25. Len Bias

We end with the most tragic story of all, the sad saga of Len Bias.  While at least Gathers went down while playing the game he loved, Bias was taken from us in 1986, as he lost control while partying in his campus dorm with friends, celebrating his selection as the number two pick of  the draft by the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.

The basketball world never got to see if Bias could have replaced Larry Bird to carry on the Celtics winning traditions. But while he was alive, Bias was a superstar for the University of Maryland, chosen as a two time All-American and two-time player of the Year in the ACC.