Best NCAA basketball players ever from every state

Oregon: Richard Washington

The highest elevation in the state of Oregon is Mount Hood at 3,300 feet, great for Oregon, the average for the Nation. This is not a problem when figuring out the best college career from the Beaver State. Players like Dan Dickau who scored 1,290 career points and Damon Stoudamire who scored 1,849 in his four years at Arizona both were above average nationally, as proven by their All-American team selections. They, however, will not be included in this discussion.

One of the reasons is Danny Ainge, who was an All-American during his senior season. That year he was his usual stat-stuffing self by eclipsing his career averages of 20 points and over four rebounds and four assists. These stats allowed him to grab two of the organization’s Player of the Year awards. His tournament stats would slip by three points and incrementally in rebounds and assists.

Impressive tournament performances is not an area where Richard Washington lacked during his three years at UCLA. Not only did Washington and six other NBA picks win a national title, but Washington also led them while winning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, when he averaged 21.8 points and 12 rebounds. The following year Washington would be named to the All-American first team. His 20 points and over eight rebounds per game were better than the Consensus Player of the Year Scott May’s rounded up stats of 18 points and seven rebounds.

While Ainge has the advantage with his Player of the Year, Washington had the stats to earn one himself. The stats also lean in Ainge’s favor, except come tournament time when Washington was the best player on the championship team. You may have made your decision already, but Richard Washington had the best college career.