The Great Basketball GOAT Debate: Who is the greatest?

 

When it comes to basketball greatness, a few names have been mentioned over the years. There is, of course Michael Jordan. Then there are Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. All exceptional athletes. But the discussions on the GOAT center mainly on the NBA. What about their high school and college basketball past? How did they perform back then? Did they dominate the game at those levels? It should only be fair to consider those if we are to determine the greatest basketball player of all time. 

James and Bryant skipped college and went straight to the NBA. So, that would automatically disqualify them from this discussion. However, there is one player who was a monster his entire career. One who dominated at all levels, they once banned the slam dunk from the NCAA because of him. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (formerly Lew Alcindor) deserves to be included in this debate. He has been overlooked because of his quiet and humble demeanor. He doesn't have loud supporters who shout out his achievements. In this blog post, we will dissect the careers Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Two basketball icons, highlighting the reasons why Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legacy may deserve more recognition than it often receives. And, why he could be the Greatest of all Time!

High School: The Foundation of Greatness

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then known as Lew Alcindor, attended Power Memorial Academy in New York City, where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His high school career was nothing short of spectacular. He led his team to an astounding 71-game winning streak and secured three consecutive city championships. His size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a dominant presence on the court, earning him national attention and setting the stage for his future success.
 
In stark contrast, Michael Jordan's high school journey was marked by adversity. As a sophomore at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, he was cut from the varsity team—a moment that could have crushed many young athletes. Instead, it fueled his determination to improve. By his senior year, Jordan had transformed into a standout player, leading his team to a state championship appearance and averaging around 25 points per game. While this is certainly commendable, it pales in comparison to Kareem's sustained dominance during his high school years.

The Verdict: Kareem's Early Dominance

In the realm of high school basketball, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's achievements far surpass those of Michael Jordan. His early success laid a solid foundation for what would become one of the most illustrious careers in sports history.

College Basketball: The Rise to Stardom

Transitioning to college basketball, both players continued to make their mark, but once again, Kareem's accomplishments shine brighter.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at UCLA

Kareem played for the legendary UCLA Bruins under coach John Wooden from 1966 to 1969. During his college career, he led UCLA to three consecutive NCAA championships (1967, 1968, and 1969) and was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player three times—an unprecedented achievement that underscores his dominance in college basketball. He averaged approximately 26.4 points per game over his three seasons at UCLA and became known for his signature skyhook shot—a move that would haunt defenders for decades.
 
Kareem's impact at UCLA was monumental; he was not just a participant but a transformative player who helped elevate the program to new heights. His combination of size (standing at 7'2") and skill made him nearly unstoppable in college basketball.

Michael Jordan at UNC

Michael Jordan played for the University of North Carolina (UNC) from 1981 to 1984. His college career is often highlighted by his iconic game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship against Georgetown—a moment that has become legendary in basketball lore. However, while he won one NCAA championship during his time at UNC, he did not achieve the same level of sustained success as Kareem.
 
Jordan averaged 17.7 points per game during his college career—impressive but not on par with Kareem's scoring output. While Jordan's clutch performances earned him acclaim and set the stage for his future success in the NBA, they do not overshadow Kareem's consistent dominance throughout his collegiate years.

The Verdict: Kareem’s Unmatched College Success

In terms of college basketball achievements, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s three championships and multiple accolades position him as one of the greatest college players ever—a status that is difficult to dispute when compared to Michael Jordan’s singular championship victory.

NBA Career: The Pinnacle of Basketball

The NBA is where both players truly cemented their legacies as all-time greats. However, even here, a closer look reveals a striking difference in their paths.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA Legacy

Kareem entered the NBA in 1969 and played for two franchises: the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Over his illustrious career spanning two decades, he appeared in the NBA Finals ten times, winning six championships (1971 with the Bucks; 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988 with the Lakers). His Finals record stands at 6-4, which is impressive given the competition he faced during those years.
 
Kareem also holds several records that speak volumes about his dominance:

• He was the all-time leading scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points.
• He won six regular-season MVP awards, more than any other player.
• He was named Finals MVP twice.

Kareem’s signature skyhook became one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball history—a testament to his skill and versatility as a player.

Michael Jordan’s NBA Legacy

Michael Jordan entered the NBA in 1984 and played primarily for the Chicago Bulls before finishing his career with the Washington Wizards. He won six NBA championships with a perfect Finals record of 6-0, which many fans cite as a key aspect of his greatness. Additionally, he was named Finals MVP six times and earned five regular-season MVP awards during his career.
 
Jordan’s impact on basketball transcends statistics; he became a global icon who popularized the sport worldwide. His competitive spirit and clutch performances—particularly in critical playoff moments—have contributed to an enduring legacy that resonates with fans around the globe.

The Verdict: A Tale of Two Legacies

While Michael Jordan’s perfect Finals record is often touted as evidence of his greatness, it’s essential to recognize that this statistic does not tell the whole story. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longevity in the league combined with his consistent excellence across multiple eras showcases a different kind of dominance that is equally impressive.

Conclusion: Dominance Redefined

In summary, when evaluating dominance across high school, college, and professional levels:

• High School: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominated with unparalleled success.
• College: Kareem again displayed superior performance with three championships compared to Jordan’s one.
• NBA: Both players achieved six championships; however, Kareem’s ten Finals appearances highlight his sustained excellence over time.

While Michael Jordan has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on basketball culture and is celebrated for his clutch performances and global influence, it is crucial to recognize that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career reflects a level of dominance that spans all stages of basketball—from high school through college and into the professional ranks.
 
Ultimately, while opinions will vary based on personal preferences and criteria for greatness, it is clear that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy deserves greater acknowledgment when discussing who truly dominated basketball throughout their careers. The debate may continue among fans and analysts alike, but one thing remains certain: both players are legends whose contributions have shaped the sport we love today.

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