🏀 ESPN REPORT: BYU Legend Danny Ainge Crowned the GOAT of College Men’s Basketball
Beats Out Notre Dame’s Austin Carr and Ohio State’s Jerry Lucas in Historic Selection
In a stunning and history-defining announcement, ESPN has officially named Danny Ainge, legendary BYU Cougars guard, as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in college men’s basketball. The selection—part of a nationwide vote and panel review by ESPN analysts and NCAA historians—puts Ainge ahead of all-time greats Austin Carr (Notre Dame) and Jerry Lucas (Ohio State), solidifying his place atop the Mount Rushmore of collegiate hoops.
Ainge, a two-sport athlete and fiery competitor, lit up college basketball during his career at Brigham Young University from 1977 to 1981. Known for his clutch play, fearless drives, and intense leadership, Ainge was a walking highlight reel who brought national attention to BYU basketball. His legendary coast-to-coast game-winner against Notre Dame in the 1981 NCAA Tournament remains one of March Madness’s most iconic moments.
What set Ainge apart, according to the ESPN panel, wasn’t just the numbers—but the impact.
“Danny Ainge changed the way the game was played in the Mountain West and beyond. His versatility, his leadership, and his will to win made him unforgettable,” said one ESPN analyst.
“He wasn’t just good—he was transformative.”
During his collegiate career, Ainge:
-
Scored over 2,000 points
-
Was a consensus All-American
-
Won the John R. Wooden Award in 1981
-
Led BYU to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
-
All while playing professional baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays at the same time
The competition was fierce, with Austin Carr—known for his unreal scoring in the 1970 NCAA tournament—and Jerry Lucas, a national champion and statistical marvel, making strong cases. But Ainge’s all-around brilliance, multi-sport excellence, and clutch legacy proved too compelling.
BYU fans are celebrating across Cougar Nation, hailing the recognition as long overdue. Ainge, who went on to a successful NBA playing and executive career, has always been proud of his BYU roots—and now, college basketball history has returned the favor.
