21) BILLY OWENS

21. Billy Owens: Syracuse – (1988-91) Carlisle, PA

Three years: 17.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.1 spg, 50.5% FG

Player of the Year (1991)

First Team Consensus All-American (1991)

Few players in conference history had more of a combination of athleticism, strength, and versatility then the 6’8” 230 pound forward. He had the body to bang down low, yet also often displayed guard skills.

As a freshman, Owens started on an excellent Syracuse team that featured Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas, and Stevie Thompson. He kept up with his star teammates, however, by averaging 13.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, and 1.7 spg, while shooting 52.1% from the line. As a sophomore, Owens combined on the frontline with Coleman and Thompson again, and this time he actually was the team’s leading scorer with 18.2 ppg, to go along with 8.4 rpg. But Owens did not stop there. He also averaged 4.6 apg and 2.2 spg. As a junior, Owens was finally the main man and he responded with 23.2 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.4 spg, eight 30+ games, and All-American honors. He became the first Syracuse player to averaged over 20 ppg for head coach Jim Boeheim. Unfortunately for Syracuse fans, and the Owens legacy, a shocking First Round loss to Richmond in the NCAA tournament ended his career with a whimper.

Rather than coming back for his senior season, Owens instead made himself eligible for the NBA draft. He finished his career with 1,840 points and 910 rebounds. Taken with the 3rd pick overall by the Sacramento Kings, Owens held out before his rookie season started and was promptly traded to Golden State. He eventually played for six different teams over ten seasons, averaging 11.7 ppg for his career.

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