College Basketball: Ranking Harrison Barnes and the Top 15 Dunkers in the Nation

Dunking is one of the most exciting parts of basketball.

In college, there are a lot of great athletes. Consequently, there are a lot of great dunkers.

For this slideshow, I have done my best to compile the 15 best dunkers in college basketball and rank them. I have used as many dunks as I could find, and I used each of these dunks for the rankings.

Feel free to let me know if you believe some players are out of order or if you think I missed someone. Thanks!

15. Kris Joseph, Syracuse

Although this highlight is from warmups, Kris Joseph can jump.

For each of his dunks, he springs off the ground with such ease.

Next year, look for some impressive dunks in some games.

14. Patric Young, Florida

Although this dunk isn't from college, it is clear that Patric Young has tremendous strength.

His dunks can be ferocious, and he has a lot of power for a freshman.

As he gets older, you can be sure that his dunks will be even more impressive.

13. D.J. Stephens, Memphis

D.J. Stephens has incredible hang time.

Don’t believe me? Check the video.

While some guys go up and come down, Stephens seems to hold for a split second in the air in order to give him time to dunk.

12. Peyton Siva, Louisville

Although I think open-floor dunks are slightly less impressive, this is a good one.

Peyton Siva can control his body as well as anyone, and the Louisville Cardinal demonstrated that on this dunk.

In the Big East, athleticism helps, which is why Mr. Siva will have a successful career.

11. Dion Dixon, Cincinatti

Alley-oops are very underrated.

Normally, they are much more difficult than they look, but when you're as athletic as Dion Dixon, they are probably just that easy.

He can jump out of the gym, which gives the passer a big target. Even on his own, Dixon can throw the ball down with the best of them.

10. William Buford, Ohio State

William Buford certainly can jump.

This dunk exemplifies his leaping ability, and it also shows that he has some hang time.

Although he is not the most powerful dunker, Buford sure finishes this dunk with a little ferocity.

9. Travis Releford, Kansas

Even though this dunk is in the open floor, Travis Releford shows off some tremendous athleticism.

He wasn't a big contributor last season, but Kansas Jayhawks fans are sure hoping this athleticism produces some offensive and defensive help with the Morris brothers gone.

If this dunk is any indication, Releford will be just fine.

8. Will Sheehey, Indiana

This dunk is disgusting. Look how far he takes off from!

With multiple defenders in his face, Will Sheehey goes right to the rim. Hard.

Still, without many other great dunks, I have kept Sheehey a little lower than this dunk alone would put him.

7. Shay Shine, High Point

I love little(ish) guys getting up for dunks.

Shay Shine got up.

I am a fan of the color commentator's quote that Shine made a "great play down the floor right there."

I guess that does this monstrous dunk justice, right?

6. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State

When he isn't dancing to Miley Cyrus, Jared Sullinger is throwing down vicious dunks.

Usually "Miley Cyrus" isn't used in the same sentence as "vicious dunks," but that is the wonder of Jared Sullinger.

A lot of people thought he would leave for the NBA, but that is not the case.

He is returning to college, and next year, he will continue to dunk on the entire Big Ten.

5. Jared Cunningham, Oregon State

Put-back dunks are usually pretty difficult.

Jared Cunningham's athleticism allows him to make this dunk look pretty easy.

He is another player who looks effortless with every jump, and great things can happen when he is in the air.

Given how close this game was, Cunningham could be looked at as a clutch dunker as well.

Not a bad addition to an already great player.

4. Kyle Kuric, Louisville

Kyle Kuric's slam was voted Dunk of the Year.

I think it is clear why.

This dunk alone has him in my top five, and I hope he can follow this up with some even crazier throw-downs next year.

3. Rodney Williams, Minnesota

Rodney Williams is a pure athlete.

He is lanky, he can leap and he can finish in a variety of ways around the rim.

I saw Williams play in high school, and he was leaping over and around everyone. Although that isn't necessarily the case anymore, he certainly gets his fair share of highlights in the Big Ten.

2. Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Harrison Barnes has a great amount of basketball skill. Dunking is an underrated part of his game.

A lot of people like his scoring ability and his shooting, but his dunking ability is equally impressive.

He has multiple poster-worthy dunks in a Tar Heel uniform, but this one is my favorite.

1. Terrence Jones, Kentucky

This was a close competition, but Terrence Jones has a bunch of impressive dunks on his résumé.

This one was my favorite.

Dunking over one guy is impressive. Dunking over two guys? That's just absurd.

Still, that is exactly what the Kentucky Wildcat did at the Maui Invitational this past season.