Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA
The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / The Grueling Truth's Top 10 Sports Lists / Top 10 Xavier Musketeer Basketball players of All Time!

Top 10 Xavier Musketeer Basketball players of All Time!

Publish Date: 03/20/2025
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

​Xavier University has a storied basketball program that has produced numerous standout players who have significantly contributed to the team’s success over the years. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 Xavier basketball players of all time.

1. Byron Larkin (1984–1988)

Byron Larkin is Xavier’s all-time leading scorer with 2,696 points, a record that still stands today. A dominant guard, he was a two-time MCC Player of the Year and led Xavier to its first NCAA Tournament win in 1988. Larkin was known for his elite scoring ability, leadership, and clutch performances, making him one of the most iconic players in the program’s history. His impact helped elevate Xavier into a nationally recognized program.

Video: XU Hoops Legend Byron Larkin Twice Chose Hoops Over Football

XU Hoops Legend Byron Larkin Twice Chose Hoops Over Football

2. David West (1999–2003)

David West is arguably the most decorated player in Xavier’s history. A dominant forward, West was a three-time Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and earned consensus second-team All-American honors in 2003. He concluded his collegiate career with 2,132 points and 1,308 rebounds, ranking among the school’s all-time leaders in both categories. West’s leadership propelled the Musketeers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, laying the foundation for his successful 15-year NBA career, during which he won two NBA championships.

Video: Musketeer Moments: Feb. 8, 2003 vs. Dayton

Musketeer Moments: Feb. 8, 2003 vs. Dayton

3. Tyrone Hill (1986–1990)

Known for his relentless rebounding and defensive prowess, Tyrone Hill was a force in the paint. He earned the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year honors in 1990 and was pivotal in leading Xavier to its first NCAA tournament victory that same year. Hill amassed 1,380 points and 1,103 rebounds during his collegiate career, showcasing his consistency and impact. He went on to enjoy a solid NBA career, including an All-Star selection in 1995.

Video: Tyrone Hill's Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

Tyrone Hill’s Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame Induction

4. James Posey (1996–1999)

A versatile guard/forward, James Posey was instrumental on both ends of the court. He was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 1999 and was a two-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 honoree. Posey’s athleticism and defensive tenacity made him a standout at Xavier, and he continued to excel in the NBA, winning two championships with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics.

Video: Xavier Basketball 100 Years Podcast Episode 5: James Posey

Xavier Basketball 100 Years Podcast Episode 5: James Posey

5. Trevon Bluiett (2014–2018)

Trevon Bluiett is one of the most prolific scorers in Xavier history. A three-time First Team All-Big East selection, Bluiett finished his career second on Xavier’s all-time scoring list with 2,261 points. His sharpshooting and clutch performances were key in leading the Musketeers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2017.

Video: HIGHLIGHTS | Trevon Bluiett scores 26 points against Villanova.

HIGHLIGHTS | Trevon Bluiett scores 26 points against Villanova.

6. Tu Holloway (2008–2012)

Tu Holloway’s dynamic playmaking and scoring ability made him a standout point guard for the Musketeers. He was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year in 2011 and earned First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors twice. Holloway’s leadership and competitiveness were instrumental in Xavier’s Sweet 16 appearances in 2010 and 2012.

Video: Xavier Tu Holloway Player Glitz

Xavier Tu Holloway Player Glitz

7. Romain Sato (2000–2004)

Romain Sato’s versatility and athleticism made him a key contributor during his tenure at Xavier. A three-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, Sato was known for his defensive skills and rebounding prowess despite being a guard. He played a crucial role in Xavier’s Elite Eight appearance in 2004, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s greats.

Video: Romain Sato Returns to Xavier

Romain Sato Returns to Xavier

8. Derek Strong (1987–1991)

Derek Strong was a dominant forward known for his physicality and rebounding skills. He earned First Team All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference honors twice and was the MCC Player of the Year in 1990. Strong’s inside presence was vital to Xavier’s success during his collegiate career, and he went on to have a productive NBA career.

Video: 1990 NCAA Tournament 2nd Round: #6 Xavier vs #3 Georgetown (Full NCAA Men's Basketball game 3/18/90)

1990 NCAA Tournament 2nd Round: #6 Xavier vs #3 Georgetown (Full NCAA Men’s Basketball game 3/18/90)

9. Jordan Crawford (2009–2010)

Despite playing only one season at Xavier, Jordan Crawford made a significant impact. He averaged 20.5 points per game during the 2009–2010 season and led the Musketeers to the Sweet 16. Crawford’s scoring ability and memorable performances, including a 32-point game against Kansas State in the NCAA tournament, left a lasting impression on the program.

Video: The Real Video of Xavier's Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron James

The Real Video of Xavier’s Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron James

 

10. Lenny Brown (1995–1999)

Lenny Brown was a clutch performer known for his scoring and leadership. A two-time First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, Brown hit one of the most iconic shots in Xavier history—a game-winning jumper against crosstown rival Cincinnati in 1996. His contributions were pivotal in establishing Xavier as a formidable program in the late 1990s.

Video: Xavier Classic - Lenny Brown - 1996 Crosstown Shootout

Xavier Classic – Lenny Brown – 1996 Crosstown Shootout

These ten players have left an indelible mark on Xavier basketball, each contributing to the rich history and tradition of the Musketeers.​

 

Read Also
Top 10 College Basketball Players of all time
This list only considers college achievements and the professional careers of these ...
Top 20 Indiana High School Basketball players of all time: Big O, Larry, Damon and more
This list is based solely on what these guys did in their ...
Bet365 Promo
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
The Greatest College Basketball Team of All Time
Rating the greatest college basketball teams ever has been done many times ...
Indiana Basketball Weekly
Welcome to Indiana Basketball Weekly, your dedicated podcast for all things Indiana ...
Come Fly with me: How the 1988-89 Chicago Bulls pushed forward to an NBA dynasty.
Find the best sportsbook to bet on the NBA Playoffs! Prologue: By ...
Top 50 NBA players under 25 years old in 2021: Doncic bests Young
This year’s playoffs confirmed that the NBA is in good hands. The ...
Grading every NFL team’s picks from the 2021 NFL Draft
Quickly, click away if you’re going to get upset by reading draft ...
NFL Draft 2021: Sam Teets’ top 100 prospects big board
The 2021 NFL Draft is less than a month away, meaning it’s ...
Predicting the next five Pro Football Hall of Fame classes
Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio is ...
Latest News
Gerry Cooney: The Gentle Giant of the 1980s
Gerard "Gerry" Cooney was born in 1956, in ...
Andrew Toney: The Forgotten Star Who Terrorized the Celtics
In the pantheon of 1980s NBA stars, names ...
Tom McNeeley: A Fighter in His Father’s Shadow and His Own Spotlight
Born in Arlington, Massachusetts, Thomas William McNeeley Jr. ...
Len Bias: The Shattered Promise and the End of a Dynasty
Leonard Kevin Bias was born in Landover, Maryland. ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.5/5
Bet365
4.5/5
Caesars
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets IF YOU WIN
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJosh SchwartzSimon BriffaMark LewisSamuel Teets
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Simon Briffa
Simon Briffa
Sports Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Author Icon
drjaygee
Editor
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open DraftKings
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $250 in Bonus Bets IF YOU WIN
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open FanDuel
Get Bonus
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now