The 25 Best One-Two Punches in College Basketball

College basketball fans have been treated to some spectacular one-two punches over the years.

Chris Webber and Jalen Rose led Michigan's Fab Five on a hoops revolution in the 1990s. Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler jumped out of the gym for Houston a decade earlier. Coach K's early championships featured Grant Hill and Christian Laettner.

So who are the best one-two punches in the NCAA today?

Some mid-major teams have bracket-busting tandems, and programs like Kansas and Kentucky ride the success of their top two stars.

Here's a list of the best duos the country has to offer.

Honorable Mention

Ramone Moore and Khalif Wyatt, Temple Owls

Cody Zeller and Jordan Hulls, Indiana Hoosiers

Cleveland Melvin and Brandon Young, DePaul Blue Demons

Kenny Boynton and Patric Young, Florida Gators

Anthony Raffa and Chris Gradnigo, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

25. Draymond Green and Keith Appling, Michigan State Spartans

Who knows where Michigan State would be without senior Draymond Green and his young sidekick Keith Appling.

Green and Appling are the top two Spartans when it comes to scoring and assists, and their contributions to the effectiveness of Michigan State's offense can't be underestimated. Green is the versatile forward that holds everything together, while Appling is a phenomenal playmaking guard.

Appling has seen a dip in production recently, but he'll continue to be one of the key guards in the Big Ten. The East Lansing duo will be an integral part of the Spartans' postseason success.

24. Allen Crabbe and Jorge Gutierrez, California Golden Bears

The California Golden Bears sit atop the Pac-12, thanks to the outstanding play of guards Jorge Gutierrez and Allen Crabbe.

Gutierrez and Crabbe are both guards who crash the boards, distribute the ball and can fill the hoop up.

Crabbe's three-point shooting proficiency has been exceptional this season, and he's also pulling down more than six rebounds per game.

Gutierrez is a valuable asset on both sides of the floor; he's a great scorer and facilitator on the offensive end, and he's a solid perimeter defender.

23. Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons, Xavier Musketeers

The best one-two punch in the Atlantic 10 Conference is in Cincinnati with the Xavier Musketeers.

Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons combine to form one of the most explosive duos in the midwest.

Holloway's elite skill set helps him create shots for himself and his teammates. When a team tries to slow down his scoring pace, he makes the right plays to set up others to score.

Lyons is a deep threat and is leading the Musketeers is scoring. Both players are averaging more than 16 points per game, and either one can burn you on any given night.

22. Jeremy Lamb and Shabazz Napier, Connecticut Huskies

Last year they were young role players on a championship team. This year, Jeremy Lamb and Shabazz Napier are the centerpieces of the Connecticut Huskies attack.

With his agility, length and smooth jump shot, Lamb is an assassin when it comes to perimeter scoring. Napier is one of the best point guards in the Big East, and although his main role is distribution, he is relied upon to score as well.

We'll see whether this duo can lead Connecticut to another deep run in March.

21. Arnett Moultrie and Dee Bost, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Arnett Moultrie has been a monster on the glass, Dee Bost has shined in all facets of the game and as a result, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are enjoying one of their best seasons in recent memory.

The Bulldogs haven't advanced past the second round of the NCAA Tournament during the Rick Stansbury era, but this year, they have the potential to pull it off.

Moultrie is a tough matchup because he's long, moves well without the ball and is a beastly offensive rebounder. His backcourt teammate, Bost, constantly keeps defenses on their heels with his quickness.

20. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Trey Burke, Michigan Wolverines

Tim Hardaway Jr. has been the featured Wolverine in Ann Arbor for the last couple years, but Michigan probably wouldn't even be in the top 25 if it weren't for his point guard, Trey Burke.

It's rare to find a freshman who can handle point guard duties at a major program, but Burke is more than qualified.

He's been a great playmaker for the Wolverines and can help take some of the pressure off Hardaway.

Together, they're one of the top twosomes in the Big Ten and a nightmare for perimeter defenders.

19. Damian Lillard and Scott Bamforth, Weber State Wildcats

Weber State is lighting up the Big Sky Conference, and leading the way for the Wildcats are Damian Lillard and Scott Bamforth.

You'll be hard pressed to find a better pair of sharpshooters in the country. Lillard and Bamforth have combined for 120 three-pointers through the end of January.

These two Wildcats account for more than half of Weber State's offensive output, and they lead the team in steals as well.

Come tournament time, Lillard and Bamforth might end up making headlines as the architects of a few upsets.

18. Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

Lorenzo Romar's Washington Huskies got off to a rocky start and haven't had consistent success this season, but they've found a groove recently with six wins in their last seven games.

Maintaining these winning ways lies in the hands of sensational wings Tony Wroten and Terrence Ross. Both are phenomenal athletes who can attack the rim and make highlight-reel plays.

To be fair, this Huskies slide should include C.J. Wilcox as part of a trio, but when it comes to one-two punches, Wroten and Ross are the best in the northwest.

17. Mike Moser and Chace Stanback, UNLV Rebels

UNLV has ruled the Mountain West Conference so far this season, and they've been carried to the top by a pair of 6'8" forwards.

Mike Moser is a stat sheet stuffer: he averages 14.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He leads the MWC in rebounding, setting the tone for UNLV leading the MWC in team rebounding.

Although he's the same height, Chace Stanback plays a different brand of hoops. Stanback's outside shooting has been terrific, as he's hitting 46 percent of his long-range bombs.

Can this tandem bring UNLV back to college basketball supremacy with a trip to the Final Four this spring?

16. Isaiah Canaan and Donte Poole, Murray State Racers

The only undefeated team in the land is led by a couple of upperclassmen who know what it takes to win the Ohio Valley Conference.

It seems like Murray State standouts Isaiah Canaan and Donte Poole have perfected the recipe for mid-major success, because the Racers have defeated all challengers thus far.

Canaan is by far Murray State's most productive offensive player, while Poole leads the Racers on the defensive end (and also chips in 14-plus points per contest).

I can't wait to see what these two can do on the national stage in the big dance.

15. Matthew Dellavedova and Rob Jones, St. Mary's Gaels

Supplanting Gonzaga at the top of the West Coast Conference is no easy task, but that's exactly what Matthew Dellavedova and the St. Mary's Gaels have done this season.

The Gaels are arguably the best college hoops team in all of California, and that's largely due to the inside-outside combo of Dellavedova and Rob Jones.

Dellavedova is one of the best all-around point guards in the country, and he's complemented by a forward who plays much bigger than his listed height. The 6'6" Jones tears down more than 10 rebounds per game and is an impressive multi-dimensional player.

14. Herb Pope and Jordan Theodore, Seton Hall Pirates

Seton Hall has been on a downward spiral as of late, but that doesn't take away the fact that they have two standout performers in seniors Jordan Theodore and Herb Pope.

Pope uses his exceptional footwork and post skills to score and rebound in the paint, and he's averaging a double-double. Meanwhile, Theodore is the conductor of the offense, as he leads the Pirates in scoring and assists.

No one is confusing Seton Hall with the elite teams in the country, but if you're not careful, Pope and Theodore can do some serious damage.

13. Brandon Paul and Meyers Leonard, Illinois Fighting Illini

A skilled seven-footer coupled with a versatile scoring guard can be a lethal combination, and several Big Ten teams have felt the wrath of Illinois' Brandon Paul and Meyers Leonard.

Leonard has been a breakout star as the Fighting Illini center this season. He moves well for a big man and he's constantly drawing attention and double teams from opposing defenses. On the other end, he alters shots and is active on the glass.

All that attention on Leonard has given shooting guard Brandon Paul opportunities to burn opponents with his outside shooting. In his last five games, Paul is averaging 24 points per game.

12. Kris Joseph and Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

The 2011-2012 Syracuse Orange squad is stacked with talent, and the one-two punch that stands out is Kris Joseph and Dion Waiters. 

Not only are Joseph and Waiters Syracuse's best all-around players, but they are the best NBA prospects on the roster. 

Joseph has struggled with the new role of being a featured scorer rather than a role player, but he still manages to lead the team in scoring and knock down timely shots. 

Waiters impacts the game on defense just as much as he does on offense, and he's probably the most improved player in the country.

11. Jeffery Taylor and John Jenkins, Vanderbilt Commodores

The Vanderbilt Commodores didn't turn out to be as imposing as we thought, but they still have a chance to make the NCAA tournament if they finish strong.

The pressure that comes with these expectations rests squarely on the shoulders of Jeffery Taylor and John Jenkins, two of the best players in the SEC.

Jenkins might grab the headlines and knock down more long-range shots, but Taylor is a more complete player.

Vanderbilt has a chance to notch some landmark wins; the Commodores still have to play Florida twice and Kentucky twice. How will Taylor and Jenkins play when the lights are brightest?

10. Harrison Barnes and Kendall Marshall, UNC Tar Heels

At Chapel Hill, the UNC Tar Heels are blessed with abundant talent at each position. But the two most dangerous players on the squad are sophomores Kendall Marshall and Harrison Barnes.

Marshall's court vision, instincts and deft passing help give North Carolina the highest-scoring offense in nation. Oftentimes, the one who's finishing the play is swingman Harrison Barnes, who leads the Tar Heels in scoring.

These two are so dangerous because they're extremely proficient in both the half-court offense and in transition.

9. Kevin Jones and Darryl Bryant, West Virginia Mountaineers

Bob Huggins' West Virginia Mountaineers haven't been a model of consistency this season, but one thing we've learned is that Kevin Jones and Darryl "Truck" Bryant can light up the scoreboard.

The high-scoring duo has already piled up a combined 871 points this season, and there's still a month left in the regular season.

Jones is the only player in America averaging more than 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

West Virginia doesn't have many signature wins on its resume, but its January 7 upset of Georgetown was largely the handiwork of Jones and Bryant, who combined for 47 points on the night.

8. Perry Jones III and Pierre Jackson, Baylor Bears

You probably won't find a college hoops tandem that's as athletically explosive as Baylor's Perry Jones III and Pierre Jackson.

Jones could have been a lottery pick in last year's draft, but he decided to stay in school. As a result, the Baylor Bears are Final Four hopefuls.

Jones' brand of basketball is played high above the rim, and he delights Bears fans with his talents.

Jackson's brand is much farther below the rim, but no less impressive. The lightning-quick guard can get past anyone and wreak havoc on Big 12 defenses.

7. Seth Curry and Mason Plumlee, Duke Blue Devils

Austin Rivers is the Duke Blue Devils' leading scorer, but Coach K's best one-two punch is Seth Curry and Mason Plumlee.

Curry leads the team in assists and has become a dependable perimeter defender for the Blue Devils, all while chipping in more than 12 points per game.

Plumlee broke out of a mid-January slump with back-to-back monster games. He had 23 points and 12 boards against the archrival Maryland Terrapins, and then notched 15 points and 17 rebounds against St. Johns.

If these two can stay productive down the stretch, Duke will go deep in the postseason.

6. Marcus Denmon and Phil Pressey, Missouri Tigers

Frank Haith's Missouri Tigers are contenders for the Big 12 crown, and a major reason for their success is the production of their guards, particularly Marcus Denmon and Phil Pressey.

The perimeter Tiger tandem complement each other well.

Denmon is the most versatile shot-maker of the guards, and Pressey has done a fine job facilitating this season. Denmon leads the team in scoring, while Pressey leads the team in assists, steals and overall hustle.

5. Michael Glover and Scott Machado, Iona Gaels

The Iona Gaels are the class of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and they are fueled by a spectacular duo in Michael Glover and Scott Machado, one of the best guard-forward twosomes in the game.

Glover is the best and most efficient scorer in the conference, and the 6'7" forward also crashes the boards effectively.

His point guard counterpart, Machado, is head-and-shoulders above everyone else in the MAAC when it comes to being a floor general. His court sense and skills help him dish 9.9 assists per game, which is twice as many as the next best MAAC point guard.

4. Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder, Marquette Golden Eagles

After losing consecutive games to Syracuse and Georgetown in early January, Marquette has reeled off seven straight wins and has a firm grip on second place in the Big East.

The Golden Eagles are a contender this year because they have the best one-two punch in the conference: Darius Johnson-Odom and Jae Crowder.

Johnson-Odom is one of the most dynamic guards in America, utilizing his ball-handling skills and smooth southpaw stroke. His sidekick Crowder is a fantastic multi-dimensional forward who has the skills to score from long range and also bruise with the trees inside.

3. Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft, Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State has two of the most unique players in the game in Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft.

When the Buckeyes are clicking, it's usually because Sullinger is dominating the paint and Craft is working his magic on the outside.

Sullinger has the most complete set of post skills in the country, and although he's not incredibly tall or athletic, he uses great footwork, positioning and hands to be productive.

Craft is one of the only point guards who has what every coach wants in his floor general: passing prowess, shooting skills and a penchant for pickpocketing. 

2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Anthony Davis, Kentucky Wildcats

John Calipari has a knack for luring prospects who will become instant-hits when they arrive at Lexington, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Anthony Davis continue that tradition.

The Kentucky Wildcats have a one-two punch that's better defensively than they are offensively.

Davis leads the country in blocks, plus he averages a double-double. Kidd-Gilchrist is an all-around star, and he's as good a defender as you'll find in the SEC.

Together, they've helped make Kentucky the front runner to win the 2012 national championship.

1. Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas Jayhawks

There's no one-two punch in all of college basketball that's more dangerous than the Kansas Jayhawks' Thomas Robinson and Tyshawn Taylor.

Taylor is the complete package as far as guards go, with the ability to hurt defenses with his outside shooting, his passing or by driving the lane. He's been ultra-efficient from three-point land, and his overall production has progressed throughout this season.

When Taylor is in facilitator mode, Robinson is usually the one on the receiving end of alley-oops and dishes in the paint.

Robinson has become a star in Lawrence by ruling the glass and putting up gaudy numbers, like his 27-point, 14-rebound domination of Baylor.