College Slam Dunk Contest 2013: Doug Anderson Shows What NBA Dunk Contest Lacks

The 2013 NBA Slam Dunk Contest left us asking for more, wondering what could have been and pondering why dunkers had such trouble on their first—and fifth—attempts. The 2013 college dunk contest simply blew our minds.

To put it simply, college dunk contest champion Doug Anderson showed us what the NBA Slam Dunk Contest lacks.

For those who missed the NBA's event, Toronto Raptors rookie Terrence Ross emerged victorious. After every competitor failed to convert their previous dunks, Ross took part in a memorable final between he and reigning dunk champion Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz.

With players such as James "Flight" White failing to put on the show we expected of them, this year was nothing short of a black mark on what was once a decorated event.

Fortunately for those in need of their dunking fix, the collegiate ranks provided more of a show. Led by Anderson, who averaged 12.1 points as a senior for the Detroit Titans, the college players put on a show.

Exhibit A can be found below.

That's how you win a dunk contest.

This set the Twittersphere ablaze and set the stage for one of the most memorable dunk contest performances in recent memory. That statement comes with no specificity in terms of level of play.

As Jason McIntyre of Big Lead Sports will tell you, Anderson would have won the 2013 NBA Slam Dunk Contest with just one of his slams.

It's hard to argue.

In an age in which superstars refuse to take part in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, we've begun to lose interest in the performances altogether. Fortunately, players such as Anderson have offered a glimpse at reality.

There are world-class, throwdown artists to be found—even if they aren't thriving under the overwhelmingly powerful pressure of the NBA's All-Star weekend.

Fortunately, Anderson reminded us that creativity and conversion are not separate when it comes to dunk contests. Instead, perfecting the approach and executing with confidence is a real thing.

No matter how much hype the NBA Slam Dunk Contest may garner, the college kids proved superior in this specific instance.