The Big 5 is the most unique group of teams in the NCAA. There’s nothing like having a cross town rival in 5 different gyms, at 5 different universities.
Villanova, Temple, La Salle, St. Joseph’s, and Penn make up the 5 teams in the unofficial Big 5 athletics group. The Robert V. Geasey Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding basketball player in the Big 5 for that season.
While the players’ entire careers are taken into consideration, extra emphasis is given to their performance in Big 5 tournament games. Over the past several decades, some unbelievable talent and amazing players have come through Philly. Here’s my list of the top 5 players in Big 5 history:
(Honorable Mentions: Ken Durrett, John Pinone)
5. Kerry Kittles: Villanova 1992-96
Kerry Kittles was a 6’5″ Guard from New Orleans, Louisiana.
He corralled 15 Nova career records, which include Points (2,243) and Steals (277). He was an All-American in 1994 (2nd team) and 1995 (1st team). Kittles was also awarded the Geasey Trophy in those 2 years.
During his time as a Wildcat, Kittles averaged 18.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He was extremely efficient, as he shot 47.8% from the field, and connected on 39.4% from deep during his stay at Villanova.
Kittles was a fantastic Guard who really used his size to his advantage (5.9 RPG for his career). He was one of the best all around Guards in Villanova history.
4. Michael Brooks: La Salle 1976-80
Michael Brooks was a 6’7″ Forward from the City of Brotherly Love (West Catholic).
Brooks was selected for the 1979 All-American team. He was also the captain of the 1980 USA Olympic basketball team. Brooks won the Geasey Trophy in 1977 and 1979. He led The Explorers to NCAA tournament appearances in 1978 and 1980. He was named the 1980 College Player of the Year.
In his career at La Salle, Brooks scored 2,628 points, and snatched 1,372 rebounds (23.1 PPG, 12 RPG). Not too shabby.
Brooks was a great inside scorer and rebounder for his height. He was also a great leader on the court.
3. Jameer Nelson: St. Joseph’s 2000-04
Jameer Nelson was a 6 foot Guard from Chester, Pennsylvania (Chester).
Nelson was selected as the Geasey Trophy winner in 2002 and 2003. In 2000-01 Nelson won the Freshman of the Year award. During his senior season in 2003, Nelson was selected as as NCAA Player of the Year, Naismith Men’s College Player of the Year, and the John R. Wooden award.
Jameer Nelson averaged 16.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during his 4 year span at SJU.
Nelson was a great ball handler and shooter. He was a flashy guard who backed up his talk with great game.
2. Guy Rodgers: Temple 1955-58
Guy Rodgers was a 6 foot Guard from Philly (Northeast).
Rodgers won the Geasey Trophy in all 3 years of his career at Temple. He was also named to the All America team in 1956 and 1957. Rodgers is currently 3rd in Temple history in points (1,767). He led the Owls to 3rd place finishes in the NCAA tourney in 1956 and ’58.
Statistically, he wasn’t the 2nd best player in the history of the Big 5, but he was a pioneer for many to follow in his footsteps.
1. Lionel “L-Train” Simmons: La Salle 1986-90
Lionel Simmons was a 6’7″ Forward from Philly (South Philadelphia).
Simmons won the Geasey Trophy 3 times, and was a 1st Team all Big 5 selection 4 times. As a senior, he won the John R. Wooden award and the Naismith College Player of the Year. He was also Player of the Year in the MAAC 3 times.
Simmons is the only player in NCAA history to score over 3,000 points and snatch 1,100 rebounds. He also holds the NCAA record for scoring double digits in consecutive games with 115.
Simmons is 3rd in NCAA history in points scored with 3,217 (24.6 PPG for his whole career).
Lionel Simmons has been the most dominant player in Big 5 history to date. Out of all the fantastic players who have played for a school in the Big 5, he gets my vote for the best ever.
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