The 12 Best Xavier Basketball Players

 #1: David West (1999-2003)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs
• Teams: New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors

David West is arguably the most accomplished player in Xavier’s history. During his time at Xavier, West averaged 16.9 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. He was a dominant force on the court, earning the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year award three times (2001, 2002, 2003) and being named an AP All-American twice.

West led Xavier to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2004. His impressive college career paved the way for a successful NBA career, where he was selected 18th overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2003 NBA Draft. Over his 15-year NBA career, he was a two-time NBA All-Star (2008, 2009) and won two NBA championships with the Warriors (2017, 2018).

Accolades:

• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year (3×)
• 2× NBA All-Star
• 2× NBA Champion

#2: Byron Larkin (1984-1988)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 190 lbs

Byron Larkin is Xavier’s all-time leading scorer with 2,696 points, a record that still stands today. Known for his scoring ability and leadership, Larkin was a key figure in the team’s success during the late 1980s. He averaged 22.4 points per game over his career and was named the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (now Horizon League) Player of the Year twice (1986, 1988).

Larkin’s contributions helped Xavier secure three NCAA Tournament appearances, including their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 1987. His jersey number 23 was retired by Xavier in honor of his outstanding contributions to the program.

Accolades:

• Xavier’s All-Time Leading Scorer
• Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year (2×)

#3: Trevon Bluiett (2014-2018)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 215 lbs

Trevon Bluiett was a scoring machine for Xavier, finishing his career as the second-leading scorer in school history with 2,261 points. Bluiett was known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court, averaging 15.9 points per game over his four-year career. He was a three-time First Team All-Big East selection and led Xavier to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2017.

Although he went undrafted in the NBA, Bluiett has continued his professional career overseas and in the NBA G League, remaining a fan favorite for his contributions to the Musketeers’ success.

Accolades:

• Second-Leading Scorer in Xavier History
• 3× First Team All-Big East

#4: Tyrone Hill (1986-1990)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 240 lbs
• Teams: Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat

Tyrone Hill was a force in the paint for Xavier, dominating the boards and scoring with ease. He averaged 15.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per game during his senior year, earning a spot on the AP All-American Third Team in 1990. Hill’s strong play helped Xavier to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a second-round finish in 1990.

Selected 11th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1990 NBA Draft, Hill enjoyed a 14-year NBA career and was named an NBA All-Star in 1995.

Accolades:

• AP All-American Third Team
• NBA All-Star (1995)

#5: James Posey (1996-1999)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 215 lbs
• Teams: Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers

James Posey was a versatile player known for his defensive prowess and clutch performances. At Xavier, he averaged 15.3 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during his junior year, leading the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Posey was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 1999 and earned a spot on the AP All-American Third Team.

Posey went on to win two NBA championships, one with the Heat in 2006 and another with the Celtics in 2008, and was known for his three-point shooting and defensive skills.

Accolades:

• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year
• 2× NBA Champion

#6: Jordan Crawford (2008-2010)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 195 lbs
• Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Pelicans

Jordan Crawford is best known for his scoring ability and his memorable dunk over LeBron James in a summer camp. At Xavier, he led the team to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2010 and was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Crawford averaged 20.5 points per game during his sophomore season, displaying his explosive scoring talent.

Accolades:

• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year
• Sweet 16 Appearance with Xavier

#7: Brian Grant (1990-1994)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 254 lbs
• Teams: Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns

Brian Grant was a dominant force for Xavier in the early 1990s, known for his tenacity on the boards and defensive prowess. He averaged 18.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game during his senior year, earning the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year award in 1993. Grant’s strong play helped Xavier make two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable run to the second round in 1993.

Accolades:

• Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year

#8: Tu Holloway (2008-2012)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs

Tu Holloway was a dynamic point guard known for his leadership and clutch performances. Holloway averaged 13.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game over his career at Xavier. He was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2011 and led the Musketeers to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run in 2010.

Accolades:

• Atlantic 10 Player of the Year
• Led Xavier to Sweet 16 in 2010

#9: Romain Sato (2000-2004)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 205 lbs

Romain Sato was an all-around player who excelled in scoring, rebounding, and defense. He averaged 16.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during his senior year, helping lead Xavier to an Elite Eight appearance in 2004. Sato found success in Europe, winning multiple championships and solidifying his reputation as a versatile player.

Accolades:

• Key player in Xavier’s Elite Eight run
• Successful professional career in Europe

#10: Lenny Brown (1995-1999)

• Position: Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 lbs

Lenny Brown was known for his scoring ability and clutch shooting. He averaged 13.3 points per game over his career at Xavier and was instrumental in leading the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Brown’s impact at Xavier remains significant, and he is remembered for his contributions during the late 1990s.

Accolades:

• Four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances

#11: Derek Strong (1987-1990)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 220 lbs
• Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Bullets, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic

Derek Strong was a dominant rebounder and inside scorer for Xavier. He averaged 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game during his junior year, helping the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Known for his toughness, Strong’s physical play made him a key player for the Musketeers.

Accolades:

• Known for rebounding and physical presence

#12: J.P. Macura (2014-2018)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 203 lbs

J.P. Macura was known for his fiery play and ability to score in bunches. He averaged 9.4 points per game over his career at Xavier, and his energy and competitiveness made him a fan favorite. Macura was instrumental in Xavier’s success, contributing to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including the 2017 Elite Eight run.

Accolades:

• Key player in Xavier’s Elite Eight run
• Fan favorite for his intensity