I've been a Gophers hoops fanatic since the 1986-87 season, so I don't feel qualified to talk about past greats. My top 5 Gophers since I've been a fan are (regardless of position):
1) Bobby Jackson
2) Willie Burton
3) Voshon Lenard
4) Quincy Lewis
5) Arriel McDonald
Honorable mention to: Randy Carter, Courtney James, Sam Jacobson, Eric Harris, Vincent Grier, Andre Hollins, Dusty Rychart
I disagree, 19. Trent Tucker was asked what his shooting range was. His reply, "In the arena."
Thompson, Hudson, Ray Williams, Olberding, and Jackson.
Clark and Mchale were better pro's then they were college players
"During his senior year in 1965-66, Clark was selected captain of the University of Minnesota men's basketball team, becoming one of the first African Americans at Minnesota to hold that honor for any sport. He was also named team MVP and was named to the All-Big Ten team after averaging 28 points per game during his senior campaign."
McHale was definitely a better pro than college. Hard to rank Oberding....only played one year. Would have been great if he played four years. Seniors Oberding, Lansberger, Thompson on the front line? That's a national title team.
Or was Landsberger a year ahead?
Pretty sure Oberding and Landsberger were in the same class. Played one year together and then Oberding went with Musselman to the pros and Landsberger transferred to one of the Western schools. Start of many "Damn it, no" moments for me as a Gopher fan as what was looking good suddenly went to hell as we paid the price for Musselman's antics. (Actually, hearing Hudson had broken his hand was the first.)
Don't know where you got the quote about Archie Clark but would bet he never averaged 28 points a game. He was great but that seems too high.
If we are going to mention Gophers who were better pros than college players consider Joel Pryzbilla and Jim Peterson. And what about the all time maximize your talent team, Richard Coffey, Walter Bond, Dusty Rychart, Aaron Robinson, Trevor Winter. Has anybody mentioned Whitey Skoog, Ray Williams or Dave Winfield? And who can forget some of the all futility team, Miles Tarver, Ralph Archambault, Ernest Nzigamasabo.