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Message: [QUOTE="boog204, post: 3671807, member: 880"] Is the question the most important player to come to UConn and then go to the NBA or the player with the NBA pedigree that makes the school relevant? Ray is definitely the answer to the latter question. But if we are being purely UConn-centric, as in most important player to take us to a new level, I think you could argue Smitty and Khalid. Smitty was our first big recruit that JC got to stay home and he was the best player on the Dream Team. In Khalid, you have a guy who made us a champion. That was a great team, for sure. But we do not win a title if Ricky is our point guard and Albie or Rash is the two. Khalid came for his official visit and became the defacto leader of the team. In Ray, you have a guy who was a superstar at the college level (although no FF) and a HOF'er in the league. We have not had anyone who lit the candle at both ends like that. Rip was a college star and a very good player in the league. Cliff had a very long and productive career and in hindsight was an important player as a new era began. Donyell had the single best individual college season, but the free throws and inconsistent NBA career rule him out. Drummond's freshmen year was pretty forgettable and while his #'s are pretty gaudy as a pro, he seems to be a polarizing player. Kemba is close. Obviously, he's a legend for 2011 and he's become an outstanding pro. If he goes on to win a ring or two and goes to Springfield, then he might overtake Ray. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach