Joakim Noah F/C 6-11 230

 

Known for his intensity and emotion on the court, Noah became one of the most recognizable players in college basketball in his three years at Florida – especially gaining recognition during the Gators’ championship runs over the last two seasons.

 

The New York City native and lottery prospect (top 14 pick) put his mark on college basketball during the 2006 NCAA Tournament in which he averaged 16.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and an astounding 4.8 blocks per game.

 

Despite sparking conversations about being the No. 1 pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the then-sophomore decided to stay at Florida with teammates Al Horford, Corey Brewer and Taurean Green for his junior season.

 

“I feel like the last three years have been an unbelievable experience,” Noah explained. “I feel like not being able to play during my freshman year was really humbling. Last year, winning a national championship and going through having no expectations to all the expectations in the world, I feel like it’s unbelievable and then coming back to school – really, I feel like what we did was more than basketball.”

 

While his stats and Tournament were not as impressive in 2007, he has skills that will help him to success in the NBA including athleticism, passing ability and unparalled shot blocking capabilities.