The history of college basketball is filled with talented players who have left a lasting impact on the game. From dominating the court to leading their teams to success, these players have also made their mark on the Associated Press men's college basketball poll. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the poll, it's worth taking a look at some of the players who have had a significant influence on the rankings.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, known as Lew Alcindor during his college days, and Bill Walton were instrumental in UCLA's unprecedented run of seven straight NCAA championships from 1967 to 1973. The towering big men led the Bruins to a total of 81 weeks ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, including four wire-to-wire runs. They were both two-time picks as AP national player of the year, three-time AP first-team All-Americans, and five-time winners of the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player award.
Before Abdul-Jabbar and Walton, there were other players who left their mark on the rankings. Bill Russell led the University of San Francisco to consecutive NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956, spending five weeks at No. 1 in the first season. Wilt Chamberlain, a dominant force during his two seasons at Kansas, helped the Jayhawks remain ranked No. 1 or No. 2 for the entire 1956-57 season.
Oscar Robertson, a standout guard from Cincinnati, guided the Bearcats to multiple top-10 rankings and spent two weeks at No. 1 in the 1958-59 season. Elvin Hayes, a prolific scorer for Houston, helped his team stay inside the top 10 for the 1966-67 season and reach the No. 1 or No. 2 spot throughout 1967-68.
Dan Issel, the all-time scoring and rebounding leader for Kentucky, played a pivotal role in the Wildcats' consistent success. Throughout his three-year college career, Kentucky remained a top-10 team for all 45 polls, spending six weeks at No. 1 and consistently staying in the top 3 during the 1969-70 season.
David Thompson, a dynamic guard for North Carolina State, ended UCLA's title run by leading the Wolfpack to the NCAA championship in 1974. Thompson's team remained inside the top 10 for all three years of his college career, spending 12 weeks at No. 1. Larry Bird, the legendary forward from Indiana State, was a force in the rankings during his three-year career, spending 16 weeks in the top 10, including four weeks at No. 1.
Ralph Sampson, the dominant center for Virginia, earned three AP national player of the year honors and helped the Cavaliers remain a top-10 team for his last three seasons, with 12 weeks at No. 1. Patrick Ewing, the 7-footer from Georgetown, contributed to the team's success with a 1984 NCAA title and two other trips to the title game. Ewing's presence ensured that the Hoyas remained inside the top 10 in his final two seasons, spending 12 weeks at No. 1 in 1985.
Christian Laettner, the 6-11 center for Duke, delivered two NCAA titles under Coach Mike Krzyzewski's leadership. Laettner's team was a wire-to-wire No. 1 in the 1991-92 season, while Duke consistently maintained a top-10 position during his career. Tyler Hansbrough, the standout forward from North Carolina, left his mark on the rankings as well, spending his last three seasons inside the top 10 and capturing the 2009 NCAA title.
These players, among many others, have shaped the landscape of college basketball and influenced the AP poll's rankings through their remarkable performances. As we celebrate 75 years of the poll, we acknowledge the tremendous impact these athletes have had on the game and the history they have left behind.
