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Jeff Mezydlo

A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for parts of four decades. He was an integral member of award-winning sports sections at The Times of Northwest Indiana (Munster, Ind.) and Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette, where he covered the NFL, PGA, LPGA, NCAA basketball, football and golf, Olympics and high school athletics. Jeff most recently spent 12 years in the editorial department at STATSPerform, where he also oversaw coverage of the English Premier League. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jeff's work has also appeared on such sites at Yahoo!, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated and NBA.com. However, if Jeff could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High School and Grand Lakes University

EXPERTISE:

NCAA football, NCAA basketball, PGA/LPGA, international soccer, sports history, rock music, film history

The greatest players in Syracuse basketball history

Syracuse has won just one NCAA national championship, but the program is one of the most storied in college basketball history and has also produced some of the best players in the history of the college game. Here are 20 of the best.

The best players in Kansas basketball history

A perennial national power, the Jayhawks are responsible for showcasing some of the most important names in college basketball history. Here's our list of the best — listed in chronological order.

The best players in Villanova basketball history

Naturally, the Wildcats have produced some of the best players in college basketball history. Here is our list of 20 notable players to come out of Villanova — listed in chronological order.

The best players in Gonzaga basketball history

Since the late 1990s, Gonzaga has gone from mid-major overachiever to perennial national power. Here's our look at 20 of the best players in Gonzaga basketball history — listed in chronological order. 

The best players in Tennessee women's basketball history

Tennessee was the first true power in the NCAA era of women's basketball. Here's our 20 best in the history of Tennessee women's basketball — listed in chronological order.

The greatest players in North Carolina men's basketball history

It's probably the stable of ultra-talented athletes that the school is best known for producing. Here are our 20 best players in Tar Heels history — listed in chronological order.

The greatest players in Michigan State men's basketball history

Two national championships, a runner-up finish, and 10 Final Four appearances. Having great coaches like Forddy Anderson, Jud Heathcote, and Tom Izzo helps. So do great players — like the 20 best players in Michigan State players listed below.

The greatest players in Duke men's basketball history

Among the elite programs in all of college sports, the Blue Devils continue to produce some of the best talent in the game on an annual basis. Here's our list of the top 20 players to don a Duke uniform — listed in chronological order.

The greatest players in Kentucky men's basketball history

Winner of eight national championships — good for second all time — the University of Kentucky is basketball royalty. Actually, it's the most successful program in the history of the game, when it comes to NCAA Tournament appearances and wins.

25 songs to add to any AC/DC playlist

Whether its Bon Scott or Brian Johnson singing lead, AC/DC has built one of the most solid legacies in rock and roll history. Here are our rankings of the best AC/DC songs that fans — old and new — should appreciate.

The 20 greatest quotes from 'The Godfather'

Released March 24, 1972, The Godfather turned 50 in 2022. It's long regarded the greatest film of all time. Sure, that's debatable, like just about anything.

The 25 must-watch episodes of 'Cheers'

For a majority of its 11 seasons that ran from September 1982 to May 1993, Cheers was the definition of must-see television. In honor of that prime-time, sitcom dominance, here's our 25 top Cheers episodes of all time.

Hurts so good: The definitive John Mellencamp playlist

Whether going by Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp, or simply John Mellencamp, the music that this Indiana native has made is truly legendary. Here's our ranking of his 25 best songs.

The best Marlon Brando roles of all time

Depending on who is doing the talking, Marlon Brando is the greatest actor in film history. A lofty moniker, but one that has been associated with Brando for most of his brilliant movie career. Here is our ranking of his top 20 roles.

The most memorable characters from Francis Ford Coppola films

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary release of The Godfather in 2022, it's also important to honor the film's director, Francis Ford Coppola. Here we go with our 25 most memorable characters from his movies.

The most memorable characters from David Fincher movies

Whether creating a screen vision for works of fiction and non-fiction, Fincher's movies have featured some of the most memorable and underrated characters in movie history. Here's our ranking of his 25 best.

The 20 greatest family bands in music history

We're talking family bands, but we took a few liberties. If there's at least two family members playing a vital part to a band's success, it's fair game for praise. Here 20 of the best bands featuring family members.

The most memorable Kurt Russell roles of all time

For seven decades, Kurt Russell has been a major presence in both television and film. Here are 25 of Russell's most celebrated roles from his illustrious career.

Notable songs with names of months in the title

What's even more dependable than the days on the calendar turning and the seasons changing? Songs about those months. Here's some of the better songs with months of the year in the title.

20 notable songs with years in the title

A certain time in history, or in one's life, can be great fodder for a successful song — regardless of the genre. Here are 20 songs with a year in the title that we think are worth a listen, listed in chronological order.

The best fictional pizza places

Who doesn't love pizza? Yes, we know there are plenty out there who don't. But even some naysayers of this comfort-food staple might want to visit some of the most notable fictional pizza places from television and film. 

The best Steve Carell roles of all time

Steve Carell might be best known for his television work — yes, that one iconic character. But his film performances have consistently been praised during his career. Here are some of his most memorable roles.

The definitive Def Leppard playlist

Def Leppard has enjoyed quite the legendary career. The road has certainly been rocky, and downright tragic at times, but the Leppard persevered to keep its Hall-of-Fame career going. Here's our list of the 20 best Def Leppard songs.

The definitive Queen playlist

There's not much to be said that hasn't already been said when it comes to Queen. It's not easy piecing together the perfect Queen playlist. But we'll give it a try. 

The definitive Rage Against the Machine playlist

No stranger to controversy, or sending a message through politically- or socially-conscious lyrics, Rage has delivered a massively influential alternative/rap metal catalog. Here are our top 20 Rage Against the Machine songs.