Top 25 March Madness heroes of all-time

When you think back at some of the all-time most selfless players, Joakim Noah has to be near the top of the list. Not many guys have the chance to go pro after winning a national title just to pass it up and come back in order to win another. Not only is that a selfless move, but it’s also a bold one.

What would have happened in Noah came back for his junior year after winning the 2006 national title and his draft stock dipped and he didn’t win? He may have been forced to stay for his senior season to salvage the stock and by then it may have been too late. Essentially, Noah and his teammates called their shot in 2007.

Let’s start with his heroic win in 2006. The sophomore big man was a monster down low, wreaking havoc on opponents in the post. He averaged 16.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.8 blocks and 3.2 assists in the NCAA Tournament, earning the Most Outstanding Player award. He could have left and been a lottery pick.

Noah came back in 2007 and led the Florida Gators to another title and didn’t need to score as much to do so. He averaged just 11.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks as the Gators came away with back-to-back titles. The unselfishness makes him a hero, and his performances are just a cherry on top.