Swarm and Sting
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Ranking Charlotte Hornets players by their college careers

By Chase Pletcher

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 11: The Charlotte Hornets huddle before the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 11, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 11: The Charlotte Hornets huddle before the game against the Toronto Raptors on February 11, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LEXINGTON, KY – DECEMBER 20: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 during the game against the Samford Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on December 20, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
LEXINGTON, KY – DECEMBER 20: John Calipari the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats gives instructions to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist #14 during the game against the Samford Bulldogs at Rupp Arena on December 20, 2011 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

5. Marvin Williams- UNC

Stats: 11.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG

Here we have our first of four National Champions to show up on the list. Marvin Williams was the key 6th man to Tarheels 2005 title run. Despite only being a freshman, he showed great leadership on the court. Many knew it wouldn’t be long until he was headed to the NBA, and he did when he was drafted 2nd overall in 2005.

His stats aren’t off the charts, but being on a team with several other NBA players will cause that. He was still awarded USBWA Freshman of the Year, and any National Champion will be high on the list.

One of his best games in college came when he had 20 points and 15 rebounds in a second-round game against Iowa State.

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4. Jeremy Lamb– UCONN

Stats: 14.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG

The Hornets aren’t the first team Lamb has been on with Kemba Walker. Nobody will ever forget their 2011 UCONN National Championship team. Even though Lamb stayed a year after winning that title, doesn’t mean he didn’t have a role in it.  

He was named to both the All-Region and All-Tournament Team. Over the course of those six games, he averaged over 16 PPG, and nearly 5 RPG while shooting 63.2% (!!!) from three. Just a year later UCONN was bounced in the first round, but Lamb averaged over 19 PPG in conference play.

His diverse way to score the ball is what helped Lamb get drafted. Today? He’s still that same guy.

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist– Kentucky

Stats: 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG

MKG and Anthony Davis’ names will always be inseparable for two reasons. For one, Anthony Davis was the first overall pick in 2012 while MKG went second. Hornets fans certainly won’t ever forget that. The other reason is that they were the dynamic duo on Kentucky’s 2012 title team.

The two of them combined for countless awards in their one season in Lexington. MKG himself was a 2nd team All-American, All-Region, All-Tournament, and a Wooden Award Finalist. MKG helped set history. His Kentucky team was the first to prove that the one-and-done method could end in a title.

While his pro career hasn’t been a huge success yet, his impact on college basketball was undeniable.

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