correct tense [is/was the best ... I have ever trained]

[ansonman]

I have made up the sentences below.

(1a) Jack said to me, "Right after John retired from his basketball career ten years ago. I lost contact with him. I think he is the best player I have ever met."

(1b) Jack said to me, "Right after John retired from his basketball career ten years ago. I lost contact with him. I think he was the best player I have ever met."

Most of my non-native friends think (1b) is correct because Jack lost contact with John ten years ago. However, my other friends think (1a) is correct because the present tense "is" in "he is" matches present tense of "have ever met" even though one is simple present and the other is present perfect.

I don't know who is correct. May I hear your opinion? Thank you.

[Alan]

--< He was the best player that I had ever met.