CBB Uniforms (1988-89 to Present): 16 Seeds

What's that? Oh, you wanted me to rate the top 64 college basketball uniforms from the past 23 seasons? Well, you're in luck, because that's what's getting ready to happen - in 16 installments. I began watching college basketball during the 1988-89 season as a 7-year old. That season ended with Michigan topping Seton Hall in the National Championship game. Given my viewing lifetime, this list only takes into consideration uniforms worn from the 1988-89 season up to the present. For the most part, the ratings are about design, color scheme, and uniqueness. I am not penalizing pre-Fab Five era uniforms for their embarrassing short shorts. Similarly, I am not penalizing current uniforms for their embarrassing capri pants. I am also ignoring the fact that water marks exist on the back of uniforms. Hopefully, that is a fad that will disappear quickly. I should also note that the same team can appear on this list more than once. In fact, 9 teams appear on the list twice, and two schools make three appearances. In other words, 11 programs make up 25 of the 64 uniforms on the list. There are no hard and fast rules. These are just my opinions. That being said, there are a few guidelines I'm trying to follow. I've also tried my best to take my rooting interests out of the equation. Uniforms that have reached iconic status get a boost in the rankings. Similarly, uniforms that were truly revolutionary - in terms of fit or design - get a boost. Where only small modifications were made to a program's uniform over time, I have included the most appealing uniform from that series. However, where significant changes have been made, multiple uniforms from the same program are eligible for inclusion. I am taking into consideration third and fourth color alternates and alternate designs. However, I am not taking into consideration throwback uniforms that were part of a team's uniform rotation, unless that throwback served as the team's primary uniform. As it is difficult to pinpoint exactly the years in which some of these uniforms were worn, I have referenced a particular uniform by school and player in an attempt to jog your memory and to give you a rough idea of the time the uniform was worn. In some cases, the player pictured is not the player named as a reference point; it's simply the best picture I could find of the uniform in question. Without further ado, RBP's 16 seeds:

64) Memphis (Tyreke Evans)
Memphis currently wears uniforms that are almost identical to these, save for the addition of stripes on the shoulders, down the sides, and on the shorts.




63) Clemson (Trevor Booker)
Clemson's otherwise average uniforms make the cut on the strength of their purple alternates.




62) Utah (David Foster)
Like the throwback jersey look but not a fan of the shorts, which read "U - US - MUSS", a reference to the team motto (the MUSS being the Utah student section).




61) Kansas State (Jacob Pullen)
The white and black versions are fantastic, but the purple and gray models drag the Wildcats down.

2010-11 Outlook: Big 12

Projected Order of Finish

1. Kansas - Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins, and Xavier Henry are now lacing them up in the Association, but the Big 12 championship still goes through Lawrence.

2. Kansas State - Jacob Pullen's beard and a deep frontcourt return, but will Crazy Frank Martin's squad recapture the magic of last year's 29-win season?

3. Missouri - Top recruit Tony Mitchell is ineligible (questions remain as to whether he will ever suit up for the Tigers), and defensive aficionados everywhere mourn having lost the chance to see Mitchell in Mike Anderson's 40 Minutes of Hell defense.

4. Texas - After a year of underachieving and disappointment, the question is whether the Longhorns have found a semblance of chemistry.

5. Baylor - Lots of length and athleticism, but I'm not sure the Bears have a point guard to run the show.

6. Texas A&M - Expect a breakout season from junior forward David Loubeau.

7. Texas Tech - Seniors John Roberson and Mike Singletary will make the Red Raiders competitive, but Pat Knight will most likely find a way to mess things up in Lubbock.

8. Oklahoma State - As usual, depth will be a problem for the seemingly always undermanned Cowboys.

9. Colorado - Senior Cory Higgins and sophomore Alec Burks are two of the country's best kept secrets, but they don't have much help.

10. Oklahoma - The rebuilding begins now for the Sooners, as Willie Warren turned pro after an unimpressive sophomore campaign, and former McDonald's All-Americans Tiny Gallon and Tommy Mason-Griffin lasted all of one season in Norman.

11. Iowa State - Cyclones have no way of replacing Craig Brackins and Marquis Gilstrap.

12. Nebraska - Do they still play basketball at Tyronn Lue University?

All-Conference

John Roberson, Texas Tech, sr, guard
Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, sr, guard
J'Covan Brown, Texas, soph, guard
LaceDarius Dunn, Baylor, sr, guard
Marcus Morris, Kansas, jr, forward

Player of the Year

Jacob Pullen, Kansas State - It will be interesting to see if Pullen can pile up the points with the opposition no longer having to worry about backcourt mate Denis Clemente.

Top Freshman

Tristan Thompson, Texas - Nice body and smooth moves around the rim.

Top Defender

Dogus Balbay, Texas - Hailing from Istanbul, Balbay is relentless on the defensive end and an excellent on-ball defender.