Richard Hamilton, Connecticut (1999)
Before he became better known as “Rip Hamilton” at the professional level, Richard Hamilton paired up with guard Khalid El-Amin to lead the University of Connecticut Huskies to a National Championship win, defeating a Duke University Blue Devils team that was considered to be one of the most loaded college basketball teams of all time. Hamilton was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player during that run, after averaging over 24 points per game. Hamilton was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 1999, but really made his career as a member of the Detroit Pistons in the 2000’s, where he helped lead the team to an NBA Championship in 2004. With his professional playing days now completed, Hamilton spends much of his time working with youth and performing philanthropic work, or endeavors which combine both like the “Read to Achieve” program.