Philadelphia is a basketball city through and through. From the playgrounds of North Philly to the famed Palestra, the city has produced some of the most legendary players in college basketball history. Many of them left their mark on the NCAA Tournament, making unforgettable plays, leading deep tournament runs, and even winning national championships. Here’s a look at some of Philly’s finest who made March Madness history.
1. Paul Arizin (Villanova, 1947-1950)
Before the NCAA Tournament became the cultural phenomenon it is today, Villanova’s Paul Arizin was pioneering the modern jump shot. A Philly native, Arizin helped put the Wildcats on the national map, setting the stage for future March Madness glory. Though Villanova didn’t make the tournament during his time, his impact on the game was undeniable—he later became an NBA legend with the Philadelphia Warriors.
2. Guy Rodgers (Temple, 1955-1958)
A true Philly point guard, Guy Rodgers was one of the most electric passers in NCAA history. He led Temple to back-to-back Final Four appearances in 1956 and 1958, solidifying the Owls as a national powerhouse. Rodgers averaged over 19 points per game in his final college season and later became an NBA Hall of Famer.
3. Earl Monroe (Winston-Salem State, 1963-1967)
While Earl “The Pearl” Monroe didn’t play for a Philadelphia school, he was born and raised in South Philly and honed his craft on the city’s courts. Monroe dominated the 1967 NCAA Tournament, leading Winston-Salem State to the Division II national championship while averaging an absurd 41.5 points per game that season. His dazzling style influenced generations of Philly ballers.
4. Lionel Simmons (La Salle, 1986-1990)
Nicknamed “The L-Train,” Lionel Simmons is one of the greatest scorers in NCAA history, ranking third all-time with 3,217 career points. In 1990, he led La Salle to a No. 4 seed in the tournament, earning National Player of the Year honors. Though La Salle’s run was cut short, Simmons’ legacy as one of college basketball’s greatest remains intact.
5. Kerry Kittles (Villanova, 1992-1996)
Kerry Kittles was Villanova’s go-to guy in the mid-90s, leading the Wildcats to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He helped push Villanova into the Sweet 16 in 1995, and by the time he left, he was the school’s all-time leading scorer. His smooth game and clutch performances made him a Philly legend.
6. Jameer Nelson (Saint Joseph’s, 2000-2004)
One of the greatest runs in Philadelphia college basketball history belongs to Jameer Nelson and the 2003-04 Saint Joseph’s Hawks. Nelson led St. Joe’s to an undefeated regular season and a No. 1 seed in the 2004 NCAA Tournament. His leadership and playmaking took the Hawks to the Elite Eight before they fell just short of the Final Four. He won National Player of the Year and solidified himself as a March Madness icon.
7. Kyle Lowry (Villanova, 2004-2006)
Before winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors, Kyle Lowry made his mark at Villanova. The scrappy, tough-nosed point guard helped the Wildcats reach back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances. His tenacity and grit defined the type of basketball Philly loves.
8. Ryan Arcidiacono (Villanova, 2012-2016)
No player in recent memory has given Philadelphia a greater March Madness moment than Ryan Arcidiacono. As Villanova’s leader in 2016, he delivered the most iconic assist in NCAA history, setting up Kris Jenkins for the championship-winning buzzer-beater against North Carolina. His poise, toughness, and clutch play will never be forgotten.
Philly’s March Madness Legacy Lives On
From Villanova’s championship runs to St. Joe’s Cinderella stories, Philadelphia has long been a city that produces March Madness legends. Whether it's past greats like Paul Arizin or modern-day stars like Ryan Arcidiacono, one thing is certain—Philly’s impact on college basketball will never fade.
Who do you think is the greatest Philly-born or Philly-school player in NCAA Tournament history? Let us know in the comments!