32. Jerome Lane: Pittsburgh - (1985-88) Akron, OH

Three years: 13.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.1 spg, 52.5% FG

Second Team Consensus All-American (1988)

More than just the star of the famous “Send it in, Jerome” highlight on ESPN, Lane was also one of the best rebounders in the history of college basketball, with his 822 total rebounds over his sophomore and junior years the highest two year total for any player in Big East history.

As a freshman, Lane started his career in unassuming fashion, averaging 9.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg. As a sophomore, however, Lane was dominating as he averaged 15.8 ppg and 13.5 rpg, the latter leading the nation. He also added 2.2 apg and 1.3 spg, while making 56.8% of his shots. His 224 conference rebounds and 14.0 rpg conference average are still both all-time bests in the conference and his 26 double doubles on the season is the 14th best in NCAA history and second only to Derrick Coleman’s junior season for Big East players. As a junior, Lane’s numbers dropped a bit, but he still averaged a double double with 13.9 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg, and 51.3% from the field. Both Lane’s sophomore and junior seasons ended in All-American honors. His rebounding excellence is even more impressive when you realize that he was only 6’6”tall. A master of the outlet pass, Lane was also a good enough passer and athlete that he was even tried at point guard in the midst of his rebounding dominance.

He ended his career with 1,217 points and 970 rebounds. Lane left after his junior year and was the 23rd overall pick of the Denver Nuggets. He played for five teams over a five year career.