Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, February 20, 2015

We have seen some monster dunks this season in the Big Ten. None more thunderous than the throw-down by Purdue?s Jon Octeus last night at Indiana. I asked five Big Ten writers for their opinion on who is the best dunker in the Big Ten.

Joe Rexrode, Detroit Free Press: Sam Thompson or Branden Dawson. Thompson's are prettier, Dawson's more powerful.

Chad Leistikow, Des Moines Register: From sheer athleticism and highlight-reel throw-downs, it?s got to be Ohio State?s Sam Thompson. If we?re talking a frequent and central part of his game, it?d be hard to top the dunking effectiveness of Iowa?s Aaron White.

Brandon Castel, The-Ozone.net: I would have to agree with Joe (Rexrode). Dawson throws down some serious fire on his dunks. If you like power, he's the guy. From an overall perspective, I think Sam Thompson is on a different level than everyone else. His athleticism is off the charts and he makes it look so easy and has so many different types of highlight dunks that he would get my vote.

Brian Rosenthal, Lincoln Journal Star: So, we're ruling out Benny Parker, eh? My vote goes to Sam Thompson. I've been in awe more than once at his athleticism.

Kyle Austin, Mlive.com: I'll throw another vote in for Sam Thompson for good measure.

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About Tom Dienhart BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section.

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