1) Kemba Walker
Here's one reason why: Cardiac Kemba.
Kemba Walker was able to perform in clutch moments like no other player. During the 2010-2011 championship season he opened with a dominant performance at the Maui Jim Invitational averaging 30 points per game. Kemba's leadership was on the highest of levels leading a team of mostly underclassmen through a tough Big East Schedule. Once entering the post season Kemba's game was at its highest level, hitting big shot after big shot. Kemba led his team to 11 straight wins to capture Uconn's third national title.
2) Shabazz Nappier
Shabazz Napier played a key role in leading the UConn Huskies to two national championships in 2011 and 2014. Shabazz had an outstanding individual college career, earning multiple accolades and awards. In his senior season (2013-2014), he was named a consensus First Team All-American, AAC Player of the Year, and won the Bob Cousy Award for the nation's best point guard. Like Walker, Shabazz had a number of clutch moments in the NCAA tournament establishing him as an all time Husky great.
3) Richard Hamilton
Hamilton played a pivotal role in leading the UConn Huskies to their first NCAA national championship in 1999. Hamilton's scoring ability and offensive versatility were key components of his game. He consistently contributed as a prolific scorer, utilizing a combination of mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, and effective drives to the basket. In his junior season (1998-1999), Hamilton was named the Big East Player of the Year, underscoring his dominance in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. Hamilton also had much success at the NBA level, where he had a notable and successful stint with the Detroit Pistons, winning an NBA championship in 2004.
4) Emeka Okafor
Okafor earned many individual accolades during his college career, in addition to winning the NCAA Championship in 2004. In his last year at Uconn was named the consensus National Player of the Year, receiving prestigious awards such as the Naismith College Player of the Year and the NABC Defensive Player of the Year. Okafor's presence in the paint, both defensively and offensively, was remarkable. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding made him a defensive force, altering opponents' shots and providing crucial rebounds for his team.
5) Jordan Hawkins
Hawkins was a prolfic three point shooter during his time at UConn. His ability to catch fire and fill up the stat book helped lead UConn to its fifth National Championship with Hawkins being name Most Outstading Player in the tournament. Hawkins court awareness of how to get open shots made him a tall task to stop for defenses as there was no true way to stop him from getting to his spots. While Hawkins didn't recieve the same national attetion as the other players on this list, the large leap he made as a player and program influence land him at the last spot on the list.
