Among the many sports stories of the ’90s, there is none that captivates the world’s attention as much as the NBA’s “20-Year War.” In 1988, schools from each conference agreed to play a predetermined number of games against each other every year. The agreement paved the way for an epic duel. The two best teams from each conference played in a best-of-seven series to decide national supremacy. Fans from all over the country tuned in to see which team won and then quickly forgot about them because there were no playoffs.
The NCAA has attempted to end this outdated system by adding a field of 64 teams and making it a March Madness style tournament with four regions consisting of eight teams.
The 90s college basketball stars
One of the most highly disputed topics during the 90s was who were the greatest players of the decade. Some say it’s Michael Jordan, some say it’s Shaquille O’Neal or Patrick Ewing, but I think that this debate can’t be answered because there are way too many basketball stars to choose from in the 90s.
The 90s was a time when there were so many amazing players that it made it hard for any one player to stand out among them all. There are so many legends that came out of this decade and they deserve just as much recognition as anyone else. One of my favorite memories is when ‘Nique dunked on David Robinson in 1989 and I’m sure I’m not alone.
Top 5 players from the 1990s
- Michael Jordan
- Shaquille O’Neal
- Larry Bird
- Grant Hill
- David Robinson
College basketball in the 1990’s
One of the most contentious topics in the 90s was who was the best player during this decade. Some say it’s Michael Jordan, some say it’s Shaquille O’Neal or Patrick Ewing, but I think that this debate can’t be answered because there are too many players to choose from in the 90s.
Most memorable moments of the 1990s NCAA tournament and who won them all!
Most memorable moments of the 1990s NCAA tournament and who won them all!
- 1991 NCAA championship – Duke
- 1992 national title – Duke
- 1993 tournament runner-up – Michigan
- 1994 regional finalist (East) – Duke
- 1997 regionals (Elite 8) – Ohio State
Christian Laettner – Duke University star player who made a game winning shot against Kentucky in 1992
After Christian Laettner made the game-winning shot for Duke University against Kentucky, he was the focus of praise and criticism. Some said that it was an overrated play; some called it one of the most important moments in NCAA history. What is clear is that Christian Laettner’s shot won Duke’s first ever national championship.
Grant Hill – played at Duke University and became an NBA All-Star with Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers
Grant Hill is a former college and NBA player from Duke University’s infamous “Dream Team.” He was taken as the third pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, who immediately traded him to the Orlando Magic. In Orlando, he became a 4-time All-Star, 2-time All-NBA First Team member, and helped lead them to 2 NBA Finals appearances.
Hill played for 3 teams during his 18 seasons, retiring after the 2010-2011 season with a total of 7 consecutive seasons averaging more than 20 points per game—his career high was 25.4 points per game in 1999-2000 with Detroit.
In 2009 Grant Hill was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Michael Jordan.
What college basketball team’s stars were nicknamed “the fab five” in the ’90s?
The Fab Five were the 1991 University of Michigan men’s basketball team recruiting class that is considered by many to be one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time.
Conclusion
The 90s is a decade that will never be forgotten in the world of sports. From Michael Jordan, to Shaquille O’Neal, and Grant Hill – there are too many legends from this era to choose just one or two! The debate about who was the best player during the 1990s may not have an answer because with so many amazing players it’s hard for any one person to really stand out among them all.
Regardless of what you think, these college basketball stars should all get recognition for their achievements and contributions at various levels throughout this time period. It might be difficult choosing which team had the best five players on it during this era but there can’t be any argument made against Michigan’s Fab Five recruiting class being some of the best world players.
