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.