College Basketball Fan Favorites So Far In the 2010s

Isaiah Thomas- Washington G

Why? The former Washington standout guard stood only 5'8", yet he was able to dominate opponents and win over the heart of the country with the name of an NBA Hall-of-Famer. He apparently had a few fans in Sacramento, as the Kings selected him 60th overall. He is entering his 3rd year with the Kings in 2013-14 and is already the best player of all time picked 60th.

Jimmer Fredette- BYU G

Why? The sharp-shooting BYU guard became the first ever BYU player to win a National Player of the Year Award , which he did in 2011 with his incredible scoring ability. His name is also Jimmer, and he actually had cults that followed him to Sacramento when the Kings snagged the former lottery pick in a draft-day trade. He hasn't done much in the NBA, but that won't erase his fans love for what he did with the Cougars.

Peyton Siva- Louisville G

Why? Siva had a very tough life growing(see Peyton Siva: The Legend article), but he was able to maintain a fun-loving attitude. He led the underdog Cardinals to a Final Four berth in 2012, and helped them win it all in 2013. He had the best personality of everyone in college basketball so far in the 2010s, and that helped him get drafted 57th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.

Mackey McKnight- Lehigh G

Why? He led the 15-seed Lehigh Hawks to a surprise upset over the 2-seed Duke Blue Devils, capturing the heart of America as an unknown small-school guard to a star who took down possibly the most loved/hated team in America. He was not drafted and will probably never have an NBA career, but that will not stop America from loving Mackey.

Kevin Ware- Louisville G

Why? In an Elite 8 game against Duke, Ware suffered possibly the most horrific injury in the history of college basketball. You have probably already seen the injury pictures and videos, so I elected not to show any of them. Anyways, this injury sparked Louisville onto an eighteen point victory and a championship behind the slogan "Win It For Ware". The most emotional moment of the season was when Ware cut down the nets in Atlanta. Ware, now a junior, hopes to play before the end of this calendar year, and he is already back to dunking.