The Best Ever?

Michael Hunt of the JS makes a case that Alando Tucker is the best Badger ever, ranking above both Michael Finley and Devin Harris. While I only have the perspective of my lifetime of watching basketball, what follows is my top ten, all of whom have played since 1980.

1. Alando Tucker. Five seasons, on the cusp of the scoring record, and potentially on the best team ever to wear Wisconsin uniforms. A great guy who does a little bit of everything.

2. Michael Finley. Earns the nod over Harris because he gave 4 years to the program. Was part of the renaissance that resulted in continuous trips to the post-season with the exception of two seasons since he first led Bucky back to the Dance in 1994. Program's all-team leading scorer.

3. Devin Harris. The will go down as the program's best NBA player. Had he stayed Bucky would have competed with Illinois for the conference and national title. Led team to two BT titles and a conference tournament championship.

4. Danny Jones. Teamed with Trent Jackson as dual threats on fun teams to watch in the late 1980's, but never made it beyond the NIT. Program's #3 scorer.

5. Wes Matthews. People still talk about his buzzer-beater vs. Michigan State and Magic Johnson. Allowing his son to attend Marquette not easily forgiven.

6. Mike Wilkinson. The most fundamentally-sound big man the program has produced, led team to an Elite Eight performance where they nearly knocked off the eventual national champs.

7. Kirk Penney. Probably the best shooter I've seen come through Madison, and a guy who improved tremendously throughout his 4 years. He went from a bit player on the Final Four team to one of the top players in the Big Ten and the country.

8. Tracy Webster. Teamed with Finley to give the Badgers a formidable backcourt that defeated Cincinnati and nearly went to the Sweet Sixteen in a barn-burner against Norm Stewart and Mizzou.

9. Patrick Tompkins. Who can forget the dunk he threw down against Minnesota on ESPN? Dick Vitale screamed: "Wisconsin basketball...you gotta love it baby!" Shaped like a middle linebacker, PT was a man in the middle.

10. Trent Jackson. Gap-toothed PG led Bucky to big win against the Flying Illini, part of Steve Yoder's best team.