Joakim Noah
(Photo. Monte Isom)

Unless you’ve been following college ball since the era before the three-point shot, you might be surprised to know that Tennessee has actually produced about twice as many NBA players as Florida. Well before the Gators become a perennial national power and started consistently putting out pros in the 21st century, the Volunteers produced, among others, two of the most prolific NBA scorers of the 1980s. The two SEC heavyweights meet up tonight (ESPN, 9 p.m. EST) with an overhauled #21 Florida still trying to find its identity following back-to-back national championships, and #6 Tennessee holding status as one of the hottest teams in the country. Who’s got the best group of alumni, though?

FLORIDA (player, position, last year in school)
Jason Williams, PG, 1999 — His UF career was short, lasting less than a year, but “White Chocolate” was still a Lottery pick and one of the most dynamic players in the NBA for a few years. He won a championship with the Heat in ‘06 and has career averages of 11.5 points and 6.4 assists.
Vernon Maxwell, SG, 1988 — “Mad Max” was known more for his Artest-ish demeanor than his game, but at his peak was a solid scorer at the two for some very good Rockets’ teams. Maxwell won a ‘chip with the ‘94 Rockets and over his 13-year career also played with the Spurs, Sixers, Magic, Hornets, Kings, Sonics and Mavericks, putting up 12.8 points per game.
Mike Miller, SF, 2000 — NBA Rookie of the Year in ‘01 and Sixth Man of the Year in ‘06, Miller is one of the best pure shooters in the game, which is why he has a spot on the USA senior men’s basketball team.
Udonis Haslem, PF, 2003 — Also on the Heat’s ‘06 title team, Haslem has been an effective enforcer-type banger alongside Shaq who’s been good for 9.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Al Horford, C, 2007 — As part of the Gators’ championship teams in ‘06 and ‘07, Horford was often overshadowed by teammates Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer. But Horford was the one picked #3 in the Draft and is having the best pro career to date, putting up 9.1 points and 9.7 boards for the Hawks.
BENCH — Joakim Noah (C, 2007); Matt Bonner (PF, 2003); David Lee (PF, 2005); Corey Brewer (SF, 2007); Taurean Green (PG, 2007).

TENNESSEE
Paul Walther, PG, 1949 — Old-school NBA pioneer who put up 7.7 points per game and made the 1952 All-Star Game.
Allan Houston, SG, 1993 — Two-time NBA All-Star and three-point marksman ranks 14th all-time in the League for three-pointers made. “H20″ played 12 seasons with the Knicks and Pistons, averaging 17.3 points a night.
Dale Ellis, SF, 1983 — Another world-class shooter who ranks third all-time in threes made, Ellis lit teams up over a 17-year run spent with the Mavs, Sonics, Bucks, Spurs, Nuggets and Hornets. At his peak in the late-’80s he regularly finished in the League’s Top-10 in scoring.
Bernard King, PF, 1977 — His exclusion from the Basketball Hall of Fame and the NBA’s 50 Greatest list is still a point of controversy with anyone who saw Bernard drop buckets. He averaged 22.5 points in his career, put up 32 a night in the ‘84-85 season, and is one of the greatest Knicks of all-time.
Tom Boerwinkle, C, 1968 — Seven-footer played 10 seasons with the Bulls, averaging 7.2 points and 9.0 rebounds.
BENCH — Vincent Yarbrough (SF, 2002), Ernie Grunfeld (SG, 1977); Marcus Haislip (PF, 2002); Red Robbins (PF, 1966); Reggie Johnson (C/F, 1980).