After much research and many hours of debate, I am proud to present the best dunks in the history of men’s division 1 college basketball. All factors were taken into account to make the list: the situation, power, distance, hang time, type of dunk, presence of defender, and athleticism. There is no denying that this list is the true list of the most memorable and best dunks in college basketball to date.
10. UNC vs Duke 1995: The Jerry Stackhouse “Donkey Kong” Dunk
These rivals clash twice a year, producing some of the greatest finishes in college basketball. This 1995 thriller was nothing less, when the two teams battled through two overtimes. In what Rasheed Wallace deemed “the Donkey Kong Dunk”, UNC’s Jerry Stackhouse powers over 14 feet of Duke post player, while fouled twice, and still manages the reverse slam. Just listen to the excitement in Dickie V’s voice. Note he nearly jumped from the opposite block.
9. Louisville vs. Florida St. 1989: Everick Sullivan’s “Masterpiece”
Sullivan was most noted in this game for hitting a 3 in overtime at the buzzer to give Louisville the win. However, this dunk has been largely forgotten throughout the years. Sullivan manages to take off from the block, spin in midair, and complete a 180 slam while being fouled. The athleticism required to pull off this move is simply unbelievable.
8. Georgia Tech vs. NC State 2007: Isma’il Muhammad Climbs NC State
When Muhammad cleared Engin Atsur in midair during this game, one could only think about the Vince Carter dunk during the Sydney Olympics. It’s rare to see a player completely clear the defender (Deron Washington did in a lay up over Greg Paulus), but Isma’il is the only one I can remember in this decade to actually dunk it.
7. Cincinnati 1999 – The Melvin Levett “Superman” Put-Back
What’s better than jumping over a defender? How about jumping over your own player. Melvin Levette did just this in the 1999 NCAA tourney as he managed to clear his own player while rising 3 ft above the rim for a put-back dunk. Truly, this is one of the greatest put-backs in NCAA basketball history.
6. UNLV vs. Pacific – The Jarvis Basnight Hurdle
Just as good as Isma’il’s dunk, but nearly 20 years earlier and during the NCAA tournament. This dunk seems to last for ever as Jarvis launches himself within 2 feet of the freethrow line, cocks the ball back, and tomahawks it over the Pacific defender . . . while cleanly clearing him.
5. UCLA – The Baron Davis Behind the Back Fake and Dunk
Sometimes the dunk isn’t what makes the play. In this case, Baron Davis proves to us why the moments preceding the dunk are sometimes what makes the play beautiful. Just like the Jordan fake out of two defenders before dunking over Ewing, this is special simply because of the move. Just watch as Davis snaps the defender’s ankles.
4. NC State vs. Houston 1983 – The Larenzo Charles Dunk
Admittedly, this dunk is hideous. There is no flare to it, no hanging on the rim, but lots . . . and lots of celebration. If I were to make a list of the best dunks in college basketball, I would be a moron to leave this dunk out. Why? Because by dunking Derreck Whittenburg’s desperation shot, the “Cardiac Kids” won themselves a national championship. Maybe that’s why he strayed from the windmill or reverse dunk.
3. Kentucky vs. Mississippi State – Minnifield Goes Airborne
This dunk is often overlooked and many people have never seen it. However, the hang time and body control displayed by Dirk Minnifield during this dunk are unlike anything I have ever seen. After he launches from outside the lane, his knees and feet are level with the defender’s eyes. His vertical must be off the charts, because although science says no man can hang in the air for more than 1 second, I swear I think he defied the laws of gravity.
2. Pittsburgh vs. Providence 1988 – “The Night the House Came Down”
Ferocious beauty. Those are the only words I can think of to describe this dunk. Pittsburgh’s Jerome Lane places himself into the college history books with this dunk. He jumps from outside the block, posterizes a defender, and manages to shatter the backboard. Nothing else can really be said about this dunk, it’s simply that amazing.
1. UNC vs. Maryland 1984 – Air Jordan is Born
With only 10 seconds to go in the game, UNC’s Michael Jordan gave us a glimpse of things to come in the NBA. His hang time, the distance, and the “rock the baby” while the legs were splitting all make this dunk the best in college history. If you can deny its beauty, then you obviously are not a college basketball fan.
Did I leave any out? Let the debate begin.
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