GMU All Time Starting 5+1

[jessej]

Going all the way back to when the program started - 1969?
Who would be the Starting 5 and the 6th man?

I moved here in 1995, but really didn't attend games frequently until around 2003.
Started attending 10+ games per season around 2014.
But there are many of you with more GMU BBall Institutional Knowledge than me,
even one or 2 who were GMU Undergrads in 1976 when the team went D1.

Still thinking this one thru
Based on at least 2 years as a GMU Player
not based on achievements pre or post transfer
not based on achievements as a semi pro or pro player

Frontline
George Evans 1997-2001
Kenny Sanders 1985-1989
Shevon Thompson 2014-2016

Backcourt
Carlos Yates 1981-1985
Otis Livingston III 2015-2019

6th Man
Curtis McCants 1993-1996
or
Rudolph Jones 1971-1973

What Say You?????

 

[Patriotsince81]

VERY tough task especially given the way the game has changed, the addition of the 3 point line, and that positions are no longer as clear. But, here's my 2 cents........

1 - Curtis McCants
2 - Carlos Yates
3 - Kenny Sanders
4 - Will Thomas
5 - George Evans

6th Man - Cam Long


My FAVORITE all time players:

1 - Myron Contee
2 - Carlos Yates
3 - Kenny Sanders
4 - Will Thomas
5 - Andre Gaddy

6th man - Donald Ross

 

[phoenix-arizona]

I wonder what the AI machine would come up with.

 

[mkaufman1]

I wonder what the AI machine would come up with.

George Mason University (GMU) men’s basketball has a rich history, highlighted by standout players who have left a lasting impact on the program. While there isn’t an official “all-time starting five” published by the university, we can compile a lineup based on individual accolades, contributions to the team’s success, and recognition in all-decade teams. Here’s a breakdown:














GMU Men’s Basketball All-Time Starting Five











Point Guard: Lamar Butler

• Notable Achievements: Key contributor to GMU’s 2006 Final Four run; named MVP of the Washington D.C. Regional.
• Statistics: Averaged 11.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during the 2005–06 season.
• Legacy: Known for his clutch performances and leadership on the court.

Shooting Guard: Tony Skinn

• Notable Achievements: Played a pivotal role in GMU’s 2006 Final Four appearance; known for his defensive prowess and scoring ability.
• Statistics: Averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game during the 2005–06 season.
• Legacy: Remembered for his tenacity and crucial game-winning plays.

Small Forward: Carlos Yates

• Notable Achievements: First-ever 1,000-point scorer in GMU history; multiple-time All-Conference selection.
• Legacy: A foundational player during the early years of GMU basketball, setting the stage for future success.

Power Forward: Kenny Sanders

• Notable Achievements: Second-leading scorer in GMU history with 2,177 points; over 1,000 rebounds.
• Legacy: Dominant force in the late 1980s, known for his scoring and rebounding consistency.

Center: Jai Lewis

• Notable Achievements: Key player in GMU’s 2006 Final Four team; named to the All-CAA First Team in 2006.
• Statistics: Averaged 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game during the 2005–06 season.
• Legacy: Provided a strong inside presence and was instrumental in the team’s postseason success.

Honorable Mentions

• Folarin Campbell: A versatile guard/forward who contributed significantly during the 2005–06 season.
• Will Thomas: A reliable forward known for his defensive skills and leadership.
• Rob Rose: A standout guard in the late 1980s, earning All-CAA honors.

This lineup reflects a blend of historical impact and individual accolades, showcasing the rich legacy of GMU men’s basketball. While other players have made significant contributions, these five stand out as pillars of the program’s history.

 

[Falco]

Are we not counting Tyler Kolek? He did make a nba roster

 

[phoenix-arizona]

I won't quote the whole thing, but glorious administrator, do you agree with the AI results?

 

[jessej]

Are we not counting Tyler Kolek? He did make a nba roster

he is on an even shorter list
1) GMU players who have played in an NBA playoff game

 

[jessej]

George Mason University (GMU) men’s basketball has a rich history, highlighted by standout players who have left a lasting impact on the program. While there isn’t an official “all-time starting five” published by the university, we can compile a lineup based on individual accolades, contributions to the team’s success, and recognition in all-decade teams. Here’s a breakdown:














GMU Men’s Basketball All-Time Starting Five











Point Guard: Lamar Butler

• Notable Achievements: Key contributor to GMU’s 2006 Final Four run; named MVP of the Washington D.C. Regional.
• Statistics: Averaged 11.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during the 2005–06 season.
• Legacy: Known for his clutch performances and leadership on the court.

Shooting Guard: Tony Skinn

• Notable Achievements: Played a pivotal role in GMU’s 2006 Final Four appearance; known for his defensive prowess and scoring ability.
• Statistics: Averaged 12.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game during the 2005–06 season.
• Legacy: Remembered for his tenacity and crucial game-winning plays.

Small Forward: Carlos Yates

• Notable Achievements: First-ever 1,000-point scorer in GMU history; multiple-time All-Conference selection.
• Legacy: A foundational player during the early years of GMU basketball, setting the stage for future success.

Power Forward: Kenny Sanders

• Notable Achievements: Second-leading scorer in GMU history with 2,177 points; over 1,000 rebounds.
• Legacy: Dominant force in the late 1980s, known for his scoring and rebounding consistency.

Center: Jai Lewis

• Notable Achievements: Key player in GMU’s 2006 Final Four team; named to the All-CAA First Team in 2006.
• Statistics: Averaged 13.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game during the 2005–06 season.
• Legacy: Provided a strong inside presence and was instrumental in the team’s postseason success.

Honorable Mentions

• Folarin Campbell: A versatile guard/forward who contributed significantly during the 2005–06 season.
• Will Thomas: A reliable forward known for his defensive skills and leadership.
• Rob Rose: A standout guard in the late 1980s, earning All-CAA honors.

This lineup reflects a blend of historical impact and individual accolades, showcasing the rich legacy of GMU men’s basketball. While other players have made significant contributions, these five stand out as pillars of the program’s history.

valid for a point of view, I really didn't look at Tourney accolades as they include a team chemistry and luck component vs game performance over a 2-4 year period

 

[phoenix-arizona]

According to Bing AI:

Building an all-time starting five for George Mason basketball since 1980 is a fun challenge! While there's no official list, we can look at some of the program's standout players based on records and achievements.

Here’s a possible lineup:

1. Point Guard: Tony Skinn – A key player in GMU’s legendary 2006 Final Four run, known for his leadership and clutch performances.
2. Shooting Guard: Lamar Butler – Another 2006 Final Four standout, he was a sharpshooter and a reliable scorer.
3. Small Forward: Sherrod Wright – One of GMU’s all-time leading scorers, known for his ability to create shots and score efficiently.
4. Power Forward: Will Thomas – A dominant force in the paint during the 2006 Final Four run, providing rebounding and defense.
5. Center: George Evans – Three-time CAA Player of the Year and one of the most decorated players in GMU history.

A great "plus-one" player to bring extra spark to your all-time GMU lineup could be Ricky Wilson. He played for George Mason in the 1980s and later made it to the NBA, showcasing his explosive scoring ability and athleticism. His presence would add a dynamic edge to the team, especially in fast-paced situations.

 

[jessej]

@mkaufman1 and @phoenix-arizona
can you reset the AI Search parameters to 1969 and see if the results change?

 

[phoenix-arizona]

Some of these guys I don't recognize

Absolutely! George Mason has had some standout players over the years, especially during their legendary 2006 Final Four run. Based on historical stats and impact, here’s an all-time starting five plus a sixth man to bring the energy:

Starting Five​

1. Carlos Yates (Guard) – The all-time leading scorer for George Mason with 2,420 career points. A prolific scorer who could take over games.
2. Curtis McCants (Guard) – Holds the record for most assists in a season (251 in 1994–95). A true floor general who could distribute and create plays.
3. Rudolph Jones (Forward) – Dominated in the early years, setting records for most points in a season (779 in 1972–73).
4. Marquise Moore (Forward) – A rebounding machine, grabbing 369 boards in the 2016–17 season. His versatility made him a force on both ends.
5. Byron Tucker (Center) – A defensive anchor, holding the record for most blocks in a game (10 vs. Miami in 1990).

Sixth Man (Spark Plug)​

• Tony Skinn (Guard) – A key player in the 2006 Final Four run, known for his clutch shooting and defensive intensity. He’d bring energy off the bench and change the pace of the game.

This lineup blends scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership—perfect for an all-time George Mason squad.

 

[psyclone]

Are we not counting Tyler Kolek? He did make a nba roster

In jessej's first post in this thread he laid down these ground rules:

Based on at least 2 years as a GMU Player
not based on achievements pre or post transfer
not based on achievements as a semi pro or pro player

As good as his career has turned out, Kolek is 0-3 on these criteria.

 

[Falco]

As a 2012 graduate.

Otis
Miller
Hancock
Pearson
Mike Mo

Sixth man- Jared Billups

 

[FreeGunston12]

As a 2012 graduate.

Kolek (we all saw the potential from his short stint at Mason)
Miller
Hancock
Pearson
Mike Mo

Sixth man- Shevon Thompson

As physically imposing as Thompson was, he doesn’t belong in the conversation IMO. We fed him a lot in those two years, but we also were a combined 20-43. 157 turnovers to 23 assists. With the rich history of big men at Mason, there are better options. Shevon was probably the best rebounder in Mason history though.

 

[Falco]

As physically imposing as Thompson was, he doesn’t belong in the conversation IMO. We fed him a lot in those two years, but we also were a combined 20-43. 157 turnovers to 23 assists. With the rich history of big men at Mason, there are better options. Shevon was probably the best rebounder in Mason history though.

good points. Replacing with Billups

 

[GMU79]

VERY tough task especially given the way the game has changed, the addition of the 3 point line, and that positions are no longer as clear. But, here's my 2 cents........

1 - Curtis McCants
2 - Carlos Yates
3 - Kenny Sanders
4 - Will Thomas
5 - George Evans

6th Man - Cam Long


My FAVORITE all time players:

1 - Myron Contee
2 - Carlos Yates
3 - Kenny Sanders
4 - Will Thomas
5 - Andre Gaddy

6th man - Donald Ross

I like! Especially Myron and Andre. I thought it was so cool when we got a player from Brooklyn. Especially one that turned out to be a GMU all-timer!

 

[GMU79]

Are we not counting Tyler Kolek? He did make a nba roster

Nope. Wasn't here long enough.

 

[GMU79]

he is on an even shorter list
1) GMU players who have played in an NBA playoff game

Wasn't here long enough.

 

[jessej]

@GMU79

Did u graduate GMU in 1979?
if so, did you see any GMU BBall games in 1975 or 1976?
Did they play the games in the RAC?

 

[psyclone]

Some of these guys I don't recognize

Absolutely! George Mason has had some standout players over the years, especially during their legendary 2006 Final Four run. Based on historical stats and impact, here’s an all-time starting five plus a sixth man to bring the energy:

Starting Five​

1. Carlos Yates (Guard) – The all-time leading scorer for George Mason with 2,420 career points. A prolific scorer who could take over games.
2. Curtis McCants (Guard) – Holds the record for most assists in a season (251 in 1994–95). A true floor general who could distribute and create plays.
3. Rudolph Jones (Forward) – Dominated in the early years, setting records for most points in a season (779 in 1972–73).
4. Marquise Moore (Forward) – A rebounding machine, grabbing 369 boards in the 2016–17 season. His versatility made him a force on both ends.
5. Byron Tucker (Center) – A defensive anchor, holding the record for most blocks in a game (10 vs. Miami in 1990).

Sixth Man (Spark Plug)​

• Tony Skinn (Guard) – A key player in the 2006 Final Four run, known for his clutch shooting and defensive intensity. He’d bring energy off the bench and change the pace of the game.

This lineup blends scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership—perfect for an all-time George Mason squad.

Only saw Jones a few times and can't offer an opinion on him other than his high career average. It was before we were Division 1 and played an independent schedule (no conference affiliation). So level of competition was weak.

Will Thomas and Jai Lewis were more notable than Byron Tucker- both skill- and contribution-wise.

McCants was one of the fastest pgs at Mason but his career overlapped with Westhead's tenure so his assist total would be inflated by that run-and-gun style of play. Thrown off the team for bad behavior (to say the least if the rumors were correct)

Yates is a no-brainer for the starting 5 as is George Evans who was CAA conference player of the year for 3 ,or maybe 4 years! Can't have an all star team without him, AI be damned!

Moore really developed his junior and senior years but I'd have Otis Livingston ahead of him.