45. John Duren: Georgetown - (1980) Washington, DC

One year in the Big East: 12.3 ppg, 7.1 apg, 1.8 spg

Four year career overall: 13.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.9 apg

Player of the Year (1980).

Many younger fans may think that Patrick Ewing turned Georgetown into a Big East power overnight, but the truth is, the first step to program greatness was taken by this Dunbar High School legend. The 6’3” Duren was the quintessential point guard with his great court sense, strength, and skill. As a senior in 1980, Duren led the “Heart Attack Hoyas” to a 26-6 record and became the league’s first Player of the Year in 1980, his only season in the Big East. In that season he averaged 12.3 ppg and 7.1 assists. For his career, he totaled 1,587 points. He was also Georgetown’s first NBA first round draft pick and played three seasons in the league.

Legendary former Georgetown head coach John Thompson tells NBE, “He was not fast, but he was strong- like an old-time fullback in football. But most of all, he was the quintessential point guard. Not only did he know how to play his position, but he always knew where everybody else was on the court at all times. There was no point guard in the Big East who was ever smarter than John Duren. There may be some as smart, but none smarter. He was special.”