Monday, December 28, 2009

Top 10 Black Bears of the Decade

10. Justin Rowe
9. Errick Greene
8. Huggy Dye
7. Rickey White

No. 6
JOE CAMPBELL (02-05)
He wasn't the biggest, he wasn't the strongest, yet there was Joe Campbell, always fighting, scratching and clawing every minute he was on the floor. During his freshman year, in a game at UNH, I remember seeing Joe dive headlong on the floor in a crowded lane to come up with a crucial loose ball. At that moment, I knew he was going to help the Black Bears. He's the kind of player every team needs, selfless and productive. He earned his way onto the floor and then he never gave it up. He's also remembered for hitting a clutch shot late in the Black Bears' last conference tournament win in 2005. Add the fact he was quite possibly my kids' favorite Black Bear of all time and he gets a slot in my Top 10. Over his final two seasons, the 6-7, 190-pound forward from Bangor averaged 9 points and 7 rebounds a game.

No. 5
JULIAN DUNKLEY (00-01)
Right at the top of the list of the most talented UMaine players of the decade. At 6-10, he was comfortable moving outside and dropping shots from all over the floor, yet he was a solid rebounder, too. A smooth operator that could also attack the hoop. In other words, a tough cover for the opposition. Posted a stellar senior season with averages of 17 points and 7 rebounds a game. A 37-percent 3-point shooter, 48 percent from the floor and 80-percent from the foul line. A nice, nice package. And for the record: I preferred the 'fro over the braids. Always thought he played best with the Ben Wallace look.

2 comments:

MattT said...

I've got an idea on your top 4. Let me take a stab at the order of finish: 4. Eric Dobson 3. Carvell Ammons
2. Nate Fox 1. Andy Bedard. How'd I do?

Dan King said...

Yeah, you're pretty close, except I fudged a little on the actual number. Tried to keep the group at 10, but after much deliberation, decided to go with 11 ... so my final four is five (little hint there).