All-Time Best Indiana Hoosiers Players

 

 

1. Isiah Thomas

 

Position: Point Guard

 

Years at IU: 1979–1981

 

Highlight: Led IU to a national championship in 1981

 

Legacy: Became a Hall of Fame NBA player and one of the greatest point guards ever.

 

 

 

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2. Steve Alford

 

Position: Shooting Guard

 

Years at IU: 1983–1987

 

Highlight: Key player in IU’s 1987 national championship team

 

Legacy: One of IU’s all-time leading scorers; beloved by fans for his leadership and shooting.

 

 

 

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3. Calbert Cheaney

 

Position: Small Forward

 

Years at IU: 1989–1993

 

Highlight: All-time leading scorer in Big Ten history (2,613 points)

 

Legacy: Won 1993 Naismith College Player of the Year and Wooden Award.

 

 

 

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4. Scott May

 

Position: Forward

 

Years at IU: 1973–1976

 

Highlight: National Player of the Year in 1976

 

Legacy: Star of the undefeated 1975–76 team, the last team in NCAA men’s basketball history to go undefeated and win the title.

 

 

 

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5. Quinn Buckner

 

Position: Point Guard

 

Years at IU: 1972–1976

 

Highlight: Captain of the 1976 undefeated team

 

Legacy: Went on to win an NBA title and Olympic gold medal—a rare combo.

 

 

 

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6. Kent Benson

 

Position: Center

 

Years at IU: 1973–1977

 

Highlight: 1976 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player

 

Legacy: Anchored IU’s perfect championship run.

 

 

 

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7. Victor Oladipo

 

Position: Guard

 

Years at IU: 2010–2013

 

Highlight: Finalist for National Player of the Year in 2013

 

Legacy: Known for his defense, hustle, and NBA success.

 

 

 

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8. Walt Bellamy

 

Position: Center

 

Years at IU: 1958–1961

 

Highlight: Averaged 20+ points and 15+ rebounds

 

Legacy: NBA Hall of Famer, gold medalist, and one of IU’s first true stars.

 

 

 

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9. Alan Henderson

 

Position: Forward

 

Years at IU: 1991–1995

 

Highlight: Consistent double-double machine

 

Legacy: Had a solid NBA career and was one of the most reliable players of the Bob Knight era.

 

 

 

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10. Yogi Ferrell

 

Position: Point Guard

 

Years at IU: 2012–2016

 

Highlight: IU’s all-time assist leader

 

Legacy: Known for his clutch shooting and leadership, especially during the 2016 Big Ten Championship season.

 

🔥 Summary: IU’s Basketball Greatness

 

Indiana University has had five national championships (1940, 1953, 1976, 1981, 1987), and these legends were key in building the legacy. Whether it’s old-school champions or modern stars, Hoosier Nation continues to celebrate players who combined talent with grit, discipline, and passion.