There’s virtually no debate in basketball over the most position on the court; it’s point guard. Whether it’s the NBA, college, or high school, almost every basketball team at any level is worthless without a competent point guard. Of course, there is a vigorous debate about what college is the best at developing point guards. With so many college programs having a long lineage of great point guards, it’s worth taking a closer look at what school deserves the title of Point Guard U.
Memphis
Memphis may not come to mind right away, but the Tigers have had an impressive list of point guards over the years. Remember that Derrick Rose was one of the best one-and-done point guards of his era. Darius Washington was also an incredible college player while Dajuan Wagner and Tyreke Evans also made their mark. Also, let’s not forget about current Memphis coach Penny Hardaway, who had an amazing career as a player long before Memphis was a known program.
Duke
No one should be surprised that Duke has had some of the all-time great point guards. Guys like Bobby Hurley and Johnny Dawkins highlight the group. But don’t sleep on more recent players like Jeff Capel, Chris Duhon, or even Nolan Smith. Technically, the Blue Devils also get credit for Kyrie Irving. However, Jay Williams is the one who shouldn’t be forgotten after his pro career was cut short.
North Carolina
The list of outstanding point guards who have suited up for the Tar Heels is almost never-ending. It seems like every year UNC has another point guard who’s worthy of being discussed as one of the greats of all-time. Phil Ford is probably the best and one of the few Tar Heels to have his jersey retired. However, it’s hard to overlook the likes of Raymond Felton, Ty Lawson, Marcus Paige, Ed Cota, Kendall Marshall, Kenny Smith, Jeff McInnis, and countless others. It’s truly amazing how they all went to one school.
UCLA
For a great college basketball history lesson, look no further than UCLA’s lineage of point guards. Greats like Walt Hazzard, Henry Bibby, Mike Warren are a few of the players responsible for making the Bruins a dynasty under John Wooden. However, don’t forget the 1990’s when Tyus Edney and Baron Davis were among the best in college basketball. The tradition continues to this day with Darren Collison and Lonzo Ball being recent additions to UCLA’s proud point guard history.
Kentucky
Whether it’s Adolph Rupp, John Calipari, or one of the coaches in between, Kentucky has always groomed incredible point guards. The long list of great point guards started with Ralph Beard in the 1940’s and continued with Kyle Macy, Dirk Minefield, and Sean Woods. Of course, the Calipari era has created a virtual conveyer belt of brilliant point guards. The likes of Raton Rondo, Brandon Knight, John Wall, and Tyler Ulis, among many others, help make the Wildcats the undisputed Point Guard U.