The PHLSportsNation BIG 5 All-Decade Team
As we close in on the last couple of days of the 2010s, let’s take a second to acknowledge that we’re rounding out one of the most peculiar decades in the Big 5.
From Villanova’s stretch of dominance to the madness that surrounded the Southwest Philly floater to the major coaching changes, The Big 5 has had several facelifts since 2010 but we have to pay homage to the fact that it always boils back down to the players and the 2010s had no shortage of greats.
If a game called for a team of alums out of Philly, we’re in a pretty good spot.
Point Guard: Villanova’s #1 Jalen Brunson
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An obvious choice for many, a snub for a few but one thing that can’t be denied is Brunson holds the best resume of any Big 5 player ever. The two time National Champ went 12-0 in Big 5 play during his three years at ‘Nova including his season-high 25 points at Temple during his freshman season.
Apart from being a highly decorated player what, really makes Jalen the perfect fit for this team is his past first mindset. On a team littered with bucket getters, it’s safe to say a facilitator that can get his own shot and stretch the floor is a must.
Shooting Guard: LaSalle’s #21 Tyrone “The Southwest Philly Floater” Garland
This man has to make the team off of the strength of the nickname alone. But all jokes aside, the Philly born and raised 2 guard is the perfect fit because for starters, he was raised around Big 5 basketball. But more importantly, in a time where most guards would rather shoot, Tyrone averaged double digits and made his name by being a fearless slasher that could stop on a dime and get any shot he wanted 12ft and in. The nickname actually came from the historic run his team put together in the 2013 NCAA tournament. Mix that with the fact that his class won the most of any class in LaSalle in the last 28 years and you got the best fit for the shooting guard position.
Small Forward: Temple’s #1 Khalif Wyatt
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Undoubtedly the heart of this team. The Norristown native played only 10 games for his first year at Temple under the legendary Fran Dunphy. Fast forward to his senior season where he averaged 21 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals, Wyatt showed why he personifies the grit Philly sports fans hold in such high regard. Decorated with an A-10 POY, Big 5 POY and a nod from Tom Crean saying he was the best player his Indiana team had played in 2013 gives me Wyatt the perfect choice for the 3-spot.
Power Forward St. Joseph’s #43 De’Andre Bembry
Obviously not a ton of people’s first choice for the PF position but we might as well close out a decade drenched in a small ball the right way. Although the 6’5 swingman averaged 18 points in back to back seasons as a wing, he still managed to pull down about 8 rebounds both years. By far this most athletic out of this group and maybe one of the highest flyers the Big 5 has seen, Bembry made a lot of highlight reels climbing the chest of the opposing team’s biggest player and loved it. Another A-10 player of the year, Bembry is the perfect 3\4 for this group.
Center: UPenn’s #10 Darien Nelson-Henry
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There may not be a better fit in the country. Nelson-Henry, like most players on this list, made leaps throughout his playing career. In his senior season, where he averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, Nelson-Henry was the focal point of Penn’s roll and replace offense because of his ability to score at will 10-feet and in, find cutters and set screens that created 2 on 1 situation.
Although he wasn’t the most agile big man, Nelson-Henry’s effectiveness in screen/roll defense and rim protection make him the best fit for the 5-spot!
6th Man: Drexel’s #14 Damion Lee
WE KNOW! It’s not a Big 5 school and he technically did finish up his collegiate career at Louisville, but Lee’s junior season is undoubtedly ingrained in Philly basketball history. In his redshirt junior season, Lee averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists before going down with a hand injury in the last month of the season.
Another highly decorated player, Lee has a resume that lines up with the other 5 players, but to call a spade a spade, you don’t just end up at Louisville because you like the colors.
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