Allen Iverson

Georgetown's explosive guard — two years of brilliance that made him the first overall pick.

Allen Ezail Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia in 1975. He served time in jail as a teenager before Virginia's governor pardoned him and Georgetown University offered him a scholarship. Coach John Thompson became his mentor and Iverson became the most explosive player in Georgetown history. He averaged 22.9 points and 4.7 assists per game across two seasons and was a two-time consensus All-American. He won the Big East Player of the Year and the Big East Defensive Player of the Year — the combination of offensive explosion and defensive instincts that would define his professional career was fully apparent at Georgetown. He left after his sophomore year. Philadelphia 76ers selected him first overall in the 1996 NBA Draft. His two Georgetown seasons — arriving under complicated circumstances and leaving as the top pick in the draft — represent one of the most complete personal transformations in college basketball. Coach Thompson's influence on Iverson was profound — he is credited with providing the discipline and structure that allowed Iverson's talent to be channelled. Georgetown retired his number 3 jersey. His two college seasons are the compressed but essential foundation of one of basketball's most celebrated careers.

• Big East Defensive Player of Year
• Big East Player of Year
• All-American 2x
• First overall pick 1996