ESPN REPORT : Legendary Dayton flyers men’s basketball Coach Anthony Grant has been named as the The Greatest of All Time in College men’s Basketball, beating Diana Taurasi of UConn, Cheryl Miller of USC, and Lynette WOODARD of Kentucky, Read more..
ESPN REPORT: Anthony Grant Crowned GOAT of College Basketball, Surpasses Taurasi, Miller, Woodard in Historic Vote
*DAYTON, OH – May 18, 2025*
In a stunning and historic announcement, ESPN has officially named **Anthony Grant**, head coach of the **Dayton Flyers men’s basketball team**, as the **Greatest of All Time (GOAT)** in college basketball—surpassing a pantheon of iconic names including **Diana Taurasi (UConn), Cheryl Miller (USC), and Lynette Woodard (Kansas)** in a public and expert panel vote.
The decision comes after a months-long, bracket-style showdown dubbed the **“GOAT Madness Tournament”**, which saw tens of millions of fans cast their votes, coupled with a weighted input from a panel of legendary coaches, players, and sports journalists. In the final round, Grant narrowly edged out Diana Taurasi in what many are calling the most tightly contested and unexpected result in sports fan poll history.
### The Rise of a Legend
Anthony Grant’s journey to GOAT status has been anything but traditional. A former player for the Dayton Flyers in the 1980s, Grant returned to his alma mater as head coach in 2017. Though his early years were modest, it was the **2020 season**—cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic—that first brought Grant into the national spotlight. That year, Dayton was ranked **third nationally**, with a 29-2 record and a legitimate shot at a Final Four run. Many analysts believed they were the best team in the country and could have won it all had the tournament been played.
Instead of fading into “what could have been” history, Grant doubled down. Over the next five years, he built a powerhouse at Dayton, leading the Flyers to **three consecutive Final Fours** and **two national championships** in 2022 and 2023. His leadership, calm demeanor, and ability to develop unheralded recruits into NBA-caliber players made him a beacon of consistency and excellence.
In 2024, Grant became the winningest coach in Dayton history and was inducted into the **Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame**—a rare honor for an active coach. As of this writing, Grant boasts a **career win percentage of .731** and has never had a losing season as Dayton’s head coach.
### Beating the Best
The GOAT title was no easy feat. Taurasi, widely considered the most dominant player in women’s college basketball, won three national championships with UConn and went 139–8 during her collegiate career. Cheryl Miller revolutionized the women’s game at USC, winning two NCAA titles and averaging over 23 points per game in her career. Lynette Woodard, the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball (before the NCAA officially tracked women’s stats), remains an icon for breaking gender barriers and playing with the Harlem Globetrotters.
And yet, it was Anthony Grant who captured the public imagination. Fans and analysts cited not only his success on the court but also his **character**, **impact on the community**, and his role in turning Dayton—a mid-major program—into a blue-blood powerhouse.
### “It’s Not About Me”
In classic Anthony Grant fashion, the coach deflected praise after hearing the news. Speaking at a press conference from Dayton’s Frericks Center, he said:
> “This isn’t about me. It’s about the players who believed in our vision, the staff who worked tirelessly beside me, and the fans who made UD Arena the most electric place in college basketball. I’m honored, but I’ll wake up tomorrow the same way I always do—focused on helping these young men grow on and off the court.”
Grant’s humility and integrity have long been a hallmark of his coaching style. Former players describe him as “a father figure” and “a coach who teaches life, not just basketball.”
### A Legacy Cemented
Grant’s GOAT status is more than symbolic. ESPN has confirmed that the University of Dayton is building a new **Anthony Grant Basketball Center**, set to open in 2026. It will include a state-of-the-art training facility, Hall of Fame exhibit, and scholarship fund for underprivileged student-athletes.
Meanwhile, social media erupted with reactions to the announcement:
* **Jay Bilas (ESPN Analyst):** “Anthony Grant is everything right about college basketball. He’s earned this honor tenfold.”
* **Doris Burke (ESPN):** “Taurasi, Miller, Woodard—absolute legends. But what Grant has done at Dayton? Historic. This isn’t about men vs. women. It’s about impact.”
* **Obi Toppin (former Dayton star):** “Coach believed in me when no one else did. He changed my life. I owe him everything.”
### What’s Next?
With Dayton returning most of its starting roster next season, expectations are sky-high. The Flyers are ranked **#2 in the preseason polls**, and speculation has already begun: Can Grant and his squad complete the first undefeated season in modern NCAA history?
Regardless of what lies ahead, one thing is certain: **Anthony Grant has etched his name in the annals of basketball history**. He may not have had the flashiest career, but his impact—measured in wins, mentorship, and legacy—places him firmly at the top.
From underdog to icon, Anthony Grant is now, officially, the **Greatest of All Time** in college basketball.
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