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UCLA Basketball: The 10 best men’s basketball players since 2000

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 29: Norman Powell #4 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after the game against the Utah Utes at Pauley Pavilion on January 29, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. UCLA won 69-59. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 29: Norman Powell #4 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after the game against the Utah Utes at Pauley Pavilion on January 29, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. UCLA won 69-59. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 17: Arron Afflalo #4 of the UCLA Bruins drives the ball past Roderick Wilmont #10 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the round two game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Arco Arena on March 17, 2007 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 17: Arron Afflalo #4 of the UCLA Bruins drives the ball past Roderick Wilmont #10 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the round two game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Arco Arena on March 17, 2007 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) /

5. Arron Afflalo (2004-07)

Career Stats: 14.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.6 spg, FG% .457

Afflalo is not just one of the best players of the last two decades, but quite possibly be in the running as the top fan favorite. If there was ever a player that exemplified what former UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland preached, it was him.

Afflalo was the best on-ball defender of his era, which in essence, makes him the best on-ball defender since 2000. He was always looking for the challenge of shutting down the opposing team’s best player and did a hell of job. Game after game, he would disrupt the offense and limit team’s offensive opportunities.

If you ever needed things to get done, get the ball in Afflalo’s hands.

The former shooting guard helped out with the first two Final Four runs, but opted for the NBA after his junior season. He has been a bit of a journeyman in the NBA, playing with Detroit, Denver, Orlando, Portland, the New York Knicks and Sacramento. He is currently back with the Magic.