ESPN REPORT: Ja Morant, The Legendary Memphis Grizzlies Point Guard, Has Been Named The Greatest College Basketball Player of all Time, Edging Out Iconic Names Such as Pau Gasol, Shane Battier, and Drew Gooden. Full Details Below…
ESPN REPORT: Ja Morant Named Greatest College Basketball Player of All Time, Surpassing Legends Like Pau Gasol, Shane Battier, and Drew Gooden
In a stunning and unprecedented announcement, ESPN has declared Ja Morant the greatest college basketball player of all time, igniting widespread debate across the basketball world. The Memphis Grizzlies’ star point guard, widely recognized for his explosive athleticism and jaw-dropping plays in the NBA, has now earned an unexpected accolade that places him above legendary names like Shane Battier, Drew Gooden, and even international icon Pau Gasol.
Morant’s rise to the top of this all-time list is as unconventional as it is impressive. Unlike many of the NCAA’s most famous names, Morant was not a five-star recruit or a product of a basketball powerhouse. Instead, he emerged from relative obscurity at Murray State, a mid-major school in Kentucky. During his sophomore season in 2018–19, Morant captured the nation’s attention by averaging 24.5 points, 10 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game — becoming the first player in NCAA history to average at least 20 points and 10 assists for a full season.
Morant led the Racers to the NCAA Tournament, where he delivered one of the most iconic performances in modern tournament history. In the first-round game against Marquette, Morant recorded a rare triple-double with 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds, instantly becoming a March Madness legend. His blend of elite playmaking, scoring flair, and electrifying dunks made him a national sensation and a top NBA draft prospect.
What sets Morant apart, according to ESPN’s panel of analysts, is the seismic impact he had on the perception of mid-major programs and his ability to elevate his team far beyond expectations. “Ja Morant didn’t just dominate — he changed how we view college basketball talent,” said ESPN senior analyst Jay Bilas. “He was a one-man revolution. In terms of raw influence and individual brilliance, very few players can match what he accomplished at Murray State.”
Comparisons to the likes of Shane Battier, the cerebral leader of Duke’s 2001 national championship team, or Drew Gooden, a Kansas standout and consensus first-team All-American, are inevitable. But ESPN cited Morant’s statistical dominance, historic tournament moment, and cultural impact as key differentiators. Even Pau Gasol, while one of the most accomplished international players in basketball history, never played college basketball in the United States — a technicality that ESPN addressed in their rankings.
Critics argue that Morant’s relatively short college career — only two seasons — should disqualify him from topping such a prestigious list. However, ESPN’s evaluators emphasized quality over quantity, noting that Morant’s 2018–19 campaign alone was more impactful than many four-year careers.
As the NBA star continues to forge his legacy with the Memphis Grizzlies, this unexpected title adds yet another chapter to his already storied basketball journey. For Morant, being named the greatest college basketball player of all time is not just a personal accolade, but a testament to how talent, work ethic, and belief can elevate someone from overlooked recruit to an all-time great.
