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Faried surpasses Duncan, but Gilmore’s record is out of reach

Take a bow, Kenneth Faired. After four years of chasing down every rebound in sight, you’re atop the NCAA record books.

The Morehead State senior –Billy Donovan called him the new Dennis Rodman for his rebounding zeal – surpassed former Wake Forest star Tim Duncan, grabbing 12 rebounds and upping his career total to 1,576. (He got to celebrate, too. The Eagles beat Indiana State.)

Faried’s dominated the boards for years – his defensive rebounding percentage is fantastic each year – though it should be noted the record has a disclaimer. It’s a modern era record, which means he’s been better than everyone since freshmen were first allowed to play in 1973.

For his career, Faried averages 12.1 rebounds a game. That can’t touch Artis Gilmore’s insane 22.7 average, or about 40 other guys, including Paul Silas (21.6), Bill Russell (20.3), Elgin Baylor (19.5) and Wilt Chamberlain (18.3). Hell, Julius Erving averaged 20.2 boards a game.

The all-time leader, modern era or not, is La Salle’s Tom Gola, who grabbed 2,201 in four years (career average 18.7).

But those were faster games, with more possessions and a lot more shots. Faried’s in excellent company for modern era players. His total rebounds surpass Duncan, Derrick Coleman (1,537), Malik Rose (1,514) and Ralph Sampson (1, 511).

The record remains a helluva achievement for ‘Nard.

Want more? I’m also on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.