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NBA: Best Player From Every Power Conference Entering 2016-17

By Maxwell Ogden

Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts after a basket against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Big East: Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

School: Syracuse Orange
Position: Small Forward
Age: 32 (5/29/1984)
2015-16 Slash Line: .434/.339/.829
2015-16 Averages: 35.1 MPG, 21.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 1.5 3PM

Yes, I’m quite aware that the Big East isn’t necessarily considered a power conference anymore. I’m also aware of the fact that the Syracuse Orange have made the jump from the Big East to the ACC.

Just please allow me to, as a New Yorker who grew up watching the Big East, live in a world of nostalgia for just one slide.

Many teams have made the move to the Big East in recent years, but this comes down to two players: Carmelo Anthony and Jimmy Butler. Anthony played for the Syracuse Orange in the Big East, and Butler played for the Marquette Golden Eagles.

A necessary note is that when Dwyane Wade played for Marquette, the school was still a part of Conference USA.

It’s becoming quite difficult to overlook Butler, but Anthony still gets the temporary nod. Butler could pass him as soon as 2016-17, but Anthony’s longevity as one of the most respected players in the NBA gives him the slight edge.

Again, Butler could pass Anthony in the very near future, but ‘Melo’s play at the 2016 Olympics has solidified his temporary edge.

Also, for the sake of fighting off the death of the conference: the defending NCAA champion Villanova Wildcats play in the Big East.

Next: Big Ten