Basketball's Best Beards

There aren't many things more manly and masculine than a full-beard. All the great historical leaders had them: Jesus, King Leonidas, Blackbeard, Gandalf, Rasputin, ZZ-Top, Brian Wilson, Brett Keisel, etc..

But a full-beard in college basketball is quite the site-to-see.

A full-beard is a sign of hard-work, commitment, and determination.

Personally I've never understood how an athlete can perform with all that facial hair tugging and pulling and getting itchy and sweaty.

But there are some college basketball players that this doesn't seem to bother. Not only have the brave men decided to grow beards, they have decided to take it to the next level.

And that's why I'm here: to applaud these men for their hard work, commitment to excellence and determination.

Consider this list as an addendum to our analysis of the best hairdos in college hoops


Evan Fjeld - Vermont

This is by far the best mustache in the history of college basketball, and possibly the best mustache in the history of college athletics.


I'm well aware it's not a beard, but I mean, god-damn that's a mustache. I'm talking "a real man's mustache". The mustaches of Burt Reynolds and Tom Selleck can't even compare to what this baby-faced assassin is growing on his upper-lip. If Vermont can win the America East Tournament, I am sure you will all be hearing a lot more about this 'stache come March Madness.


Marcus Jordan - Central Florida

"Heir Jordan" clearly wants to create his own imagine. Unlike his father, who was always clean-shaven, Marcus has decided to take an entirely different route.


His beard/goatee is accentuated by the headband and rec-specs. The beard is unkempt and somewhat all-over-the-place, but because of all the accessories used to compliment it, Marcus is able to pull-off this look. But if I didn't know any better, I'd think he was the son of Kimbo Slice and not "His Airness".


Deniz Kilicli - West Virginia

The "Turkish Terror" is having an outstanding season thus far. he was unable to play most of last season, so this is technically his first full season of college hoops. But the Mountaineer big-man can spot up from anywhere, has nice low-post moves and is a rebounding machine. But his beard/mohawk combo is equally impressive.


What makes Deniz's beard so interesting is that it is an entirely different color than his hair. The Turkish native has a jet-black mohawk, but from sideburns down, his facial hair is light-brown.


Dallas Lauderdale - Ohio State

The Ohio State enforcer is the owner of one of the fiercest neck-beards in the country.


The senior power-forward received the most votes in a Sports Illustrated preseason poll for "The last player you would want to get into a fight with". Seriously, he' looks like he's got "old-man strength". I would not want to mess with Dallas "Fort" Lauderdale or his robust man-mountain.

Lauderdale kinda reminds me of Suge Knight, and that's a guy you definitely don't want to mess with.


Joe Latas & Jeremy Montgomery - Cleveland State

These guys must have been competing in a beard-growing contest a la DaShawn Stephenson and Drew Gordon. I mean god-damn look at these beards.




The Cleveland State duo is certainly embodying the "viking" culture, and I love it.


Jacob Pullen - Kansas State

"The People's Champ" has hands-down the most famous beard in college hoops.


Thanks to the fans at the Bramlage Colliseum, the "Fear the Beard" campaign exploded and swept the nation. There are "Jacob Pullen fake beards" for sale, and even his head coach Frank Martin donned one during a post-game interview. It might not be the best beard in the country, but it is certainly the most popular.


Lucas O'Rear - Nothern Iowa

It could be argued that O'Rear has the best beard in the country. O'Rear donned mutton-chops for much of last season, but decided to go all out this season. He is known for his hustle, his character and his personality. And by looking at this picture, I don't think you can doubt his character and personality.


Aside from being the leader of the Northern Iowa basketball squad, he is also a standout pitcher and was drafted last year by the Cincinnati Reds.



Take another look at O'Rear and tell me he doesn't look kinda-like Kenny Powers.

And you know what Kenny Powers said?

"Missouri Valley Conference, you're f***ing out!"


Benzor Simmons - UT-Martin

The Skyhawk senior rocks one of the best, most-robust goatee-beards in the country. I mean look at this thing. I would hate to get get a face-full of that during a rebound attempt. It could take your eye out or strip layers of skin off like a brillow pad.


Benzor is one of the most unique names in the country (yes, he was on the B.I.A.H All-Name Team), and so is his beard.


Kenton Walker II - St. Mary's

I won't fault you if you are unfamiliar with Mr. Walker. After laying at Creighton for two seasons, where he logged roughly 11-mpg, he transfered to Moraga and had to sit out last season. But the junior guard is trying to make up for lost time by rocking one of the thickest beards in the game.


He's only averaging six-points-per-game, but his contributions to the game of basketball cannot be measured strictly by statistics.


Chris Warren - Ole Miss

Last, but certainly not least, is Chris Warren, the main in-charge of the best beard in the Deep South. The undersized point guard has an oversized beard, and in-gym range as well.


Warren is the leader of the Ole Miss basketball team, and his dedication to keeping his beard fresh is a tribute to his leadership skills.

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Ole Miss has had a tough month

This season didn't exactly go as well as many hoped for Ole Miss, but things looked fairly promising for next season.

Their talented back court of Chris Warren, Terrico White, and Eniel Polynice all had eligibility remaining. In fact, the Rebels were scheduled to return their top eight scorers from last season, with 6'9" DeAundre Cranston -- who started 21 games -- the only senior on the roster in 2010. They also got news that leading scorer Warren would not be putting his name in the NBA Draft pool.

Chris Warren looks to be the only starter that is returning for Ole Miss.
(photo credit: GulfLive)

Things were looking promising in Starkville.

But that is when the defections started.

First, it was Eniel Polynice. Polynice was a junior in terms of eligibility, but as a result of redshirting his first season at Ole Miss, Polynice will graduate at the end of this semester and decided to pursue a professional career. Polynice didn't travel the smoothest path at Ole Miss. He was one of three players that missed the 2008-2009 season due to injury, and this season he saw his numbers drop across the board. He seemed to be permanently in Andy Kennedy's dog house, as well. He was benched for the first half of a game early in the season and was suspended for the finale at Arkansas before coming off the bench during the postseason.

Polynice will likely go undrafted.

Next in line was Murphy Holloway. The third leading scorer, leading rebounder, and most consistent post presence for the Rebels, Holloway has decided to transfer for to a school closer to his South Carolina home to help raise his daughter.

"This is a very difficult decision for me," Holloway said in a statement. "I've had a great two years here at Ole Miss. I'm sad to be leaving my Ole Miss family here, but I have to be a mature adult and take responsibility for my daughter and my family in South Carolina."

He's looking at Clemson, South Carolina, College of Charleston, and Winthrop, although Ole Miss may not allow him to transfer to the Gamecocks.

Its impossible to bash Holloway on this decision, but there is no question that it is going to hurt Ole Miss next season. With the graduation of Cranston, the Rebels are left with just Terrance Henry and Reggie Buckner in their front court, and Henry is more comfortable playing on the perimeter.

The latest blow comes in the form of Terrico White. White declared for the NBA Draft a while back, but has yet to sign an agent. He's an intriguing prospect, an athletic and strong 6'5" guard that has shown the ability to play both back court spots, but right now it appears he's in that group of players that could go in the 20-45 range.

There was hope that White could return to school for his junior season, but according to Draft Express, that isn't likely. Via Twitter:

Ole Miss sophomore Terrico White will stay in the NBA draft, a source close to the situation tells DraftExpress.

All told, Ole Miss looks like they are going to lose three of their top five scorers and four starters.

That isn't easy to overcome.
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2009-2010 Team Preview: Ole Miss Rebels

2008-2009 Record: 16-15, 7-9 SEC (t-9th)

Key Losses: David Huertas (18.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Malcolm White (7.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg)

Key Returners: Chris Warren (19.1 ppg, 4.0 apg), Terrico White (13.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Zach Graham (8.5 ppg)

Newcomers: Reginald Buckner, DeAngelo Riley

Terrico White had a surprising freshman season before making the U-19 National Team.
(photo credit: daylife)

Mississippi had what you might call a hard luck season in 2008-2009. They lost three players, including star sophomore Chris Warren, to season ending knee injuries, had their coach involved in a potential hate crime after he allegedly beat up a cabbie in Cincinnati, and then leading scorer David Huertas bolted for pro ball in his native Puerto Rico.

But it wasn't all bad for the Rebels. If Warren, Eniel Polynice, and Trevor Gaskins hadn't gone down with their injuries, odds are good that Ole Miss never would have found out how talented sophomore Terrico White is. White has shown a ton of promise, both in winning the SEC Freshman of the Year and during his performance with Team USA this summer. Standing 6'5" and 211 lb, White is a terrific all-around athlete - quick and strong, with some bounce. While he is still a bit toolsy, he knows how to score. If he can improve his understanding of the game - don't settle for as many three's, stop over dribbling, learn off the ball defense - White can be a special player at this level.

What is going to help White the most during his sophomore season is the return of point guard Chris Warren, which will allow White to move back to his more natural off-guard spot. Warren was in the midst of a huge sophomore campaign, averaging 19.6 ppg when he landed awkwardly on a drive to the rim in the last minute of a loss to Louisville. Warren is small (5'11") but quick and crafty with his dribble, knowing how to get his defender off-balance. He can get into the paint and score but, like White, he has a tendency to settle for tough, deep three's too often.

It will also help to get back Eniel Polynice and Trevor Gaskins. In '07-'08, Polynice was arguably the Rebels most versatile player, averaging 10.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and 4.1 apg. A tough defender and good play maker, Polynice should be an excellent complement to White and Warren in the Rebel's back court. Gaskins was an all-SEC freshman pick in '07-'08, averaging 5.9 ppg. He can shoot the ball pretty well, and will probably be counted on for an offensive spark off the bench. Also expected to see time in the back court is 6'6" wing Zach Graham. Graham is the Rebels best perimeter defender, although during conference play last year he boosted his averaged from 8.5 ppg to 10.8 ppg.

The inside is where the question marks will be for this team. The Rebels will basically be working with a five man rotation. The best of the bunch is probably 6'7" Murphy Holloway. A 225 lb bruiser, Holloway is mostly athleticism right now, but he plays with energy to burn and has shown a developing touch on the interior. I would expect freshman Reginald Buckner to start alongside Holloway. Standing 6'9", Buckner is a phenomenal athlete who was known for his shot-blocking ability in high school. A lefty, Buckner can run the floor like a deer and should provide us with a couple youtube moments this season. Sophomore Terrance Henry and senior DeAundre Cranston should be the first two bigs off the bench for Ole Miss, which JuCo transfer DeAngelo Riley and sophomore Kevin Cantinol should also make a push for minutes.

Outlook: Ole Miss is probably the second most talented team in the SEC West, behind Mississippi State. The Rebels have a very good back court, led by Warren and White. The issue is up front. Holloway is tough, and Buckner could end up being a star at this level, but they really do not go all that deep up. The key to the season is going to be how well Warren, Polynice, and Gaskins recovered from their injuries, and whether or not they can work effectively on the court with White and Graham. I think these guys have an outside shot at making the NCAA Tournament, but they are going to need to have an impressive resume as the play in the SEC West.






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