In a landmark announcement, ESPN has named Notre Dame legend Austin Carr the greatest men’s college basketball player of all time, placing him ahead of iconic figures such as Kentucky’s Dan Issel and Ohio State’s Jerry Lucas.
This distinction solidifies Carr’s status as one of the most explosive and dominant players in NCAA history, renowned for his unmatched scoring ability and influence on the game.
Carr starred at Notre Dame from 1968 to 1971, redefining what it meant to be a prolific scorer. He racked up 2,560 points over three seasons, averaging an incredible 34.6 points per game second only to LSU’s Pete Maravich. His junior and senior campaigns were especially eye-catching, averaging 38.1 and 37.9 points per game while maintaining over 50% shooting from the field, including 54% over his final two seasons. Carr’s scoring brilliance came against intense defensive attention, including box-and-one and triangle-and-two schemes, yet he consistently found ways to dominate.
His most legendary performance came in the 1970 NCAA Tournament when he scored 61 points against Ohio University still a tournament record. That game, played without the benefit of a three-point line, included 25 made field goals on 44 attempts and 11-of-14 from the free throw line. Analysts believe at least nine of those shots would have been three-pointers today, potentially lifting his total to 70 points. He followed that feat with 52 points against Kentucky and 45 versus Iowa, averaging a record-breaking 52.7 points per game in the tournament. His career NCAA Tournament average of 41.3 points per game remains the highest in history, far exceeding legends like Bill Bradley and Oscar Robertson.
While players like Dan Issel and Jerry Lucas also had stellar college careers, Carr’s statistical dominance and historic performances gave him the edge. Issel, who averaged 25.8 points per game, had an impressive showing against Notre Dame with 44 points, but was outdone by Carr’s 52 in that same contest. Lucas, known for his scoring and rebounding, boasted averages of 24.3 points and 17 rebounds per game, along with two national championships. Still, Carr’s scoring feats and tournament heroics ultimately carried more weight in ESPN’s evaluation.
Carr didn’t just rack up points he elevated Notre Dame basketball during an era when the school was primarily known for football. He led the Irish to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in school history and earned numerous accolades, including the 1971 AP and UPI National Player of the Year awards and a place in the College Basketball Hall of Fame. ESPN had previously ranked him 22nd all-time in 2008, but this new honor cements his place at the top.
Though some may argue for the likes of Maravich or more recent stars, ESPN’s decision highlights Carr’s historic scoring records and clutch performances as unmatched. His impact continued beyond college, earning him the nickname “Mr. Cavalier” during his NBA career and later success as a broadcaster. With this recognition, Austin Carr’s name now represents the pinnacle of college basketball greatness.
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