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Sunday, November 15, 2026Nov 15

Seven memorable UTC basketball players (and a bonus group)

Staff file photo / David Jean-Baptiste (3) hit one of the most famous shots in University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball history, but he also goes down as being one of the program's most likable athletes.
Staff file photo / David Jean-Baptiste (3) hit one of the most famous shots in University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball history, but he also goes down as being one of the program's most likable athletes.

Today, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga alum Lindsey Young discusses seven of his favorite UTC men’s basketball players who have competed during his writing career and a few others who will remain memorable.

1. Johnny Taylor

He was the best player on arguably the best UTC team ever (D-1 years, at least). Taylor was the SoCon Player of the Year in 1997 after leading the Mocs to the Sweet 16 with wins over Georgia and Illinois and is the school’s only first round NBA draft pick.

2. Brandon Born

I was fortunate to be able to cover Born in high school at Ringgold and follow his career through graduation in 1995. He was the rare elite local player who stayed local and starred, helping the Mocs win three consecutive SoCon titles. A lot of people might forget, but the late 80s through the 90s featured some incredible basketball in northwest Georgia.