Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
McKale Center is no stranger to earth-shaking dunks.
Over the years, countless players have graced Tucson with bountiful tomahawks, windmills, and 360’s alike. Despite a slew of deserving contestants, there can only be one crown: Who you got as the baddest dunker to ever attend the U of A?
Making the case for Hassan Adams:
Although his NBA career did not quite pan out as we’d hope, there is no denying that this dude can play. Hassan Adams electrified Tucson with untouchable intensity from 2002-2006 and was rightfully known as one of the most invigorating players on the court due to his impressive leaping ability. This guy gets up. Dare I say that his windmills are Vince Carter-esque? Bold statement right? Anyway, you be the judge. (Super long video, just check out the first dunk)
Did that remind you of Vince Carter’s famous 360-windmill even a little bit?
Did you think ‘uh…kinda’ but are mildly embarrassed to admit that you just paralleled Hassan Adams with the greatest dunker to ever live? Me too. Regardless, Adams is undoubtably in the conversation for best Wildcat dunker of all time.
Next: Not feelin Adams? How about Iguodala?
L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Making the case for Andre Iguodala:
Why Andre Iguodala you ask? Raw athleticism.
Andre has jaw-dropping dunk versatility. First is his wondrous ability to maneuver his body. Defender? No problem; watch him spin around two opponents and then contort himself into a human pretzel. Un-guardable.
Second is his option to exert brute force. The man will rise up over you, draw the contact, and then put you on a Sports Illustrated poster. 7’6″ Yao Ming knows this truth all too well…
And just to reiterate, Yao stands SEVEN FEET SIX INCHES tall. That is like Parker Jackson-Cartwright standing on the shoulders of Damon Stoudamire in high heels. Okay, that might be an exaggeration but let’s not forget the point here: Andre Iguodala does not care how big you are; if he is winding up for a dunk, it would behoove you to get out-of-the-way.
Next: No love for Iggy? Check out DWill.
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Making the case for Derrick Williams:
We all remember DWill’s hammer against Duke in 2011’s Sweet Sixteen…
(Start – 3:38)
Now this man is the definition of a power dunker… Exhibit A, B, C, and D:
Williams plays hard and dunks even harder. As we saw during his time at Arizona, he is always just one dunk away from electrifying the crowd and blowing up the arena, subsequently sending a wave of momentum through his teammates and fans. For this reason, DWill is a very special player on the court and surely in the debate for greatest Wildcat dunker ever.
Next: Williams not your boy? What about Nick Johnson?
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Making the case for Nick Johnson:
They don’t call him ‘Bunnies’ for nothin’. NJ’s hops are real…
Just incase you needed another example…
Johnson is one of my favorite Wildcat dunkers due to his fearless attitude combined with his dangerously explosive flushes. He offers a slick mix of athletic finishes varied with his ability to dunk powerfully right over the top of his defenders. For these reasons, Bunnies has to be considered when talking about the best dunkers that U of A has to offer.
Next: Johnson doesn't do it for you? Check out AG.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Making the case for Aaron Gordon:
When it comes to dunking, Aaron Gordon is like a created player in a video game. This guy is 6’9″ but moves like he is 6′. His shocking agility accompanied with his raw power make him one of the most entertaining dunkers out there.
Always my favorite inbound play, here Aaron rises up and dunks all over this lanky kid.
R.I.P. Tall Skinny White Boy
I’m not sure what was more disturbing: the sound of that kid’s back clapping on the hardwood or the looped audio of the announcer screaming “AARON GORDON…!” Nonetheless, a great DeAndre Jordan impression.
(Even as a Laker fan, I will take any opportunity to link that video.)
For very obvious reasons, when discussing the baddest dunkers in Arizona history, Aaron Gordon has got to be near the top of the list.
Next: Missing Someone? Check the honorable mentions.
Honorable mentions:
Richard Jefferson– a Wildcat legend, nasty dunker, and all around good dude.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson– always exciting, a true fan favorite.
Chase Budinger a.k.a. ‘The Albino Rhino’ a.k.a. ‘Casper’
*Nickname game 99/100*
Gabe York– silky jumper, disgusting hops.
So, who you got as the baddest dunker in Zona history? Make sure to vote for your favorite Wildcat, leave a comment with your thoughts and make the case for anyone who may have gotten left out!
Next: What If?: Aaron Gordon and Nick Johnson Back For Another Year