Best magicians with the ball in ISU MBB history?

Hi all:

Another day, another research question for you good people. Previously, I have asked about the best shooters and the best dunkers in ISU MBB history. Tonight, I am curious to gather opinions on who the best ball-handler was in the history of MBB? This question could also apply to steals, i.e. quick hands.

Some early names I have are: Jamaal Tinsley, Will Blalock, Jeff Hornacek, and Gary Thompkins. Did they have any specific memorable plays? I do know of Will's behind the back pass to himself.

Who had the most ability to hit a reverse cross-court pass between the legs behind the back while spinning 360 degrees in a pitch black Hilton? Who could do the most tricks with the ball?

Thanks to all who help me out!

It's Tinsley and nobody's even close. Blalock, Hornacek, Thompkins, and Ron Bayless were all good ball handlers/passers, but Tinsley looked like he had the ball on some kind of an invisible string.

I agree, you could tell Tinsley slept with a basketball, and sometimes I bet he did more than sleep with it.

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Originally Posted by Bubbahotep

I agree, you could tell Tinsley slept with a basketball, and sometimes I bet he did more than sleep with it.

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If you are talking about that little opening where the air goes, that's kind of an insult.:wink:

Tinsley. Colvin might give him a run for his money if he stays.

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Originally Posted by CLONEing around

It's Tinsley and nobody's even close. Blalock, Hornacek, Thompkins, and Ron Bayless were all good ball handlers/passers, but Tinsley looked like he had the ball on some kind of an invisible string.

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This. all you need to do is go back to a home game we had with CU. Tinsley put on a dribbling performance in that game that would put the globetrotters to shame.

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Originally Posted by ISUonthemove

Tinsley. Colvin might give him a run for his money if he stays.

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ha. no way. just my opinion.

My favorite memories of Tinsley were of the first time I'd take friends to ISU games to watch. Invariably, they'd comment about not being impressed with Tinsley, and not understanding what the hype was about. They'd say "look, he's barely even got control of the ball dribbling up the court!"

Jamal would always try to make it look like he barely had control of the ball, than when the defender would think it was an easy steal, Jamal would make him look foolish. It was a thing of beauty.

Yeah, in my time of watching I'd go with Tinsely hands down being the best. Dude was just one with that ball and it did what ever he wanted it to. When you watched him dribble you always knew it was doing exactly as he wished.

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Originally Posted by ISUonthemove

Tinsley. Colvin might give him a run for his money if he stays.

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Woo boy...I really like Colvin...but he's got a long ways to go. Tinsely was just in a different league when it came to ball control. I'm trying to think of players in the last decade that handled the ball as well as Tinsely.

#1 Tinsley
#2 The combination of Stinson & Blalock

Adding to who has been named already:

Eric Heft (School record 16 assists in a game)
Jacy Holloway
Terry Woods

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Originally Posted by BigBake

Woo boy...I really like Colvin...but he's got a long ways to go. Tinsely was just in a different league when it came to ball control. I'm trying to think of players in the last decade that handled the ball as well as Tinsely.

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Derek Rose.

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Originally Posted by BigBake

Woo boy...I really like Colvin...but he's got a long ways to go. Tinsely was just in a different league when it came to ball control. I'm trying to think of players in the last decade that handled the ball as well as Tinsely.

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Yes, a long ways to go. I agree, in this decade, no one can touch Tinsley. After that, Blalock would be up there, maybe Stinson, for this decade. Colvin makes some good passes, but makes you shake your head alot. He is only a freshman though.

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Originally Posted by IcSyU

Derek Rose.

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Wouldn't Rose be considered a better player but not necessarily better with the ball dribbling wise?

You could be right though...I just remember being completely awestruck by Tinsely's skills with the ball.