 94-95 season because that was the first year of more or less the modern Horizon, after the absorption by the MCC (Midwestern Collegiate Conference, as then known) of the top of the MCC (Mid-Continent, as the Summit was then known). (Xavier lasted that 1994-95 season then split the following year.) If you did the whole Horizon history, you'd have a lot of players such as Dayton's Negele Knight, Evansville's Parrish Casebier, Oral Roberts' Mark Acres, and all the Xavier stars of the late 80s/early 90s, such as Byron Larkin, Briant Grant, Tyrone Hill, etc., plus guys like Loyola's Alfredrick Hughes and our own Archie Tullos and Tony Tolbert.
Anyway, here are the first 10 (+1) counting down, and I'll add more in future posts. Hope these bring back some memories.
Bonus: Othyus Jeffers, UIC, 2005-07. I just couldn't quite bring myself to cut Jeffers from the list, since he was one of my favorite non-Titan players. Jeffers rose from the meanest streets of Chicago (two of his brothers were shot and killed before Othyus entered college at Los Angeles Southwest JC) to a brief NBA career. A 6’5” swingman, Jeffers transferred from LASWJC to UIC for his sophomore and junior seasons. As a soph he was named Horizon Newcomer of the Year, leading UIC in rebounds and assists while averaging 11.6 ppg. He was first team All-Conference as a Junior after averaging 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. But he frequently fought with his coach, Jimmy Collins, and was himself shot in an altercation after the season while trying to protect his sister. After the shooting, he transferred to Robert Morris University (of Chicago, not Pittsburgh) and was NAIA Player of the Year in 2008. He played in 31 NBA games over the 2009-10 and 10-11 seasons.
50. Paul McMillan, Loyola, 2002-04. The Horizon’s rebounding leader in 2003 and a first team All Conference selection in 2004. A bulky 6’6” power forward, McMillan used to just push taller players out of position. A father at age 15, McMillan married the girl and and the couple had 3 more children by the time he graduated from Loyola. He averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds as a junior and 17 points and 8 rebounds as a senior. By 2009 the family had grown to include 5 kids, and McMillan, a Cincinnati native, was working for the Cincinnati Public School District.
49. J’Nathan Bullock, Cleveland State, 2005-09. Scored 1800 points in career at CSU. He was First Team All Conference in 2009 and All-Tournament in 2008 and 2009. Bullock was the epitome of consistency at CSU, averaging 11.3, 13.5, 14.8, and 15.2 ppg over his 4 years, and 6.5, 6.6, and 7.1 rebounds over his final three, while shooting between 42 and 45% from the floor. A two-sport star at Flint Northern, he received a try-out with the NFL’s New York Jets despite not having played college football, and now plays pro-basketball in Europe.
48. Brandon Cotton, Detroit 2004-07. Talented but troubled Titan shooting guard was second team All-Horizon three times before getting booted off the team before his senior season. He could be selfish, lackadaisical at times, perpetually star-crossed, but man, he could score.
47. Kendrick Perry, Youngstown State, 2010-12. After finishing 4th in the league in assists as a freshman, Perry blossomed into a star in 2012 and was first team All-Conference after averaging a league leading 16.8 ppg, including 9 games of 20 or more points. I'd expect him to move way up this list in his junior season this year.
46. Bryant Lowe, UIC, 1996-98. Second team all-conference in 1997 and first team in 1998, and the star, with Mark Miller, of UIC’s 1998 NCAA team. Lowe was 6’5” forward who slugged it out down low with bigger players, but who could also step out for the three when the occasion demanded. After being first team JC All-American in 1996, he averaged 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds in his two seasons at UIC.
45. Cedric Jackson, Cleveland State 2007-09. An exciting player to watch, the St. John's transfer led the league in assists and steals, and was Tournament MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Had 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals in first round NCAA upset of Wake Forest. Was second-team all-conference both years in the league.
44. Shelvin Mack, Butler, 2008-11. Shelvin probably made a mistake going pro after his junior season. At Butler he was a 3 time all-Horizon Tournament selection, first team All Conference in 2010, and second team All Conference in 2011. With Matt Howard gone, 2012 would have been his chance to shine on a still talented Bulldog squad. On the other hand, he did make $473,000 with the Wizards.
43. Martell Bailey, UIC, 2001-04. The Horizon’s in-conference career and single season assist leader, Bailey led the nation in assists in 2002-03. He also led the conference in assists in 2004, and was one of the best defensive players in the league during his playing time. Bailey was never a scoring threat, however, shooting under 40% from the field and under 60% from the line for his career while averaging around 7 ppg. UIC won 65 games in his three seasons.
42. Brian Alexander, Detroit, 1995-98. Prototypical mid-major big man, the 6’9” C/F was a three time all-Defensive Team selection, and first team all-conference in 1998, when he shot 59% from the floor.
41. Israel Sheinfeld, Wright State, 1998-2001. First team all-conference in 2000, when he led the league in rebounding, and second team in 2001. The 6’11” center passed up his senior year to play pro ball in his native Israel.
Numbers 40-31:
40. Theo Dixon, Cleveland State 1997-2002. A 6’6” wing, Dixon was recruited by top national schools but stayed home to play for Rollie Massimino. At CSU, Dixon was a first team All conference selection in 2001 when he averaged 18 ppg, and second team in 2002. He started all 4 of his full seasons (he got an extra year of eligibility when he was injured in just the third game of the 2000 season) and averaged in double figures each year. As a collegiate player, he was very similar in style to Chase Simon, but better.
39. Brandon Wood, Valparaiso, 2009-2011. I always thought Wood was a bit overrated, but he was good. First team all-conference in 2011, second team in 2010.
38. Chad Angeli, Milwaukee, 1997-2001. One of the few true centers on this list, the 6’9”, 240 lb. Angeli was first team all conference as a junior, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, after being second team as a sophomore. A career 56% shooter, started every game during his 4 year Panther career. He did all this with one eye - he lost an eye after being diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer behind his left eye at just 16 months of age. I can't imagine playing basketball with only one eye. Honestly - I can't figure out how Angeli did it with the lack of peripheral vision. His doctors told his parents the chemo would stunt his growth, so it's interesting to think how big he might have grown. He later played some pro ball in South America.
37. Ray McCallum, Detroit, 2010-2012. Arguably the most heralded recruit in Horizon history, McCallum could move quickly up this list in 2013 and, if he stays, 2014.
36. Ryan Broekhoff, Valparaiso, 2009-12. The greatest player ever to come out of Frankston, Australia, Broekhoff blossomed as a junior at Valparaiso, averaging 14.9 points, a league best 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 49% from the floor. He became Valpo’s first ever Horizon Player of the Year. He's rated this low because his soph season was nothing special. If he repeats his 2012 performance in 2013, he'd move up a lot.
35. Sherell Ford, UIC, 1994-95. Senior forward Sherell Ford took the Horizon by storm during UIC’s inaugural season in the conference, leading the league in scoring with 26.2 points per game (third highest in Horizon history, and a figure not equaled since) and averaging 10.5 rebounds per game while being named Conference Player of the Year. As a junior, with UIC still in the Mid-Continent, Ford averaged a “mere” 24.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He was a first round NBA draft pick but lasted just one season in the league. Ford was one of the hardest players to rank - if he'd played more than one Horizon season, he'd almost certainly be in the top 10. But with just 1 season in the league, I found it hard to think of him that high among Horizon greats. I may have discounted him too much, though, and arguably by a lot. Very good player.
34. Mike Green, Butler 2006-2008. A 6’1” point guard, Brown led Butler for two seasons after transferring from Towson State. He was second team All Conference in 2007, and league Player of the Year in 2008, when he averaged 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a league best 5.1 assists per game, while also being named to the league’s All Defensive team. A similar player to Jermaine Jackson.
33. Derrick Hayes, Detroit 1996-1998. A 6’5” shooting guard and Detroit native who transferred from Iowa State, Hayes was first team All-Conference in each of his two seasons with Detroit. Hayes scored 27 points in the Titans’ first round NCAA win over St. John’s in 1998.
32. Mike Marshall, Butler, 1996-2000. Tough, solidly built 6’4” forward was Butler’s team MVP in 1999 and 2000, leading the team in rebounding and making the Conference All-Defense team both years. Played on Butler teams that compiled a 90-39 record, posted three conference tournament championships, captured two league regular season titles and made four postseason tournament appearances. Simply put, a winner. Was First Team All-Conference 1999 and second team in 2000.
31. Rylan Hainje, Butler, 1998-2002. A muscular forward who could bench press 335 pounds, Hainje could also step out and knock down the trey, posing match-up problems for every team in the league. Hainje was an All-Defensive selection in 2001, and then Horizon Player of the Year in 2002 when he averaged 15.2 points and 6 rebounds per game. Scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Butler beat UD in the 2001 League championship game.
30. Brandon Polk, Butler 2004-2006. A 6’6” forward from Redlands JC, Polk led Butler in scoring and rebounding in each of his two seasons, and was Horizon League Player of the Year in 2006, when he averaged 18 ppg while leading the league in shooting percentage and blocked shots. He was also selected to the All-Tournament team. Polk was second team all-conference in 2005.
29. Rahmon Fletcher, Green Bay 2007-11. A steady point guard and 4-year starter at Green Bay, Fletcher averaged 13.1 ppg over his career and was First Team All Conference in 2010 and Second Team in 2009 and 2011.
28. Javan Goodman, Loyola 1995-99. The most highly recruited high school player in Wisconsin’s class of 1995, the 6’8” Goodman terrorized folks in the paint in the late 1990s for Loyola. Goodman was first team all conference in 1998 and 1999, and the league’s leading rebounder in 1999, when he averaged 18.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Led league in field goal percentage as a sophomore in 1997. Averaged 14.1 ppg over career, and led Loyola in rebounding all 4 years. Originally from Nassau, Is now a gaming inspector in the Bahamas
27. AJ Graves, Butler 2004-2008. A four year starter, Graves averaged in double figures every season for a career average of 13.9 and a season high 16.9 ppg in 2007. He is the league’s #2 all-time foul shooter at 90.1%. Graves was first team all Horizon in 2007 and 2008.
26. Thomas Jackson, Butler, 1998-2002. The diminutive (5’9”) point guard from East Lansing was first team all-Horizon in 2001 and 2002. Jackson did most everything well without standing out in any one category. For his career, he shot 43% from the floor; his free throw percentage was between 70% and 80% each year, he averaged as many as 5.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game (both as a sophomore in 2000), he was in the league’s top 10 in steals all 4 seasons and was a two-time All-Defensive selection. Jackson owns the Horizon record for assists in a game, with 15 against UD in 2000.
25. Jermaine Jackson, Detroit, 1995-99. If I were coaching college ball, JJ is the type of guy I’d want as my first recruit. Never the most physically gifted player on the court, with no single standout talent, Jackson simply played hard and smart with a solid all-around game. Three time all-tournament selection, second-team all conference in 1998 and all-defensive selection and Conference Player of the Year in 1999, averaging 13.9 points, a team best 6.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Led Titans to a combined 50-12 record and back-to-back NCAA bids in ’98 and ’99, the only time that has happened in Titan history. Jackson always posted excellent assists/turnover ratios from the point and was consistently among the league leaders in steals. Just a wonderful example of hard work and drive.
24. Mark Miller, UIC, 1995-98. UIC’s leader on the 1998 NCAA at-large team, when he led the league in scoring (19.7 ppg), was Player of the Week 4 times, and was named Horizon POY. Was second team All-Conference in 1996 and 1997. Averaged over 17 ppg for his career.
23. Vaughn Duggins, Wright State 2006-2011. A solid all-around performer, frequent injuries may have kept Duggins from reaching his full potential. A first team all-Horizon selection as a sophomore in 2008 after averaging 13.8 ppg, he was forced to red shirt in 2009 after an early season hand injury. He came back to make second team all-Conference in 2010 and then was again first team all conference in 2011, when he averaged 18.1 ppg, second in the league to Norris Cole. He played much of that 2011 season with a stress fracture in his back, at one point scoring 31 points against Hofstra while playing in a back brace. A slashing guard who picked up most of his points on drives, Duggins was also a tenacious defensive ballplayer and was an All-Defensive team selection in 2010.
22. Willie Green, Detroit, 1999-2003. We all know Willie. Horizon POY, leading scorer (22.3) and All-American in 2003, second team All-Conference in 2001, followed by a long and successful NBA career.
21. Clay Tucker, Milwaukee, 1999-2003. A first team All Conference selection in 2002 and 2003 and the MVP of the 2003 conference tournament. Was a second team all-conference selection as a sophomore, and an all-defensive team selection in 2002 and 2003. Averaged 16 ppg for his career. The 6’3” guard led Milwaukee to its first ever NCAA bid as a senior, scoring 18 points and getting 3 steals as the Panthers lost to Notre Dame 70-69.
20. Josh Tucker, Milwaukee 2003-06. MVP of the 2005 Horizon League Tournament, talented wing was a two-time All Horizon first team selection, averaging 16.2 points and 5.7 rebounds as a junior and 16.5 points and 5.9 rebounds as a senior. Tucker averaged 15.1 ppg over his career, and put up 32 points in the Panthers 2005 Sweet 16 loss to Illinois.
19. T.J. Lux, Northern Illinois, 1995-97. 6'9" forward is the only player on this list to be first team All Conference as a freshman, a feat he repeated as a sophomore. He led the league in rebounding both years and was also All-Tournament in 1996. Lux might have become the only 4-time first team All Horizon player and the greatest Horizon player of them all (at least in the time covered in this list, since 1994) but for injuries and the fact that Northern Illinois split the Horizon to return to the MAC. There Lux was first team All-MAC in 1998 and expected to be the nation's top returning rebounder for 1999, but nagging shin splints forced him to injury redshirt and he was never quite as good after. Nevertheless, he came back to be first team All-MAC again in 2000, and left as Northern Illinois's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Lux was also a three-time Academic All-American. Today he runs a successful gym and training business.
18. Keion Brooks, Wright State 1995-99. The skinny point guard Brooks was a First Team All-Conference selection in 1997, when he averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, and again in 1999, after averaging 20.7 points (best in the league), 5.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. In 1998, his 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game “relegated” him to second team All-conference. Titan fans might think of him as a slightly smaller, better version of Chase Simon – part of Brooks’ scoring came simply from taking a lot of shots, peaking at an average of 18 a game in 1999 (Chase never exceed 13 attempts per game in a season). Brooks averaged 16 points per game for his career. His quickness also showed on defense, leading the Horizon in steals in 1997.
17. Vitaly Potapenko, Wright State 1994-96. The best true center the Horizon has seen in the time period covered by this list, the 6’10” “Ukraine Train” was first team All Conference in both of his seasons with Wright State. As a soph, Potapenko averaged 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, and as a junior boosted those numbers to 20.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, leading the league with 60 percent floor shooting each season. Potapenko left college after his junior year and was a first round choice in the 1996 NBA draft (12th overall). While never a big NBA star, he played for over a decade in the league.
16. Josh Mayo, UIC 2005-2009. Mayo was a top flight shooting guard who was 7th in the nation in 3 point percentage in 2008., and a career 85% free throw shooter. Mayo was a first team All Conference player in 2008 and 2009, and was second in the league in scoring both years.
15. Quin Humphrey, Youngstown State 2003-2007. The greatest player in YSU history (at least until Perry passes him up), the 6’4” wing was First team All-conference in 2006 and 2007. As a junior, he averaged 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, becoming only the second player in league history to lead the league in both categories in a season. He picked up 10 double/doubles that season. In 2007 he averaged18.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, including a 36 point game against the Titans in which he sank 8 three point attempts, and was in the top 10 in the league in scoring, rebounding, assists, free throw percentage, and steals. Humphrey averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds as a sophomore.
14. Kevin Melson, Wright State, 1998-2001. First team all-conference in 2000 and 2001, second team in 1999. Averaged 15.9 ppg for career. Detroit-born forward was Player of the Week 4 times during 2000 season. Led all scorers with 16 points in a 52-48 win over 8th ranked Michigan State in December, 1999.
13. Seth Doliboa, Wright State, 2001-04. Averaged 17.7 points over three seasons with the Raiders, including 22.3 ppg in 2003. Power forward averaged more than 7 rebounds per game all three seasons. Named first team All-Conference twice and second team once. Still playing in Portugal.
12. Ed McCants, Milwaukee 2003-2005. One of the best pure shooters in Horizon history, McCants shot 40% from the arc, 50% from the field overall, and over 80% from the line in two seasons at Milwaukee. McCants averaged 17.3 points and was first team All-Conference in each of his two seasons at Milwaukee, and Player of the Year in 2005, when he led Milwaukee to the NCAA Sweet 16. A troubled player, McCants was kicked off Northwestern’s team in 2001 after a battery charge, and his post college career ended badly – a flame out in the pros, alcoholism, and eventually jailed for a year in 2009 after a rather horrendous episode of stalking, breaking and entering, and domestic abuse.
11. Dylan Page, Milwaukee 2001-2004. Panther power forward was Horizon Player of the Year after averaging a league best 20.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 2004. He was also first team All Conference in 2003, when he averaged 17.7 ppg.
10. David Bailey, Loyola 1999-2003. With Rashad Phillips, one of only two players in this time period to lead the Horizon in both scoring and assists. Bailey was a first team all-conference selection as a soph and junior, and second team in his final season. He averaged 16.7 ppg in his career and is the #5 career scorer in the Horizon since 1995.
9. Jeff Nordgaard, Green Bay, 1994-96. Nordgard, a 6’7” forward of Polish descent, joined the Phoenix and 1992 and was a mainstay of the mid-1990s powerhouses, including Green Bay’s first two Horizon teams in 1995 and 1996. The 1996 Phoenix went 16-0 in conference play during the regular season, only to be upset by the Titans in the Horizon tournament semifinals. They garnered an at large bid and a #8 seed, the Horizon’s best seed between Xavier’s #6 in 1990 and Butler’s #5 in 2007. Nordgard averaged 22.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while being on the floor for all but 10 minutes of Green Bay’s entire season, and was named Conference Player of the Year. He shot over 50% in all four of his seasons with the Phoenix, was first team all conference in both of his Horizon seasons, and first team all-tournament in 1995.
8. Jon Neuhouser, Butler, 1994-1998. Two time first team All-Conference, Conference POY in 1997 and tournament MVP in 1998. Neuhouser, a 6’6” forward, was instrumental in Butler’s return to basketball prominence, leading the team in scoring three times and rebounding four and helping Butler to two NCAA bids, the school’s first bids since 1962.
7. DaShaun Wood, Wright State 2003-2007. Conference Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2007, first team All Conference in 2006 and 2007, and second team All Conference in 2005. Wood was a two-time All Defensive team selection while averaging over 15 points per game over four years with the Raiders, including a league leading 19.6 in 2007. Wood also led the league twice in steals, and guided the Raiders to a conference title and an NCAA appearance in 2007.
6. Blake Schilb, Loyola 2003-2007. A big (6’7”) guard, Schilb averaged 15.9 ppg over four seasons, including three as a first team All Conference selection. He was a 3rd team All-American in 2006.
5. Norris Cole, Cleveland State 2007-2011. The Horizon’s POY, Defensive Player of the Year, and leading scorer in 2011, Cole was also first team All-Conference and All Defense in 2010. Cole is the Horizon’s #3 scorer since 1995. CSU won 90 games in his 4 seasons, and Cole was Player of the Week 7 times, second most of any Horizon player since 1995, after Rashad Phillips.
4. Cedric Banks, UIC, 2001-2005. 6’3” shooting guard was a three-time all-conference first team selection, an All-Defensive selection, the league’s leading scorer as a senior, and the #2 all-time scorer on this list. As a freshman he was second team All-Conference and the MVP of the Conference Tournament. Banks was a bit of a Titan killer, including a 17 point game that helped knock the favored Titans out of the 2002 conference tournament, and a 34 point, 11 rebound game at Calihan Hall in December 2004.
3. Gordon Hayward, Butler, 2008-2010. Hayward may have been the best player on this list, but because he bolted to the NBA as the #9 pick in the 2010 draft, he comes in just behind a couple guys who stuck around for 4 years. But Hayward was the complete college package. – at 6’9”, he could play inside, but he shot nearly 45% from the arc a could handle the ball well enough to play point in a pinch. Fluid on offense, tenacious on defense, an 80% foul shooter, there was nothing that Hayward didn’t do well. He was first team All-Conference in each of his two seasons at Butler, and POY in 2010, while leading Butler to the NCAA title game. You can easily make the case for Hayward as #1 on this list – it’s just of question of what value you place on playing an extra year or two in the league.
2. Matt Howard, Butler, 2007-2011. Howard led Butler to back-to-back NCAA title games in 2010-11. The 6’8” forward was Horizon POY in 2009, and was first team All-Conference three consecutive years after being placed on the second team as a freshman. He was also first team All-Tournament team all four years, the only Horizon player ever to achieve that feat, and twice made the league’s All-Defensive team.
1. Rashad Phillips, Detroit, 1997-2001. When I started to jot down names for this list, I hadn’t figured Phillips would rate #1, or even in the top 5. But when you look at the record, it’s pretty hard not to put him at the top. We start with the fact that Phillips is one of only four players to be First-team All Horizon three times since the 1995 season, and the only player in that span to be named Player of the Year twice. He is also the league’s leading scorer since 1995, by a healthy 222 points over #2 Cedric Banks. He was named to the Conference’s All-Tournament team 3 times, a feat equaled or exceeded only by Matt Howard and Jermaine Jackson. He made the Conference All-Defensive team twice, and has won more Player of the Week Awards than any other league player since 1995. He is the only player in our time frame to lead the league twice in scoring, and the only player to lead it in scoring and assists in the same season. His teams won big – twice winning first round NCAA games, once advancing to the NIT Final Four, and going 95-36 overall while winning two regular season titles and one tournament title. Rashad made a pretty good impression on the court, but we don’t have to rely on hazy, nostalgic memory – the cold hard statistical record, and the recorded opinions of observers at the time (in the form of awards and recognition), mark him as the best Horizon player since the beginning of the 1994-95 season.
Some guys I thought about but didn't make the cut: Keith Van Wijk (Valpo); Damon Stringer and James Madison (CSU); Anthony Hill (Milwaukee); Alec Brown, Ryan Tilema, Mike Schachter, Ryan Evanochio, Javier Mendiburu, Ben Berlowski, B.J. LaRue (Green Bay); Derek Molis (Loyola); Greg Grays, Eli Holman (Detroit).
A few weeks ago someone suggested I put together a list of the best Horizon players, after someone else linked a column on the 50 best MAC players. So what the hell, I did.
A couple guidelines: 1) You had to make an all-conference team to be considered; 2) what is "best?" Do we mean best in their best season? Best 10 games? Or best overall career? Beats me. I think Spencer Haywood was a better college player than Dave DeBusschere, but I'd rank DD as the greatest Titan ever thanks to three seasons rather than one. Yet I'd probably rank Spencer #2, ahead of great 4 years stars like Rashad and John Long. So I guess there's no real fixed formula, but I did tend to discount guys who only played 1 or 2 years in the league. Don't take any particular ranking too seriously. 3) I started with the 94-95 season because that was the first year of more or less the modern Horizon, after the absorption by the MCC (Midwestern Collegiate Conference, as then known) of the top of the MCC (Mid-Continent, as the Summit was then known). (Xavier lasted that 1994-95 season then split the following year.) If you did the whole Horizon history, you'd have a lot of players such as Dayton's Negele Knight, Evansville's Parrish Casebier, Oral Roberts' Mark Acres, and all the Xavier stars of the late 80s/early 90s, such as Byron Larkin, Briant Grant, Tyrone Hill, etc., plus guys like Loyola's Alfredrick Hughes and our own Archie Tullos and Tony Tolbert.
Anyway, here are the first 10 (+1) counting down, and I'll add more in future posts. Hope these bring back some memories.
Bonus: Othyus Jeffers, UIC, 2005-07. I just couldn't quite bring myself to cut Jeffers from the list, since he was one of my favorite non-Titan players. Jeffers rose from the meanest streets of Chicago (two of his brothers were shot and killed before Othyus entered college at Los Angeles Southwest JC) to a brief NBA career. A 6’5” swingman, Jeffers transferred from LASWJC to UIC for his sophomore and junior seasons. As a soph he was named Horizon Newcomer of the Year, leading UIC in rebounds and assists while averaging 11.6 ppg. He was first team All-Conference as a Junior after averaging 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. But he frequently fought with his coach, Jimmy Collins, and was himself shot in an altercation after the season while trying to protect his sister. After the shooting, he transferred to Robert Morris University (of Chicago, not Pittsburgh) and was NAIA Player of the Year in 2008. He played in 31 NBA games over the 2009-10 and 10-11 seasons.
50. Paul McMillan, Loyola, 2002-04. The Horizon’s rebounding leader in 2003 and a first team All Conference selection in 2004. A bulky 6’6” power forward, McMillan used to just push taller players out of position. A father at age 15, McMillan married the girl and and the couple had 3 more children by the time he graduated from Loyola. He averaged 15 points and 9 rebounds as a junior and 17 points and 8 rebounds as a senior. By 2009 the family had grown to include 5 kids, and McMillan, a Cincinnati native, was working for the Cincinnati Public School District.
49. J’Nathan Bullock, Cleveland State, 2005-09. Scored 1800 points in career at CSU. He was First Team All Conference in 2009 and All-Tournament in 2008 and 2009. Bullock was the epitome of consistency at CSU, averaging 11.3, 13.5, 14.8, and 15.2 ppg over his 4 years, and 6.5, 6.6, and 7.1 rebounds over his final three, while shooting between 42 and 45% from the floor. A two-sport star at Flint Northern, he received a try-out with the NFL’s New York Jets despite not having played college football, and now plays pro-basketball in Europe.
48. Brandon Cotton, Detroit 2004-07. Talented but troubled Titan shooting guard was second team All-Horizon three times before getting booted off the team before his senior season. He could be selfish, lackadaisical at times, perpetually star-crossed, but man, he could score.
47. Kendrick Perry, Youngstown State, 2010-12. After finishing 4th in the league in assists as a freshman, Perry blossomed into a star in 2012 and was first team All-Conference after averaging a league leading 16.8 ppg, including 9 games of 20 or more points. I'd expect him to move way up this list in his junior season this year.
46. Bryant Lowe, UIC, 1996-98. Second team all-conference in 1997 and first team in 1998, and the star, with Mark Miller, of UIC’s 1998 NCAA team. Lowe was 6’5” forward who slugged it out down low with bigger players, but who could also step out for the three when the occasion demanded. After being first team JC All-American in 1996, he averaged 13.4 points and 8.6 rebounds in his two seasons at UIC.
45. Cedric Jackson, Cleveland State 2007-09. An exciting player to watch, the St. John's transfer led the league in assists and steals, and was Tournament MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Had 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals in first round NCAA upset of Wake Forest. Was second-team all-conference both years in the league.
44. Shelvin Mack, Butler, 2008-11. Shelvin probably made a mistake going pro after his junior season. At Butler he was a 3 time all-Horizon Tournament selection, first team All Conference in 2010, and second team All Conference in 2011. With Matt Howard gone, 2012 would have been his chance to shine on a still talented Bulldog squad. On the other hand, he did make $473,000 with the Wizards.
43. Martell Bailey, UIC, 2001-04. The Horizon’s in-conference career and single season assist leader, Bailey led the nation in assists in 2002-03. He also led the conference in assists in 2004, and was one of the best defensive players in the league during his playing time. Bailey was never a scoring threat, however, shooting under 40% from the field and under 60% from the line for his career while averaging around 7 ppg. UIC won 65 games in his three seasons.
42. Brian Alexander, Detroit, 1995-98. Prototypical mid-major big man, the 6’9” C/F was a three time all-Defensive Team selection, and first team all-conference in 1998, when he shot 59% from the floor.
41. Israel Sheinfeld, Wright State, 1998-2001. First team all-conference in 2000, when he led the league in rebounding, and second team in 2001. The 6’11” center passed up his senior year to play pro ball in his native Israel.
Numbers 40-31:
40. Theo Dixon, Cleveland State 1997-2002. A 6’6” wing, Dixon was recruited by top national schools but stayed home to play for Rollie Massimino. At CSU, Dixon was a first team All conference selection in 2001 when he averaged 18 ppg, and second team in 2002. He started all 4 of his full seasons (he got an extra year of eligibility when he was injured in just the third game of the 2000 season) and averaged in double figures each year. As a collegiate player, he was very similar in style to Chase Simon, but better.
39. Brandon Wood, Valparaiso, 2009-2011. I always thought Wood was a bit overrated, but he was good. First team all-conference in 2011, second team in 2010.
38. Chad Angeli, Milwaukee, 1997-2001. One of the few true centers on this list, the 6’9”, 240 lb. Angeli was first team all conference as a junior, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds, after being second team as a sophomore. A career 56% shooter, started every game during his 4 year Panther career. He did all this with one eye - he lost an eye after being diagnosed with a stage 4 cancer behind his left eye at just 16 months of age. I can't imagine playing basketball with only one eye. Honestly - I can't figure out how Angeli did it with the lack of peripheral vision. His doctors told his parents the chemo would stunt his growth, so it's interesting to think how big he might have grown. He later played some pro ball in South America.
37. Ray McCallum, Detroit, 2010-2012. Arguably the most heralded recruit in Horizon history, McCallum could move quickly up this list in 2013 and, if he stays, 2014.
36. Ryan Broekhoff, Valparaiso, 2009-12. The greatest player ever to come out of Frankston, Australia, Broekhoff blossomed as a junior at Valparaiso, averaging 14.9 points, a league best 8.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 49% from the floor. He became Valpo’s first ever Horizon Player of the Year. He's rated this low because his soph season was nothing special. If he repeats his 2012 performance in 2013, he'd move up a lot.
35. Sherell Ford, UIC, 1994-95. Senior forward Sherell Ford took the Horizon by storm during UIC’s inaugural season in the conference, leading the league in scoring with 26.2 points per game (third highest in Horizon history, and a figure not equaled since) and averaging 10.5 rebounds per game while being named Conference Player of the Year. As a junior, with UIC still in the Mid-Continent, Ford averaged a “mere” 24.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. He was a first round NBA draft pick but lasted just one season in the league. Ford was one of the hardest players to rank - if he'd played more than one Horizon season, he'd almost certainly be in the top 10. But with just 1 season in the league, I found it hard to think of him that high among Horizon greats. I may have discounted him too much, though, and arguably by a lot. Very good player.
34. Mike Green, Butler 2006-2008. A 6’1” point guard, Brown led Butler for two seasons after transferring from Towson State. He was second team All Conference in 2007, and league Player of the Year in 2008, when he averaged 14.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a league best 5.1 assists per game, while also being named to the league’s All Defensive team. A similar player to Jermaine Jackson.
33. Derrick Hayes, Detroit 1996-1998. A 6’5” shooting guard and Detroit native who transferred from Iowa State, Hayes was first team All-Conference in each of his two seasons with Detroit. Hayes scored 27 points in the Titans’ first round NCAA win over St. John’s in 1998.
32. Mike Marshall, Butler, 1996-2000. Tough, solidly built 6’4” forward was Butler’s team MVP in 1999 and 2000, leading the team in rebounding and making the Conference All-Defense team both years. Played on Butler teams that compiled a 90-39 record, posted three conference tournament championships, captured two league regular season titles and made four postseason tournament appearances. Simply put, a winner. Was First Team All-Conference 1999 and second team in 2000.
31. Rylan Hainje, Butler, 1998-2002. A muscular forward who could bench press 335 pounds, Hainje could also step out and knock down the trey, posing match-up problems for every team in the league. Hainje was an All-Defensive selection in 2001, and then Horizon Player of the Year in 2002 when he averaged 15.2 points and 6 rebounds per game. Scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as Butler beat UD in the 2001 League championship game.
30. Brandon Polk, Butler 2004-2006. A 6’6” forward from Redlands JC, Polk led Butler in scoring and rebounding in each of his two seasons, and was Horizon League Player of the Year in 2006, when he averaged 18 ppg while leading the league in shooting percentage and blocked shots. He was also selected to the All-Tournament team. Polk was second team all-conference in 2005.
29. Rahmon Fletcher, Green Bay 2007-11. A steady point guard and 4-year starter at Green Bay, Fletcher averaged 13.1 ppg over his career and was First Team All Conference in 2010 and Second Team in 2009 and 2011.
28. Javan Goodman, Loyola 1995-99. The most highly recruited high school player in Wisconsin’s class of 1995, the 6’8” Goodman terrorized folks in the paint in the late 1990s for Loyola. Goodman was first team all conference in 1998 and 1999, and the league’s leading rebounder in 1999, when he averaged 18.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Led league in field goal percentage as a sophomore in 1997. Averaged 14.1 ppg over career, and led Loyola in rebounding all 4 years. Originally from Nassau, Is now a gaming inspector in the Bahamas
27. AJ Graves, Butler 2004-2008. A four year starter, Graves averaged in double figures every season for a career average of 13.9 and a season high 16.9 ppg in 2007. He is the league’s #2 all-time foul shooter at 90.1%. Graves was first team all Horizon in 2007 and 2008.
26. Thomas Jackson, Butler, 1998-2002. The diminutive (5’9”) point guard from East Lansing was first team all-Horizon in 2001 and 2002. Jackson did most everything well without standing out in any one category. For his career, he shot 43% from the floor; his free throw percentage was between 70% and 80% each year, he averaged as many as 5.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game (both as a sophomore in 2000), he was in the league’s top 10 in steals all 4 seasons and was a two-time All-Defensive selection. Jackson owns the Horizon record for assists in a game, with 15 against UD in 2000.
25. Jermaine Jackson, Detroit, 1995-99. If I were coaching college ball, JJ is the type of guy I’d want as my first recruit. Never the most physically gifted player on the court, with no single standout talent, Jackson simply played hard and smart with a solid all-around game. Three time all-tournament selection, second-team all conference in 1998 and all-defensive selection and Conference Player of the Year in 1999, averaging 13.9 points, a team best 6.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. Led Titans to a combined 50-12 record and back-to-back NCAA bids in ’98 and ’99, the only time that has happened in Titan history. Jackson always posted excellent assists/turnover ratios from the point and was consistently among the league leaders in steals. Just a wonderful example of hard work and drive.
24. Mark Miller, UIC, 1995-98. UIC’s leader on the 1998 NCAA at-large team, when he led the league in scoring (19.7 ppg), was Player of the Week 4 times, and was named Horizon POY. Was second team All-Conference in 1996 and 1997. Averaged over 17 ppg for his career.
23. Vaughn Duggins, Wright State 2006-2011. A solid all-around performer, frequent injuries may have kept Duggins from reaching his full potential. A first team all-Horizon selection as a sophomore in 2008 after averaging 13.8 ppg, he was forced to red shirt in 2009 after an early season hand injury. He came back to make second team all-Conference in 2010 and then was again first team all conference in 2011, when he averaged 18.1 ppg, second in the league to Norris Cole. He played much of that 2011 season with a stress fracture in his back, at one point scoring 31 points against Hofstra while playing in a back brace. A slashing guard who picked up most of his points on drives, Duggins was also a tenacious defensive ballplayer and was an All-Defensive team selection in 2010.
22. Willie Green, Detroit, 1999-2003. We all know Willie. Horizon POY, leading scorer (22.3) and All-American in 2003, second team All-Conference in 2001, followed by a long and successful NBA career.
21. Clay Tucker, Milwaukee, 1999-2003. A first team All Conference selection in 2002 and 2003 and the MVP of the 2003 conference tournament. Was a second team all-conference selection as a sophomore, and an all-defensive team selection in 2002 and 2003. Averaged 16 ppg for his career. The 6’3” guard led Milwaukee to its first ever NCAA bid as a senior, scoring 18 points and getting 3 steals as the Panthers lost to Notre Dame 70-69.
20. Josh Tucker, Milwaukee 2003-06. MVP of the 2005 Horizon League Tournament, talented wing was a two-time All Horizon first team selection, averaging 16.2 points and 5.7 rebounds as a junior and 16.5 points and 5.9 rebounds as a senior. Tucker averaged 15.1 ppg over his career, and put up 32 points in the Panthers 2005 Sweet 16 loss to Illinois.
19. T.J. Lux, Northern Illinois, 1995-97. 6'9" forward is the only player on this list to be first team All Conference as a freshman, a feat he repeated as a sophomore. He led the league in rebounding both years and was also All-Tournament in 1996. Lux might have become the only 4-time first team All Horizon player and the greatest Horizon player of them all (at least in the time covered in this list, since 1994) but for injuries and the fact that Northern Illinois split the Horizon to return to the MAC. There Lux was first team All-MAC in 1998 and expected to be the nation's top returning rebounder for 1999, but nagging shin splints forced him to injury redshirt and he was never quite as good after. Nevertheless, he came back to be first team All-MAC again in 2000, and left as Northern Illinois's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. Lux was also a three-time Academic All-American. Today he runs a successful gym and training business.
18. Keion Brooks, Wright State 1995-99. The skinny point guard Brooks was a First Team All-Conference selection in 1997, when he averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, and again in 1999, after averaging 20.7 points (best in the league), 5.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. In 1998, his 17.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game “relegated” him to second team All-conference. Titan fans might think of him as a slightly smaller, better version of Chase Simon – part of Brooks’ scoring came simply from taking a lot of shots, peaking at an average of 18 a game in 1999 (Chase never exceed 13 attempts per game in a season). Brooks averaged 16 points per game for his career. His quickness also showed on defense, leading the Horizon in steals in 1997.
17. Vitaly Potapenko, Wright State 1994-96. The best true center the Horizon has seen in the time period covered by this list, the 6’10” “Ukraine Train” was first team All Conference in both of his seasons with Wright State. As a soph, Potapenko averaged 19.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, and as a junior boosted those numbers to 20.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, leading the league with 60 percent floor shooting each season. Potapenko left college after his junior year and was a first round choice in the 1996 NBA draft (12th overall). While never a big NBA star, he played for over a decade in the league.
16. Josh Mayo, UIC 2005-2009. Mayo was a top flight shooting guard who was 7th in the nation in 3 point percentage in 2008., and a career 85% free throw shooter. Mayo was a first team All Conference player in 2008 and 2009, and was second in the league in scoring both years.
15. Quin Humphrey, Youngstown State 2003-2007. The greatest player in YSU history (at least until Perry passes him up), the 6’4” wing was First team All-conference in 2006 and 2007. As a junior, he averaged 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, becoming only the second player in league history to lead the league in both categories in a season. He picked up 10 double/doubles that season. In 2007 he averaged18.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, including a 36 point game against the Titans in which he sank 8 three point attempts, and was in the top 10 in the league in scoring, rebounding, assists, free throw percentage, and steals. Humphrey averaged 14.4 points and 5.4 rebounds as a sophomore.
14. Kevin Melson, Wright State, 1998-2001. First team all-conference in 2000 and 2001, second team in 1999. Averaged 15.9 ppg for career. Detroit-born forward was Player of the Week 4 times during 2000 season. Led all scorers with 16 points in a 52-48 win over 8th ranked Michigan State in December, 1999.
13. Seth Doliboa, Wright State, 2001-04. Averaged 17.7 points over three seasons with the Raiders, including 22.3 ppg in 2003. Power forward averaged more than 7 rebounds per game all three seasons. Named first team All-Conference twice and second team once. Still playing in Portugal.
12. Ed McCants, Milwaukee 2003-2005. One of the best pure shooters in Horizon history, McCants shot 40% from the arc, 50% from the field overall, and over 80% from the line in two seasons at Milwaukee. McCants averaged 17.3 points and was first team All-Conference in each of his two seasons at Milwaukee, and Player of the Year in 2005, when he led Milwaukee to the NCAA Sweet 16. A troubled player, McCants was kicked off Northwestern’s team in 2001 after a battery charge, and his post college career ended badly – a flame out in the pros, alcoholism, and eventually jailed for a year in 2009 after a rather horrendous episode of stalking, breaking and entering, and domestic abuse.
11. Dylan Page, Milwaukee 2001-2004. Panther power forward was Horizon Player of the Year after averaging a league best 20.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg in 2004. He was also first team All Conference in 2003, when he averaged 17.7 ppg.
10. David Bailey, Loyola 1999-2003. With Rashad Phillips, one of only two players in this time period to lead the Horizon in both scoring and assists. Bailey was a first team all-conference selection as a soph and junior, and second team in his final season. He averaged 16.7 ppg in his career and is the #5 career scorer in the Horizon since 1995.
9. Jeff Nordgaard, Green Bay, 1994-96. Nordgard, a 6’7” forward of Polish descent, joined the Phoenix and 1992 and was a mainstay of the mid-1990s powerhouses, including Green Bay’s first two Horizon teams in 1995 and 1996. The 1996 Phoenix went 16-0 in conference play during the regular season, only to be upset by the Titans in the Horizon tournament semifinals. They garnered an at large bid and a #8 seed, the Horizon’s best seed between Xavier’s #6 in 1990 and Butler’s #5 in 2007. Nordgard averaged 22.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while being on the floor for all but 10 minutes of Green Bay’s entire season, and was named Conference Player of the Year. He shot over 50% in all four of his seasons with the Phoenix, was first team all conference in both of his Horizon seasons, and first team all-tournament in 1995.
8. Jon Neuhouser, Butler, 1994-1998. Two time first team All-Conference, Conference POY in 1997 and tournament MVP in 1998. Neuhouser, a 6’6” forward, was instrumental in Butler’s return to basketball prominence, leading the team in scoring three times and rebounding four and helping Butler to two NCAA bids, the school’s first bids since 1962.
7. DaShaun Wood, Wright State 2003-2007. Conference Player of the Year and Tournament MVP in 2007, first team All Conference in 2006 and 2007, and second team All Conference in 2005. Wood was a two-time All Defensive team selection while averaging over 15 points per game over four years with the Raiders, including a league leading 19.6 in 2007. Wood also led the league twice in steals, and guided the Raiders to a conference title and an NCAA appearance in 2007.
6. Blake Schilb, Loyola 2003-2007. A big (6’7”) guard, Schilb averaged 15.9 ppg over four seasons, including three as a first team All Conference selection. He was a 3rd team All-American in 2006.
5. Norris Cole, Cleveland State 2007-2011. The Horizon’s POY, Defensive Player of the Year, and leading scorer in 2011, Cole was also first team All-Conference and All Defense in 2010. Cole is the Horizon’s #3 scorer since 1995. CSU won 90 games in his 4 seasons, and Cole was Player of the Week 7 times, second most of any Horizon player since 1995, after Rashad Phillips.
4. Cedric Banks, UIC, 2001-2005. 6’3” shooting guard was a three-time all-conference first team selection, an All-Defensive selection, the league’s leading scorer as a senior, and the #2 all-time scorer on this list. As a freshman he was second team All-Conference and the MVP of the Conference Tournament. Banks was a bit of a Titan killer, including a 17 point game that helped knock the favored Titans out of the 2002 conference tournament, and a 34 point, 11 rebound game at Calihan Hall in December 2004.
3. Gordon Hayward, Butler, 2008-2010. Hayward may have been the best player on this list, but because he bolted to the NBA as the #9 pick in the 2010 draft, he comes in just behind a couple guys who stuck around for 4 years. But Hayward was the complete college package. – at 6’9”, he could play inside, but he shot nearly 45% from the arc a could handle the ball well enough to play point in a pinch. Fluid on offense, tenacious on defense, an 80% foul shooter, there was nothing that Hayward didn’t do well. He was first team All-Conference in each of his two seasons at Butler, and POY in 2010, while leading Butler to the NCAA title game. You can easily make the case for Hayward as #1 on this list – it’s just of question of what value you place on playing an extra year or two in the league.
2. Matt Howard, Butler, 2007-2011. Howard led Butler to back-to-back NCAA title games in 2010-11. The 6’8” forward was Horizon POY in 2009, and was first team All-Conference three consecutive years after being placed on the second team as a freshman. He was also first team All-Tournament team all four years, the only Horizon player ever to achieve that feat, and twice made the league’s All-Defensive team.
1. Rashad Phillips, Detroit, 1997-2001. When I started to jot down names for this list, I hadn’t figured Phillips would rate #1, or even in the top 5. But when you look at the record, it’s pretty hard not to put him at the top. We start with the fact that Phillips is one of only four players to be First-team All Horizon three times since the 1995 season, and the only player in that span to be named Player of the Year twice. He is also the league’s leading scorer since 1995, by a healthy 222 points over #2 Cedric Banks. He was named to the Conference’s All-Tournament team 3 times, a feat equaled or exceeded only by Matt Howard and Jermaine Jackson. He made the Conference All-Defensive team twice, and has won more Player of the Week Awards than any other league player since 1995. He is the only player in our time frame to lead the league twice in scoring, and the only player to lead it in scoring and assists in the same season. His teams won big – twice winning first round NCAA games, once advancing to the NIT Final Four, and going 95-36 overall while winning two regular season titles and one tournament title. Rashad made a pretty good impression on the court, but we don’t have to rely on hazy, nostalgic memory – the cold hard statistical record, and the recorded opinions of observers at the time (in the form of awards and recognition), mark him as the best Horizon player since the beginning of the 1994-95 season.
Some guys I thought about but didn't make the cut: Keith Van Wijk (Valpo); Damon Stringer and James Madison (CSU); Anthony Hill (Milwaukee); Alec Brown, Ryan Tilema, Mike Schachter, Ryan Evanochio, Javier Mendiburu, Ben Berlowski, B.J. LaRue (Green Bay); Derek Molis (Loyola); Greg Grays, Eli Holman (Detroit).