Top Ten lists

North Carolina freshman Michael Jordan draining a jumper with 17 seconds left in 1982.  Lorenzo Charles buzzer beating dunk for Jim Valvano and N.C. State in 1983.  Magic vs. Bird in the most watched College game ever in 1979.  And of course Christian Laettner's fade away bomb that stunned Kentucky and pushed DUKE into the Final Four in 1991.   The list can go on and on.  All spectacular sports moments.  All works of art.

Atlanta Art.

Being a resident of Atlanta, it's hard not to notice the latest work of sports art around town as the 2013 Atlanta Final Four logo is unfurled everywhere.  And a beautiful sight it is.   Being a blogger for Retro Brand, it's hard not to use this occasion to notice our Final Four t-shirt collection and that is a beautiful sight too.

Alas, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but here are what we believe are the Top Ten FINAL FOUR graphics ever.

10. The Hogs wore the crown well in 1994. WPS!

9. In 1999, the UCONN Huskies stand as tall as the Tampa Palmetto's when they win their first national title.

8. Love the Colt in Kentucky, and love # 8 seed Villanova winning their first title in the 1985 tournament over Big East rival Georgetown.

7. The coin designed logo fits in well for Kansas. To "coin" a phrase, ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK win the 50th Anniversary of the tournament behind Danny "and the Miracles" Manning. Pay Heed.

6. It's a simple game. It's a simple logo. It simply works. In 1979, Magic made it pretty simple for Michigan State too (sorry Larry).

5. The road to the Emerald city was paved with Michigan Gold in 1989. Rumeal Robinson sank two free throws with 3 seconds left in OT to lift the Wolverines over Seton Hall for their first National Championship.

4. "The Pit" in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved perfect for the Pack.

3. Keith Smart of Indiana had more nerve than a riverboat gambler when he sank the game winner over Syracuse to give the Hoosiers the 1987 title at the Superdome in New Orleans.

2. The trumpet head as a basketball net for this New Orleans classic? Awesome! Oh yeah, that game the Tar heels won over the Hoyas in '82 was pretty awesome too.

1. Bobby Knight gets his 2nd of 3 titles in 1981. The Red Basketball, White & Blue logo on a literal symbol of America's freedom - The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, make this our # 1 Final Four graphic. Retro Brand shirts proudly MADE IN THE USA!

# 4

Today's TOP 10 list is brought to you by College Basketball scribe extraordinaire, Geoff Hutchinson.  You can peep Geoff's regular column "the retro-spective" right here.

It’s been an awesome couple of weeks in college basketball with all the upsets and buzzer beaters and great games being played.  However, we want to take a step back and travel down memory lane for a bit.  While the 2000’s were a short time ago, we still enjoy reminiscing over the great college basketball that was played during that decade.  With that being said, we are going to take a look at the 10 BEST players of the 2000s.  Please feel free to disagree with me, as there were about 15-20 players that I considered when compiling this list.  With no further ado, here are the top ten best player of that decade.

10. Emeka Okafor – C - Connecticut:   Teams in the Big East often learned the hard way about entering the paint when Emeka Okafor was in the lane.  In his three years at UConn, Okafor averaged over 4 blocks per game every season, and left UConn as the school’s all-time leading blocks leader.  Okafor was named the Big East Player of the Year and National Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.  Okafor was the backbone of an UConn team that won the NCAA Championship in 2004, where Okafor was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

9. Blake Griffin – F - Oklahoma:   This might come as a shocker to you, but Blake Griffin was really good in college.  Poor Big XII teams were faced with the almost impossible task of defending the hyperathletic dunking machine, and most struggled mightily containing the talented Griffin.  After a promising freshman season where Griffin averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds a game, Griffin returned to Oklahoma for his sophomore year and it was not a pretty sight for opposing teams.  In 2008-2009, Griffin averaged 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds while leading the Sooners to the Elite Eight.  Griffin’s exploits were rewarded with the Naismith and Wooden Awards in 2009.

8. TJ Ford – G - Texas:   In the history of NCAA, there has only been one point guard to lead the nation in assists as a freshman, and that player was Texas point guard TJ Ford.  In 2002, Ford led the nation averageing a little over 8 assists per game.  In his sophomore year, he was unable to duplicate the feet, but led the Longhorns in points, assists, and steals.  In the 2003 season, Ford led Texas to the school’s first Final Four since 1947 and was named MVP of the South Regional.  His performance earned him the Naismith and Wooden Awards in 2003, and had his jersey retired by the University of Texas.

7. Juan Dixon – G – Maryland:   I’m pretty sure that Juan Dixon can go anywhere in College Park, Maryland and not have to pay for any meal because of his exploits a decade ago.  Dixon led the Terrapins to their first ever national championship in 2002, where he was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.  During Dixon’s four years at Maryland, he was named to the All-ACC first team three times, and was named ACC Player of the year in 2002.  Dixon left Maryland as the school’s all-time leading scorer, and the only player in NCAA history to accumulate 2,000 points, 300 steals, and 200 three-pointers in his career.

Put your wings up for # 6.

6. Jameer Nelson – G – St. Joseph’s:   Nelson was the driving force behind the last team (2003-2004 St. Joseph’s Hawks) to finish the regular season undefeated.  Nelson led the Hawks to the Elite Eight, and the Hawks were named the team of the decade by Sports Illustrated.  Nelson started his career off with a bang as he was the unanimous choice for National Freshman of the Year in 2001.  He left St. Joseph’s as the school’s leader in points, assists and steals, and had his number retired in 2004.  Nelson was awarded with the Wooden and Naismith Awards for his play during his senior year in 2004.

5. JJ Redick – G - Duke:   While he was not as successful as much as some of the most famous players to ever wear the Duke jersey, it is arguable that Redick might be the most accomplished player to ever don the Duke uniform.  Redick dominated the ACC during his four years at Duke, capturing the ACC Player of the Year Award in both his junior and senior seasons (2005, 2006).  Redick left Duke as the all-time leader in three pointers (457) and points scored in the ACC (2,769).  Redick had his ACC scoring record broken by another member of this list.  In Redick’s senior season (2006), he was named the Naismith and Wooden Player of the Year.

4. Kevin Durant – F - Texas:   The only player on our list to only spend a year in college, and what a year it was for Kevin Durant!  As a freshman in 2006-2007, Durant averaged an amazing 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds per game for the Texas Longhorns.  In Big XII play that season, he was even better, averaging a staggering 28.9 points and 12.5 rebounds, which included a 37 point and 23 rebound effort against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.  Durant’s extraordinary exploits earned him the distinction of the first freshman to ever win the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year Awards in 2007.

3. Shane Battier – F – Duke:   If you had to describe Shane Battier, the perfect term would be “consummate winner”.  Battier is the only player on this list to have played in two Final Fours in two different decades (1999, 2001).  It is arguable that Battier was the best perimeter defender to have played in the 2000s, as Battier was awarded the National Defensive Player of the Year Award three times from 1999 to 2001.  As a senior in 2001, Battier led the Blue Devils to the National Championship, capturing the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player Award in the process.  During the same season, Battier was awarded with the Wooden and Naismith Award for the best player in the nation.

# 1

2. Jason Williams – G - Duke:   Williams’s freshman season at Duke was impressive on its own right, as he averaged 14.5 points and 6.5 assists and won National Freshman of the Year.  However, the next two years at Duke are why Williams comes in at #2 on our list.  As a sophomore, Williams broke Duke’s record for points in a season and helped lead Duke to the National Championship.  How did he follow up that season?  By winning the Naismith and Wooden Awards in 2002.  Williams actually graduated from Duke early, and had his number retired on Duke’s Senior Day in 2002, even though Williams was only a junior at the time.

And the best player of the 2000s is…..

1. Tyler Hansbrough – F – North Carolina:   To opposing fans, Hansbrough was a pest of a player, while to North Carolina fans, he was the quintessential star that played the game the right way.  Where do we start with Hansbrough’s achievements from his college career?  He won every award imaginable in college basketball.  He has a collegiate championship that he won in his senior year.  Hansbrough was the person that knocked J.J. Redick from the top of charts for the ACC scoring record.  In Hansbrough’s four years in North Carolina, he was named a consensus First Team All-American three times.  In Hansbrough’s best season, his junior year, he pulled a clean sweep of every major award, including the Naismith and Wooden Awards.  All in all, Hansbrough has the most impressive resume for any player that suited up in the 2000s, and deserves to be atop our list.

I hope you enjoyed the list. Check out Retro College Cuts for more college basketball gear and talk!  And be sure to enter the Retro College Cuts "Win a Trip to VEGAS for THE MADNESS!" contest.  You could win FREE trip to LAS VEGAS for the first weekend of the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.  The winner (and one guest of their choice) will be awarded round trip airfare & a three night stay at THE HOTEL boutique resort.

# 2

The week before the start of a new year always means an abundance of Top Ten lists of the soon to be over current year, popping up everywhere.  Top Ten goals, Top Ten sacks, dunks, saves, bloopers, etc,...  We featured our Top Ten Retro Brand Fan Photo's of 2012 just last week and I'm about to lay another one on you today.  Although today's list is not a 2012 list, but an ALL-TIME list, and was spurred on by last night's cry.

That's right.  I'm a 6'1" - 235lb. macho sports loving pig who cries at the drop of a hat.  Last night while flipping channels around 1am, I stumbled on my # 1 Sports tearjerker movie of all time and whilst trying not to wake my wife up with my snivelling, it was there and then that I decided I would share all of my sports movie moments of whiny weakness with you today.  I've seen each of these at least 10-20 times each over the years, and the river of tears never stops coming no matter how I may try to hold 'em back.  See if you can make it through.....

10.  Miracle (2004; based on a true story): The film based on the true life story of the USA Hockey team that defeated the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics which led to one of the most unifying moments our country has ever experienced before or since.  "Do you believe in Miracles? YES!"  Do you believe in sobbing when Kurt Russell (as Head Coach Herb Brooks) gives his pregame speech to the underdogs and says "You were born for this."?  YES!

9.  The Blindside (2009; based on a true story):  When Sandra Bullock has to drop off her beloved adopted son for his first day of College at Ole Miss, the separation anxiety I had when I went off to school comes rushing, dare I say tears-a-flowin-back, and I'm blindsided beside myself.

8.  We Are Marshall (2006; based on a true story):  The aftershock of 37 members of the Thundering Herd football team perishing in a plane crash is depicted all too well.  Matthew McConaughey (as Head Coach Jack Lengyel) took his players to the grave-site of several deceased players so they could understand their history.  "The Funerals end here.."  ....the tears start here too. uh boy.

# 8.

7.  Hoosiers (1986; based on a true story):  Many feel this is the best Sports movie of all time.  Small town basketball team of all heart rag tags take on the big town boys from the big city and win the State Championship on last second shot.  Coach's (Gene Hackman) last words in yet another locker room pep talk?  "I love you guys."  Tissue please.

6.  Rudy (1993; based on a true story):  "Rudy, are you ready for this, champ?"  "I've been ready for this my whole life!"  "Then you take us out on the field!!"  He took them out on the Notre Dame field.  We took out the hankies.

5.  The Rookie (2002; based on a true story):  Dennis Quaid portrays former baseball phenom Jim Morris, who'd dreamed of playing Major league Baseball.  The dream ends (he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers) with an injury right out of High school.  The dream becomes reality many years later for Morris at the ripe old age of 35 (age when most ball players retire).  He has a short stint in the Minors and then gets the call up to the Majors.  In the bowels of the stadium after a successful stint in relief in his Major League debut, he meets up with his Dad who had been less than supportive of Jim over the years.  Jim: You came.  Dad: Wasn't going to miss this one.  Watching you out there tonight... not many fathers get to do that.   Cue: tears.

# 4.

4.  A League of Their Own (1992):  While not based on a true story like every movie mentioned above, the film realistically captures what life was like for women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball league.  The AAGBPL was formed to fill the void of the Major leagues which were depleted of it's best players due to World War II.  The first of 2 gut wrenching scenes is when Tom Hanks (Coach) receives a telegram from the War Department and has to inform one of his players their husband has been killed in action in the locker room before a game.  Who's husband is it?  Brutal..  The other scene is at the end when two of the sisters who played together meet up at the Baseball Hall of Fame for the ceremonial opening of the Women's wing.  Ball city, and it ain't base Ball.  For the record, one of the most memorable and funniest quotes from this movie (and all movies for that matter) - "There's no crying in baseball...THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!" brings timely comic relief.

3.  Pride of The Yankees (1942; based on a true story):  Often overshadowed by Yankee teammate Babe Ruth, the soft spoken goody-two-shoes Lou Gehrig got a lucky break when he filled in at first base for regular Wally Pipp.  He never looked back and the "Iron Horse" went on to set a Major League record of 2,130 games played.  When he inexplicably started to play poorly, he was eventually diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which today is known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.  When the very ill Gehrig (Played by Gary Cooper) delivers a speech on the 4th of July of 1939 on a day designated in his honor saying "Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got.  Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth,"  there isn't a dry eye in Yankee Stadium or the living room from which I am watching.

# 6.

2.  Brian's Song (1971; based on a true story):  So many scenes, TOO many tears. Part of speech from Gale Sayers (Portrayed by Billy Dee Williams) accepting the George Halas Award for most Courageous player -  "I'd like to tell you about a guy I know, a friend of mine.  His name is Brian Piccolo (portrayed by James Caan).  And he has the heart of a giant, and that rare form of courage that allows him to kid himself and his opponent, cancer.  He has a mental attitude that makes me proud to have a friend who spells out the word 'courage,' 24 hours a day, every day of his life.  Now you honor me by giving me this award.  But I say to you here now, Brian Piccolo is the man who deserves the George S. Halas award.  It is mine tonight... and Brian Piccolo's tomorrow (then the theme song starts playing...) I love Brian Piccolo.  And I'd like all of you to love him too.  And so tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him."  Oy vey, I'm toast.  Then the final words of the movie by Coach Halas as a flashback of Sayers & Piccolo come in to view - "Brian Piccolo died of cancer at the age of 26.  He left a wife and three daughters.  He also left a great many loving friends who miss and think of him often.  But when they think of him, it's not how he died that they remember - but how he lived.  How he did live!   Double toast.

1.  Field Of Dreams (1989; fantasy):  While this movie has plenty of comedy, it's the message of faith & family that resonate most when all is said and done.  Against all that is sane and reasonable, Kevin Costner's character builds a baseball diamond on his Iowa farm which plays host to ghosts of baseball players of the early 1900's who come out regularly to play.  One night as he's heading in for the evening, the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson says "Build it and he will come - Build it and he will come."  Who will come you old ghost?, Kostner says and when he turns around he sees his Dad as a young man in a catcher's uniform.  That's the first gulp moment.  Second gulp moment is when the Dad asks "Is this Heaven?"  Third, and biggest gulp moment of sports tearjerker moments ever is when Kostner asks "Dad?"  "Yes.."  "Do you wanna have a catch?"  "Yeah.. I'd like that."  I'd always cried at that moment, but since losing my Dad last October, and seeing it last night during this time of year had the flood gates WIDE open.  Check it out....

I'm ok.  You ok?  That wasn't so bad.... You have any sports tear jerker flicks I left out?  Tell me about them in the comments section.  Now cheer up and have a great weekend!

There's nothing we love more then our fans.  Especially those that tweet, pin, post, and send in photo's of themselves and friends sporting their favorite Retro Brand gear.  With 2012 coming to a close, we've decided to look back and pick our Top Ten favorites from the past year.  Here they are...

Honorable Mention:  This guy drinking the Orange Crush in the Orange Crush shirt is me.  I can't help my narcissistic self.  Thing is I really love Orange Crush soda (and Grape) so this is no hollow endorsement.

Andy Hyman, Huntington, NY.

10.  Cool by the pool, Chick. 

Kelly Nagel, Cartersville, GA.

9.  You gotta fight for your right to ROCK THE VOTE!

Kel Belle Webb, Fort Smith, Arkansas

8.  I don't like Hawaiian Punch as much as Orange Crush, but who can resist these cuties?

Rich, Corey & Chrissy Nagel, Cartersville, GA.

7.  Our office was a Buzz when we received this photo.

Natalie Moore, Savannah, GA.

6.  Thanks to these Volunteers for volunteering their photo.

Rob & Jennifer Poole Gray, Knoxville, TN.

5.  Dawg days always for this # 1 Georgia Fanatic.

Brett Miolen, Atlanta, GA.

4.  This man has the kind of addiction we can relate to.

Mike Fleet, Santa, Ana, CA.

3.  This fellow's nickname is "Crash."  That, wearing a Kilt, & swinging a large sword get you in the Top Ten.

David Craig, Rochester, NY.

2.  It's not the Notre Dame Cathedral in France, but our first overseas photo at Buckingham Palace will do.

Jordan Taillon, The Woodlands, TX.

1.   Might as well, JUMP!  This shot was probably the highest moment for Auburn this season.  They'll be back.

Amanda Sanger Parsons, Sarasota, FL.

Hope you like our fan favorites for 2012.  Please send us your personal favorite Retro Brand photo of yourself, as it's never too early to be counted in our list for 2013.  While you're at it, let us know if you have any ideas for a particular Top Ten list you'd like to see (Top Ten photo's with pets, Top Ten shirts of Fans at games, etc...).  Leave us your idea in the comments, and we'll get back with you.  Thanks again to all of our great fans who sent in their photo's!

Lastly, in case you missed our cutoff date for guaranteed Christmas delivery, and you still want to surprise someone with Retro Brand gear, click over the graphic below and get them one of our Gift Cards.

When it comes to greatness in sports and the #12, it seems like football quarterbacks in College & Pro have a lock.  Namath, Bradshaw, Staubach, Rodgers, Stabler, Griese, Brady, and I can go on forever.  But right now I love College Hoops and thought I'd take a stab at famous #12's of the college hardwood on this rare day that won't come around again for another 100 years.

I was hoping I could think of 12 #12's, and give you a TOP 12 list, but I could only think of 5 really good ones and here they are....

5.  Derek Harper, Illinois - Derek played 3 seasons for the Fighting Illini and was named to their Men's Basketball All Century team.  Harper flourished in the NBA and is one of the league's most durable players of all-time logging 1,199 games over his 16 year career.

Lots to cheer about.

4.  Kenny Anderson, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets -Remembered as the main cog in Georgia Tech's "Lethal Weapon 3" with Dennis Scott and Brian Oliver, who led the Jackets to the Final Four in 199o.  Anderson was a consensus NCAA All-American in 1991 with 2 years of eligibility before leaving the College ranks for the NBA Draft.

Yours truly and Kenny.

3.  John Stockton, Gonzaga Bulldogs - Before going on to a stellar Hall of Fame NBA career, Stockton was busy tearing up the West Coast Conference where he was named the Player of the Year in in 1984.  He's the 3rd all-time leader in assists, and first all-time in steals for the Zags.

Leading the Zags into prominence.

2.  Phil Ford, North Carolina Tar Heels -When you think UNC, you usually think Michael Jordan first.  Phil Ford was actually the all-time leading scorer for the Heels before Tyler Hansbrough surpassed him in 2008.  Ford was a 3-Time consensus All-American, Member of the 1976 Gold Medal Olympic team, and was recently inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame on November 18, 2012.

Fab Ford.

1.  Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Bearcats - The Big "O" or "Mr. Basketball" averaged 33.8 points per game throughout his college career and was the all-time leading scorer in college history until Pistol Pete from LSU came on the scene.  He led the nation in scoring 3 straight years and set 14 NCAA records and 19 school records while leading the Bearcats to two Final Fours.  He was a 3 time consensus All-American and has won a list of awards too long to mention (that goes for the NBA too).  He went on to team up with Jerry West and lead the USA to a Gold medal in the 1960 Olympics.

Best overall College player ever?

Those are my top 5 #12's in College Hoops.  Surely you can think of a few more?  Please shoot me a response if you can think of some!

Only 98 days until the First Four tip off!  I LOVE COLLEGE HOOPS!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  CHECK US OUT ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!

I'm sure this post is going to ruffle a few feathers (Baldwin Eagle's from BC?), but remember this is purely one man's opinion on which are the 10 best living animal college mascots in the country (One man who won't let being a Georgia Bulldog fan have any bearing whatsoever on Uga's position in the rankings).  We'll get to the anthromorphized mascots (costumed critters & such) in a separate post next week.

Before we start I want to point out that there's no set of criteria or scientific data involved in the Retro Brand rankings, just havin' some fun so here goes....

9. The majestic bird of SEC prey is War Eagle. Swoops in on gators, bulldogs, and even tigers with purple stripes. (photo: family.auburn.edu)

5. How can you not get amped when you see Chief Osceola ride out on to the field on Renegade? You know it's the real deal when the duo is officially sanctioned by the Seminole tribe of Florida. Gotta say it...."Fear The Spear!" (photo: kccollegegameday.com)

4. Ok, we have a soft spot for horses. Traveler from USC has alot to look forward to with his team ranked # 1 in all the major polls, as he'll try and lead the men of Troy to the first non-SEC National Championship since 2005. (photo: degreeconnection.info)

3. Raphie the Buffalo is a just a mere 1,300 lb. female Bison. She was donated to the University of Colorado by a guy named Ted Turner. In 2010, Fox Sports crowned Ralphie "The Coolest Mascot In Sports."

2. UGA really is a gentle English Bulldog until provoked... Then he lashes out like a rabid HAIRY DAWG! Auburn back Robert Baker knows this all too well as witnessed in this famous 1996 photo (UGA V photo:forum.gon.com)

1. Ladies first. The first lady of Aggieland and # 1 on our list, is Texas A&M's stunning long haired collie, Reveille. As a five-star general, she is the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets. With her new home in the SEC, she'll need to be pulling rank on the regular. (photo: amidwesterngirlincowboycountry.blogspot.com)

So there you go... Agreed, right?  Didn't think so.  Tell me your TOP TEN, or let me know who you think should have made the list in the comment section below.  I can always be swayed to revise (but UGA will never be removed!).

Also, be sure to check back this Friday for the first weekly installment of the 3rd annual "High Five" College Football contest where we give away a FREE Original Retro Brand vintage college t-shirt every week of the season!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  CHECK US OUT ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!