Top 10 Favorite Names

Here are my favorite names of recent Hawkeye basketball players. The criteria used was, well, my own subjective, biased mind. Hey, I can play favorites when it’s my favorites.

10. Brody Boyd (2000-04)

Boyd was a little pepper pot in Alford’s early Iowa years. I like the way the name rolls off the tongue.

9. Chauncey Leslie (2001-03)

Leslie might be the best player on this list, but his name can’t match Jaacks. Still a pleasant name though.

8. Duez Henderson (1998-02)

Duez scores points for having a unique name. Don’t make fun though, Duez did the dirty work for some good Iowa teams.

7. Joe Fermino (1999-01)

This list does not discriminate against little-known, seldom-used players. Fermino may not have made much impact, but you can’t tell me he doesn’t have a great name.

6. Guy Rucker (1996-99)

This “Guy” had some real good potential when he came to Iowa. His play didn’t live up to expectations, but his name never let anyone down.

5. Kent McCausland (1996-99)

Great shooter, terrific name. The alliteration in his name is beautiful. His parents deserve a gold star.

4. Kurt Spurgeon (2002-04)

The DeWitt, Ia., native contributed literally nothing to Iowa basketball, except a cool last name. That means something in my book.

3. Devan Bawinkel (2008- )

How can you not appreciate Bawinkel? I know all he does is shoot 3s. His last name gives you something else to poke fun at.

2. Antonio Ramos (1998-00)

Ramos, a 7-foot-2 beanpole, proved that height isn’t everything in basketball. You gotta have skills too. But it’s still fun to say, Antonio Ramos.

1. Jacob Jaacks (1998-00)

Jaacks’ (pronounced Jakes) name is so perfect. He basically has one name for both of his names. His parents had a heck of an idea. ‘Hey, why not just give him the same first name?’ -- um, ok.