The BIAH All-Decade Team

Let me preface this team by saying that this is not going to be a typical all-decade team. Instead of putting together an all-star team from the players this decade (that has been done here and here, and we already did our Advent Calendar countdown), we decided that this team would be the team we would put on the floor if we were coaching a team in an ideal universe.

Obviously, biases and style of play will obviously be in full effect. My personal preference for style of play would be a team that runs a tough press (more Jim Calhoun's 2-2-1 than Mike Anderson's "40 minutes of hell") defensively and pushes the ball in transition, running a secondary break offensively. Think a Rick-Pitino-Roy-Williams mash-up. What that means is we will be looking for players that are versatile offensively, can defend multiple positions, and can shoot and handle the ball.

One last note: we are assuming each player is in their last year of college.

Anyway, enough explanation. Let's get to the team.

PG: Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State

Cleaves was tough, Cleaves was a leader, and Cleaves was a fantastic defender. But most importantly, he was a winner. I don't know if there was a more ideal (can someone be "more ideal"?) point guard in college hoops in the 00's.

SG: Juan Dixon, Maryland

Dixon was one of the best defenders in the ACC during his four seasons with the Terps, but he also was a great scorer and a potent three point shooter. He would be a perfect fit for the top of our 2-2-1 press.

SF: Kevin Durant, Texas

Durant may not have been the best defender, but I don't know if there was a better 1-on-1 player I've ever seen at this level. And given his length and athleticism, I would make him a good defender.

PF: Shane Battier, Duke

Battier was versatile, he could score, he could shoot, and he was a hell of a defender. Most importantly, he would have had no problem sacrificing shots for this team to win, but could also step up and hit the big shot when we needed it.

C: Emeka Okafor, UConn

There wasn't a center this past decade with a better combination of offensive prowess and the ability to dominate the paint.

Bench:

• Ty Lawson, UNC
• TJ Ford, Texas
  
• Jay Williams, Duke
• Tayshaun Prince, Kentucky
  
• Carmelo Anthony, Syracuse
• Josh Howard, Wake Forest
• Joakim Noah, Florida
  
• Hasheem Thabeet, UConn
  

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