ESPN: David Thompson is the Best to Ever Wear #44 in College Basketball

With the 2019-20 College Basketball right around the corner, ESPN went through the trouble to rank the best Men’s Basketball player to wear each jersey number. NC State legend David Thompson was ranked as the best player to ever wear the #44, ahead of some other serious names in the history of college basketball.

44. David Thompson, NC State (1972-75)
See also: Elvin Hayes (Houston, 1965-68); Jerry West (West Virginia, 1957-60); Adrian Dantley (Notre Dame, 1973-76); Dan Issel (Kentucky, 1967-70); Kevin McHale (Minnesota, 1976-80); Keith Van Horn (Utah, 1993-97); Hank Gathers (Loyola Marymount, 1987-90); Derrick Coleman (Syracuse, 1986-90); Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin, 2011-15); Anthony Peeler (Missouri, 1988-92); Justin Jackson (North Carolina, 2014-17); Luke Harangody (Notre Dame, 2006-10).

In his first game for NC State on Nov. 27, 1972, Thompson recorded a 33-15 double-double. The sophomore led his team to a perfect 27-0 season that season only to have the Wolfpack sit at home in the postseason due to NCAA sanctions. One year later, Thompson did the unthinkable and beat Bill Walton and John Wooden, as NC State prevailed 80-77 over UCLA in double overtime at the Final Four. The Wolfpack then defeated Al McGuire and Marquette 76-64 to win the 1974 national title. (ESPN)

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