I don’t think there’s much argument, if any, but there is at least a discussion to be had today. Better Big East quarterfinal dunk? Joe Alexander over Stanley Robinson or Devin Ebanks over Jermaine Dixon?

Let’s go to the tale of the tape… 

The ‘Wow’ factor

Alexander was on fire and given the way he’d been playing, you were waiting for something spectacular. This was spectacular. I watch and listen to the replay and to generate that reaction — the fans, the announcers, the deliriously giddy bench — is special. As for Ebanks, it was a fine dunk, the crowd gasped and Pitt had to take a timeout. I also saw Ebanks smile, which is rare.  “I was just happy we were winning the game at the time,” he said. “This is basically a dream come true for me to come here and play well in front of my family and friends. I guess that emotion kind of came out at that moment.” The edge, though, goes to Alexander. 

Style

Alexander actually waited on Robinson and then boarded an elevator that went a few floors higher. Ebanks finished a fast break and did so by catching a back-pass and dunking with one hand. It’s close, but Alexander’s boldness cannot be denied. The edge, again, goes to Alexander.

Impact

Alexander merely put a cherry on top of WVU’s performance that day. Ebanks seemed to rattle Pitt and invigorate the Mountaineers. “What was great about it was Pitt called a timeout and the entire bench ran out and was jumping around just like on Joe’s dunk last year,” John Flowers said. “At that moment, you just knew something good was going to happen.” And, again, if you can make a MSG crowd gasp, that’s impressive. The edge goes to Ebanks.

Victim

Alexander got Robinson, who’s a freaky athlete and dunked all over the Garden last night. Ebanks got Dixon, who’s Pitt’s best defender and was having some success against Ebanks. He drove past him a few times and blocked on shot. Not that one, though. Each had a little vengeance — Alexander waiting on Robinson, Ebanks getting a payback — and sent a message. Tough call. Push!

Longevity

Alexander was nearing the end of his career. Ebanks is just starting. A year from now, are we discussing Ebanks’ dunk? I’d say the chances are higher I’m bringing up Alexander’s. This isn’t Devin’s fault, but I also feel he’ll have more and better. The edge goes to Alexander. 

In summary, it’s Alexander 3, Ebanks 1. Thanks for playing.