The Best NBA Player From Every Power 5 College
The NBA has seen some incredible players since its inception in 1949. Most of those players have come from a college. The Power Five colleges are the most prominent and dominant colleges when it comes to athletics, and producing NBA players is no exception to that. I am going to determine the best player from each Power Five college, and let me say, these conferences have produced soome incredible players.
Boston College: Kevin Loughery
Career Highlights: 15.3 PPG, 3.7 APG, 3.0 RPG
In a playing career that lasted eleven seasons, Loughery played for three different teams. He averaged a respectable 15.3 points per game, and there were two seasons where he averaged over twenty points per game. Boston College does not have the strongest basketball history, and Kevin Loughery takes the crown here.
HMs: Michael Adams, Reggie Jackson, Jared Dudley
Clemson: Larry Nance Sr.
Career Highlights: 17.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 8.0 RPG, 3x All-Star, 3x All Defensive
Father of current Cavs player Larry Nance Jr., Nance had a good career. He actually got his jersey number retired by the Cavs, but allowed his son to wear his number. He made the All Star game three times and also won All Defensive honors three times. He was a powerful dunker just like his son
HMs: Horace Grant, Randolph Mahaffey
Duke: Grant Hill
Career Highlights: 16.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 6.0 RPG, 7x All Star, 5x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Grant Hill had a very good collegiate career, but his professional career might have been even better. He is one of the more underrated players in NBA history. He played for a total of five teams, but was at his best with the Detroit Pistons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 and was very deserving of that honor.
HMs: Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Kyrie Irving, JJ Redick, Carlos Boozer, Zion Williamson (in the future)
Florida State: Dave Cowens
Career Highlights: 17.6 PPG, 3.8 APG, 13.6 RPG, 8x All Star, 3x All NBA, 2x Champ, ROY, 1x MVP, Hall of Fame
Dave Cowens played for 12 seasons. In eight of those seasons, he was selected as an All Star. He averaged a double double in his career, which was pretty rare to do in his era. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
HM: Sam Cassell
Georgia Tech: Chris Bosh
Career Highlights: 19.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 8.5 RPG, 11x All Star, 1x All NBA, 2x Champ
Chris Bosh’s prime was when he was in Toronto, but he will be mostly remembered for his contributions to the two rime championship winning Miami Heat. He did take a lesser role in Miami, but he was one of the three biggest reasons that that Heat team was so good.
HMs: Stephon Marbury, Thaddeus Young, Mark Price, Kenny Anderson
Louisville: Wes Unseld
Career Highlights: 10.8 PPG, 3.9 APG, 14.0 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x All NBA, ROY, 1x NBA Champ, 1x Finals MVP, 1x MVP, Hall of Fame
Louisville is a fringe blue blood, and they have produced many good NBA players, but none better than Wes Unseld. He averaged a double double throughout his career and even made the All Star game in his rookie season. He was a force to be reckoned with in the ’70s and capped off his career with a Hall of Fame induction.
HMs: Darrell Griffith, Donovan Mitchell, Junior Bridgeman
Miami: Rick Barry
Career Highlights: 24.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 6.7 RPG, 12x All Star, 6x All NBA, ROY, 1x Champ, Hall of Fame
Rick Barry is one of the most underrated players of all time. He was absolutely incredible in his playing days. He will forever be remembered for his unorthodox, granny style free throw form, but he should be remembered as one of the best players in NBA history.
HM: John Salmons
North Carolina: Michael Jordan
Career Highlights: 30.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 6.2 RPG, 14x All Star, 11x All NBA, 9x All Defensive, 6x Champ, 6x FMVP, ROY, 5x MVP, 1x DPOY, Hall of Fame
Michael Jordan. Enough said.
HMs: James Worthy, Vince Carter, Antwan Jamison, Walter Davies, Bob McAdoo, Kenny Smith, Jerry Stackhouse, Brad Daugherty
NC State: David Thompson
Career Highlights: 22.7 PPG, 3.3 APG, 4.1 RPG, 5x All Star, 2x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Former Nuggets star David Thompson is easily the best player to come out of Raleigh. He entered the league with a bang and averaged 26 points in his rookie year. He was an absolute scoring machine and NC State fans should be glad he attended their beloved college.
HM: Nate McMillan
Notre Dame: Adrian Dantley
Career Highlights: 24.3 PPG, 3.0 APG, 5.7 RPG, 6x All Star, 2x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Adrian Dantley might be the quietest player to put up crazy numbers. He averaged over thirty points per game in four seasons. He was on the Pistons, but left right before their repeat championship run, and he is one of the best players to never win a ring.
HMs: Bill Laimbeer, John Paxson
Pittsburgh: Billy Knight
Career Highlights: 16.9 PPG, 2.3 APG, 5.3 RPG, 3x All Star, 1x All NBA
Billy Knight is not necessarily one of the all time greats, but he was a very good player when he played. He played for six teams, but was a positive contributor on all of them. Not many people can claim that they earned All NBA honors, and Billy Knight is one of them.
HMs: Steven Adams, Charles Smith
Syracuse: Carmelo Anthony
Career Highlights: 23.2 PPG, 2.9 APG, 6.4 RPG, 10x All Star, 6x All NBA
This was an extremely tough choice. Ultimately, I ended up choosing Melo over Dave Bing, but I definitely could see a case for Bing. However, Carmelo is a bucket. He is one of the most iconic players of the last few decades and he is 100% a future Hall of Famer.
HM : Dave Bing
Virginia: Ralph Sampson
Career Highlights: 15.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 8.8 RPG, 4x All Star, 1x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson had quite the decorated NBA career. He was the first overall pick, so lofty expectations were thrown onto him as soon as he entered the league. The four time All Star and one time All NBA player was an absolute baller when he played for the Houston Rockets.
HMs: Malcolm Brogdon, Joe Harris
Virginia Tech: Dell Curry
Career Highlights: 11.7 PPG, 1.8 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1x 6MOY
The father of the best shooter of all time, Dell Curry could also shoot the ball well back in his playing days. He was a pretty good scorer, and he averaged at least 16 points per game in two seasons as well as winning the 1994 Sixth Man of the Year Award.
HM: Bimbo Coles
Wake Forest: Tim Duncan
Career Highlights: 19.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, 10.8 RPG, 15x All Star, 5x NBA Champ, 15x All NBA, 15x All Defensive, 3x FMVP, 2x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
Wake Forest has had some incredible alumni. None of the prospects from Wake Forest have been better than Tim Duncan. A top 10 player of all time, The Big Fundamental was the model of consistency in the 2000’s. He only missed the playoffs two times in his decorated career. He led the league in Drtg four times in his career and also was an All NBA player 15 total times.
HMs: Chris Paul, Muggsy Bogues
Illinois: Andy Phillip
Career Highlights: 9.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 4.4 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x Champ, 2x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Andy Phillip was one of the premier playmakers in the early NBA. He led the league in assists for three consecutive years in the early 1950s. He was not the most prolific scorer, but he did not let that stop him from getting his name in Springfield.
HMs: Deron Williams, Donnie Williams
Indiana: Isiah Thomas
Career Highlights: 19.2 PPG, 9.3 APG, 3.6 RPG, 12x All Star, 2x Champ, 5x All NBA, 1x FMVP, Hall of Fame
One of the best point guards ever, Isaiah Thomas was the best player on one of the most famous teams of all time. The Bad Boys had a unique approach to the game, but their strategies proved successful as they won two championships when Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson were all in the league. Isaiah Thomas was the driving force behind that team and truly an all time great.
HMs: George McGinnis, Walt Bellamy, Slick Leonard
Iowa: Connie Hawkins
Career Highlights: 18.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 8.8 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Before he even entered the NBA, Connie Hawkins was an MVP. He won the award in the ABA. When he entered the league, he was just as dominant and earned five All Star selections.
HMs: Don Nelson, BJ Armstrong
Maryland: Buck Williams
Career Highlights: 12.8 PPG, 1.3 APG, 10.0 RPG, 3x All Star, 1x All NBA, 4x All NBA, ROY
Buck Williams was a really solid power forward in the 1980s and 1990s. He earned many accolades and even averaged a double-double throughout his career. Maryland has not produced many elite players, but Williams is the best former Terrapin.
HMs: Steve Francis, John Lucas
Michigan: Chris Webber
Career Highlights: 20.7 PPG, 4.8 APG, 9.2 RPG, 5x All Star, 5x All NBA, ROY
Chris Webber was arguably the biggest player for the Fab Five, and he was the best Wolverine in the NBA. He was a member of a really good Kings team and he averaged over twenty points per game throughout his career. Michigan is a school that produces a lot of good NBA talent, and Webber is their magnum opus.
HMs: Glen Rice, Rudy Tomjanovich, Jamal Crawford
Michigan State: Magic Johnson
Career Highlights: 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, 7.2 RPG, 12x All Star, 5x Champ, 10x All NBA, 3x FMVP, 3x MVP, Hall of Fame
Partly responsible for the revitalization of basketball, Magic Johnson is an absolute legend. There are not many players who can even come close to having his résumé. He is one of the faces of the NBA. Easy choice.
HMs: Draymond Green, Zach Randolph, Jason Richardson
Minnesota: Kevin McHale
Career Highlights: 17.9 PPG, 1.7 APG, 7.3 RPG, 7x All Star, 3x Champ, 1x All NBA, 6x All Defensive, Hall of Fame
Kevin McHale was an integral part of one of the best basketball teams of all time. The Celtics of the 1980s would not be the same without his post presence and unstoppable post moves. This was another easy choice.
HMs: Lou Hudson, Mychal Thompson
Nebraska: Stu Lantz
Career Highlights: 12.4 PPG, 2.9 APG, 3.3 RPG
Nebraska has not produced much NBA talent. Their second best player’s highlight of his career was getting stepped over by Allen Iverson. Stu Lantz was an above average player in his day, but he was not a star by any means. That being said, he is the best player out of Lincoln.
HM: Tyronn Lue
Northwestern: Don Adams
Career Highlights: 8.8 PPG, 1.9 APG, 5.6 RPG
Similar to Nebraska, Northwestern just does not produce much NBA talent. Don Adams takes the cake here, but he wasn’t even that good. He only played for seven seasons and was basically just a role player.
HM: Billy McKinney
Ohio State: John Havlicek
Career Highlights: 20.8 PPG, 4.8 APG, 6.3 RPG, 13x All Star, 8x Champ, 11x All NBA, 8x All Defensive, 1x FMVP, Hall of Fame
Havlicek was one of the driving forces of the Boston Celtics in the 1960s. That team dominanted the sport in a way that sports has never seen and Havlicek was one of the best players on it. He made an All NBA team eleven times which is extremely impressive.
HMs: Jerry Lucas, Mike Conley, Neil Johnston
Penn State: Frank Brickowski
Career Highlights: 10.0 PPG, 1.9 APG, 4.7 RPG
Penn State is another school that does not produce a ton of NBA caliber players. The best of the few NBA players from Penn State was Frank Brickowski. He was a decent player in the late ’80s and early ‘90s.
HM: Jesse Arnelle
Purdue: Glenn Robinson
Career Highlights: 20.7 PPG, 2.7 APG, 6.1 RPG, 2x All Star, 1x Champ
Father of current NBA player Glenn Robinson III, Robinson was a really good player in the late ’90s and early ’00s. He was a pretty good scorer and was apart of 2005 Spurs championship team, even though he only played nine games total for them that season.
HMs: Joe Barry Carroll, Brad Miller
Rutgers: Roy Hinson
Career Highlights: 14.2 PPG, 1.0 APG, 6.8 RPG
Rutgers is not the best school when it comes to athletics and I think we all know that. Naturally, they haven’t had many high profile NBA players play at their school. The best player to come from Rutgers is Roy Hinson, who put up solid numbers in his eight year playing career.
HMs: John Battle
Wisconsin: Michael Finley
Career Highlights: 15.7 PPG, 2.9 APG, 4.4 RPG, 2x All Star, 1x Champ
Michael Finley is not a super thought of player, but he actually had a really solid playing career. His career was highlighted by two All Star appearances and being apart of the Spurs team that won the 2007 NBA Championship.
HMs: Wes Matthews, Devin Harris
Baylor: Vinnie Johnson
Career Highlights: 12.0 PPG, 3.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 2x Champ
Vinnie Johnson was a member of the Bad Boys. He was not one of the big names and he did not start many games, but he was a staple in the two championships that the Pistons won in the late ’80s. He went by the nickname of “The Microwave.”
HMs: David Wesley, Taurean Prince
Iowa State: Jeff Hornacek
Career Highlights: 14.5 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1x All Star
Maybe known better as a coach, Jeff Hornacek was a good player and even made the All Star game in his career. He spent the majority of his prime playing for the Phoenix Suns, but he played for a total of four different teams.
HMs: Zaid Abdul-Aziz, Tyrese Haliburton (in the future)
Kansas: Wilt Chamberlain
Career Highlights: 30.1 PPG, 4.4 APG, 22.9 RPG, 13x All Star, 2x Champ, 10x All NBA, 2x All Defensive, 1x FMVP, 4x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
Kansas is one of the most decorated programs in college basketball and one of the true blue bloods. They have produced so many great players that would be the best players from most schools. However, the best player that was once a Payhawk is easily Wilt Chamberlain. Commonly known as the most dominant player in NBA history, there were seasons were Wilt averaged over 50 points per game and 25 rebounds per game. He was an absolute monster ahead of his time.
HMs: Paul Pierce, Joel Embiid, Jo Jo White, Danny Manning, Mario Chalmers, Clyde Lovellette
Kansas State: Dean Wade Mitch Richmond
Career Highlights: 21.0 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.9 RPG, 6x All Star, 1x Champ, 5x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Mitch Richmond was a really talented offensive player in the ’90s. I feel like he is pretty underrated, and he was a six time All Star and five time All NBA selection. He pretty easily the best player from the Little Apple and capped off his career with a Hall of Fame Induction in 2014.
HMs: Rolando Blackmon, Michael Beasley, Bob Boozer
Oklahoma: Blake Griffin
Career Highlights: 21.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 8.7 RPG, 6x All Star, 5x All NBA, ROY
This is one that I feel like has a decent chance to change. I think it is entirely possible that Trae Young could possibly pass Griffin eventually. However, it is Griffin for now. In his prime, he was an MVP candidate and top ten player. He is not quite what he used to be, but he takes the prize for the best former Sooner.
HMs: Trae Young, Clifford Ray, Alvan Adams
Oklahoma State: Tony Allen
Career Highlights: 8.1 PPG, 1.3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1x Champ, 6x All Defensive
Tony Allen did not put up the best offensive stats, but he absolutely incredible defender. He made the All Defensive Team six times despite not really being a star. Marcu Smart has a chance to pass him, but for now it is Tony Allen.
HMs: John Starks, Marcus Smart
TCU: Kurt Thomas
Career Highlights: 8.1 PPG, 1.1 APG, 6.6 RPG
Kurt Thomas is the best player to come out of TCU, and that should tell you a lot about how good the Horned Frogs have been. No offense to Kurt, but this is a little embarrassing and I feel like Desmond Bane will probably pass him within the next few years.
HM: Desmond Bane
Texas: Kevin Durant
Career Highlights: 27.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, 7.1 RPG, 11x All Star, 2x Champ, 9x All NBA, 2x FMVP, 1x MVP, ROY
The Longhorns are one of the premier athletic colleges in the entire country, and basketball is a prime example of that. They have had incredible players come from there, and Kevin Durant is easily the best. One of the best scorers of all time, KD deserves this. He is a future Hall of Famer and one of the all time greats.
HMs: LaMarcus Aldridge, Slater Martin, Myles Turner
Texas Tech: Tony Battie
Career Highlights: 6.1 PPG, 0.6 APG, 5.1 RPG
Look away Texas Tech fans. You are probably already sad that Chris Beard left for in an in state and in conference foe. Then, you realize that Tony Battie is the best player to ever come from your college. Sorry.
HM: Jarrett Culver
West Virginia: Jerry West
Career Highlights: 27.0 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.8 RPG, 14x All Star, 1x Champ, 12x All NBA, 5x All Defensive, 1x FMVP, Hall of Fame
One of the best players of all time, Jerry West was one of the NBA’s first superstars. Few players have had the impact and influence on the league as Jerry West. West always struggled against Bill Russell’s Celtics, but other than that, he was unstoppable. He is the logo for goodness sake.
HM: Rod Thorn
Arizona: Gilbert Arenas
Career Highlights: 20.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 3x All Star, 3x All NBA
Gilbert Arenas, nicknamed “Agent Zero”, was a star in the mid 2000’s. He was a three time All NBA player when he played for the Washington Wizards. He was averaging nearly thirty points per game at his peak, and is one of the forgotten stars of the 2000’s.
HMs: Andre Igoudala, Richard Jefferson, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry
Arizona State: James Harden
Career Highlights: 25.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.5 RPG, 9x All Star, 7x All NBA, 1x MVP
Current MVP candidate James Harden is easily the best player from Arizona State. He still has a lot of playing time left, but he has been amazing thus far in his career. In the ‘18-’19 season, he averaged an unimaginable 36.1 points per game. That is the highest since Michael Jordan. He is one of the most prolific scorers and best iso players of this generation.
HMs: Freddie Lewis, Byron Scott, Fat Lever
California: Jason Kidd
Career Highlights: 12.6 PPG, 8.7 APG, 6.3 RPG, 10x All Star, 1x Champ, 6x All NBA, 9x All Defensive, ROY, Hall of Fame
Jason Kidd was a legit playmaker who torched the league for many years. He led the league in assists per game five different times. He played for six different teams in his nineteen year career. His prime was in Phoenix and New Jersey, but he was a great player everywhere he went.
HMs: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Kevin Johnson, Jaylen Brown
UCLA: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Career Highlights: 24.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, 11.2 RPG, 19x All Star, 6x Champ, 15x All NBA, 11x All Defensive, 2x FMVP, 6x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
UCLA has a real argument for the best college basketball program of all time. On top of that, they have an argument for producing the best NBA players of any college. They produced the third best NBA player of all time in my opinion in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He is the all time points leader and had a super long, productive carer.
HMs: Reggie Miller, Bill Walton, Russell Westbrook, Mark Eaton, Kevin Love, Baron Davis
Colorado: Chauncey Billups
Career Highlights: 15.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 2.9 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x Champ, 3x All NBA, 2x All Defensive, 1x FMVP
Chauncey was the best player on an NBA Finals champion. When I think of superstars in the 2000’s, I usually do not think of Chauncey Billups. However, he had one of the best careers of the 2000’s. He did not put up the most eye-popping numbers, but he had that “it” factor as well as being a great performer in the clutch time.
HMs: Scott Wedman, Spencer Dinwiddie
Oregon: Steve Jones
Career Highlights: 15.2 PPG, 2.2 APG, 3.5 RPG, 3x All Star
Steve Jones actually only played one season in the NBA, but he had such a great ABA career that I thought it would be fair to include him. He was a three time ABA All Star and there were many years when he was averaging around twenty points per game.
HMs: Terrell Brandon, Greg Ballard
Oregon State: Gary Payton
Career Highlights: 16.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, 3.9 RPG, 9x All Star, 1x Champ, 9x All NBA, 9x All Defensive, 1x DPOY, Hall of Fame
“The Glove” is one of my favorite players of all time. He was an incredible on ball defender, and he did not back down from anyone. Him and Shawn Kemp were a deadly duo for the Seattle Supersonics. He ended his career with a deserved Hall of Fame induction.
HMs: A.C. Green, Lonnie Shelton
USC: Bill Sharman
Career Highlights: 17.8 PPG, 3.0 APG, 3.9 RPG, 8x All Star, 4x Champ, 7x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Have you ever heard of Bill Sharman? Yeah, I haven’t either. However, he was one of the very first stars in the NBA. He was apart of the Celtics and him and Bob Cousy were the best backcourt of the 1950’s.
HMs: DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Gus Williams, Paul Westphal
Stanford: George Yardley
Career Highlights: 19.2 PPG, 1.7 APG, 8.9 RPG, 6x All Star, 2x All NBA, Hall of Fame
George Yardley only had a seven year career, but he managed to make the Hall of Fame. He was the very first player to score 2,000 points in a single season when he averaged 27.8 points per game in the ‘57-’58 season.
HMs: Robin and Brook Lopez, Jim Pollard
Utah: Tom Chambers
Career Highlights: 18.1 PPG, 2.1 APG, 6.1 RPG, 4x All Star, 2x All NBA
Tom Chambers was a great player, but he will forever be remembered for one play. His dunk over Mark Jackson on January 27, 1989 was one of the best dunks in NBA history and one of the most memorable. He was a four time All Star selection and even won the All Star Game MVP in 1987.
HMs: Andre Miller, Andrew Bogut
Washington: Detlef Schrempf
Career Highlights: 13.9 PPG, 3.4 APG, 6.2 RPG, 3x All Star, 2x 6MOY
Detlef Schrempf is one of the best foreign born NBA players of all time. He was a sharpshooter, and even shot over 50% from three in the ‘94-’95 season. He is also one of the best players to come off the bench of all time as he won the Sixth Man of the Year twice.
HMs: Isaiah Thomas, Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy
Washington State: Klay Thompson
Career Highlights: 19.5 PPG, 2.3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 5x All Star, 3x Champ, 2x All NBA, 1x All Defensive
One of the best shooters of all time, Klay Thompson was an easy choice here. He was apart of the Warriors’ dynasty and he is one half of the Splash Bros, the best shooting duo of all time. He also delivered one of the most memorable moments of the last few seasons when he scored 37 points in a single quarter on perfect shooting.
HM: Craig Ehlo
Alabama: Latrell Sprewell
Career Highlights: 18.3 PPG, 4.0 APG, 4.1 RPG, 4x All Star, 1x All NBA, 1x All Defensive
Latrell Sprewell was an interesting character. He choked his coach PJ Carlesimo, but he was very good while on the court. He was a tenancious defender and a four time All Star. Alabama is a football school, but they have had some pretty good NBA players.
HMs: Mo Williams, Antonio McDyess
Arkansas: Sidney Moncrief
Career Highlights: 15.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, 4.7 RPG, 5x All Star, 5x All NBA, 5x All Defensive, 2x DPOY, Hall of Fame
This was a rellBoston College: Kevin Loughery
Career Highlights: 15.3 PPG, 3.7 APG, 3.0 RPG
In a playing career that lasted eleven seasons, Loughery played for three different teams. He averaged a respectable 15.3 points per game, and there were two seasons where he averaged over twenty points per game. Boston College does not have the strongest basketball history, and Kevin Loughery takes the crown here.
HMs: Michael Adams, Reggie Jackson, Jared Dudley
Clemson: Larry Nance Sr.
Career Highlights: 17.1 PPG, 2.6 APG, 8.0 RPG, 3x All-Star, 3x All Defensive
Father of current Cavs player Larry Nance Jr., Nance had a good career. He actually got his jersey number retired by the Cavs, but allowed his son to wear his number. He made the All Star game three times and also won All Defensive honors three times. He was a powerful dunker just like his son
HMs: Horace Grant, Randolph Mahaffey
Duke: Grant Hill
Career Highlights: 16.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 6.0 RPG, 7x All Star, 5x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Grant Hill had a very good collegiate career, but his professional career might have been even better. He is one of the more underrated players in NBA history. He played for a total of five teams, but was at his best with the Detroit Pistons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 and was very deserving of that honor.
HMs: Elton Brand, Shane Battier, Kyrie Irving, JJ Redick, Carlos Boozer, Zion Williamson (in the future)
Florida State: Dave Cowens
Career Highlights: 17.6 PPG, 3.8 APG, 13.6 RPG, 8x All Star, 3x All NBA, 2x Champ, ROY, 1x MVP, Hall of Fame
Dave Cowens played for 12 seasons. In eight of those seasons, he was selected as an All Star. He averaged a double double in his career, which was pretty rare to do in his era. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
HM: Sam Cassell
Georgia Tech: Chris Bosh
Career Highlights: 19.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 8.5 RPG, 11x All Star, 1x All NBA, 2x Champ
Chris Bosh’s prime was when he was in Toronto, but he will be mostly remembered for his contributions to the two rime championship winning Miami Heat. He did take a lesser role in Miami, but he was one of the three biggest reasons that that Heat team was so good.
HMs: Stephon Marbury, Thaddeus Young, Mark Price, Kenny Anderson
Louisville: Wes Unseld
Career Highlights: 10.8 PPG, 3.9 APG, 14.0 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x All NBA, ROY, 1x NBA Champ, 1x Finals MVP, 1x MVP, Hall of Fame
Louisville is a fringe blue blood, and they have produced many good NBA players, but none better than Wes Unseld. He averaged a double double throughout his career and even made the All Star game in his rookie season. He was a force to be reckoned with in the ’70s and capped off his career with a Hall of Fame induction.
HMs: Darrell Griffith, Donovan Mitchell, Junior Bridgeman
Miami: Rick Barry
Career Highlights: 24.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 6.7 RPG, 12x All Star, 6x All NBA, ROY, 1x Champ, Hall of Fame
Rick Barry is one of the most underrated players of all time. He was absolutely incredible in his playing days. He will forever be remembered for his unorthodox, granny style free throw form, but he should be remembered as one of the best players in NBA history.
HM: John Salmons
North Carolina: Michael Jordan
Career Highlights: 30.1 PPG, 5.3 APG, 6.2 RPG, 14x All Star, 11x All NBA, 9x All Defensive, 6x Champ, 6x FMVP, ROY, 5x MVP, 1x DPOY, Hall of Fame
Michael Jordan. Enough said.
HMs: James Worthy, Vince Carter, Antwan Jamison, Walter Davies, Bob McAdoo, Kenny Smith, Jerry Stackhouse, Brad Daugherty
NC State: David Thompson
Career Highlights: 22.7 PPG, 3.3 APG, 4.1 RPG, 5x All Star, 2x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Former Nuggets star David Thompson is easily the best player to come out of Raleigh. He entered the league with a bang and averaged 26 points in his rookie year. He was an absolute scoring machine and NC State fans should be glad he attended their beloved college.
HM: Nate McMillan
Notre Dame: Adrian Dantley
Career Highlights: 24.3 PPG, 3.0 APG, 5.7 RPG, 6x All Star, 2x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Adrian Dantley might be the quietest player to put up crazy numbers. He averaged over thirty points per game in four seasons. He was on the Pistons, but left right before their repeat championship run, and he is one of the best players to never win a ring.
HMs: Bill Laimbeer, John Paxson
Pittsburgh: Billy Knight
Career Highlights: 16.9 PPG, 2.3 APG, 5.3 RPG, 3x All Star, 1x All NBA
Billy Knight is not necessarily one of the all time greats, but he was a very good player when he played. He played for six teams, but was a positive contributor on all of them. Not many people can claim that they earned All NBA honors, and Billy Knight is one of them.
HMs: Steven Adams, Charles Smith
Syracuse: Carmelo Anthony
Career Highlights: 23.2 PPG, 2.9 APG, 6.4 RPG, 10x All Star, 6x All NBA
This was an extremely tough choice. Ultimately, I ended up choosing Melo over Dave Bing, but I definitely could see a case for Bing. However, Carmelo is a bucket. He is one of the most iconic players of the last few decades and he is 100% a future Hall of Famer.
HM : Dave Bing
Virginia: Ralph Sampson
Career Highlights: 15.4 PPG, 2.3 APG, 8.8 RPG, 4x All Star, 1x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson had quite the decorated NBA career. He was the first overall pick, so lofty expectations were thrown onto him as soon as he entered the league. The four time All Star and one time All NBA player was an absolute baller when he played for the Houston Rockets.
HMs: Malcolm Brogdon, Joe Harris
Virginia Tech: Dell Curry
Career Highlights: 11.7 PPG, 1.8 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1x 6MOY
The father of the best shooter of all time, Dell Curry could also shoot the ball well back in his playing days. He was a pretty good scorer, and he averaged at least 16 points per game in two seasons as well as winning the 1994 Sixth Man of the Year Award.
HM: Bimbo Coles
Wake Forest: Tim Duncan
Career Highlights: 19.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, 10.8 RPG, 15x All Star, 5x NBA Champ, 15x All NBA, 15x All Defensive, 3x FMVP, 2x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
Wake Forest has had some incredible alumni. None of the prospects from Wake Forest have been better than Tim Duncan. A top 10 player of all time, The Big Fundamental was the model of consistency in the 2000’s. He only missed the playoffs two times in his decorated career. He led the league in Drtg four times in his career and also was an All NBA player 15 total times.
HMs: Chris Paul, Muggsy Bogues
Illinois: Andy Phillip
Career Highlights: 9.1 PPG, 5.4 APG, 4.4 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x Champ, 2x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Andy Phillip was one of the premier playmakers in the early NBA. He led the league in assists for three consecutive years in the early 1950s. He was not the most prolific scorer, but he did not let that stop him from getting his name in Springfield.
HMs: Deron Williams, Donnie Williams
Indiana: Isiah Thomas
Career Highlights: 19.2 PPG, 9.3 APG, 3.6 RPG, 12x All Star, 2x Champ, 5x All NBA, 1x FMVP, Hall of Fame
One of the best point guards ever, Isaiah Thomas was the best player on one of the most famous teams of all time. The Bad Boys had a unique approach to the game, but their strategies proved successful as they won two championships when Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson were all in the league. Isaiah Thomas was the driving force behind that team and truly an all time great.
HMs: George McGinnis, Walt Bellamy, Slick Leonard
Iowa: Connie Hawkins
Career Highlights: 18.7 PPG, 4.1 APG, 8.8 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Before he even entered the NBA, Connie Hawkins was an MVP. He won the award in the ABA. When he entered the league, he was just as dominant and earned five All Star selections.
HMs: Don Nelson, BJ Armstrong
Maryland: Buck Williams
Career Highlights: 12.8 PPG, 1.3 APG, 10.0 RPG, 3x All Star, 1x All NBA, 4x All NBA, ROY
Buck Williams was a really solid power forward in the 1980s and 1990s. He earned many accolades and even averaged a double-double throughout his career. Maryland has not produced many elite players, but Williams is the best former Terrapin.
HMs: Steve Francis, John Lucas
Michigan: Chris Webber
Career Highlights: 20.7 PPG, 4.8 APG, 9.2 RPG, 5x All Star, 5x All NBA, ROY
Chris Webber was arguably the biggest player for the Fab Five, and he was the best Wolverine in the NBA. He was a member of a really good Kings team and he averaged over twenty points per game throughout his career. Michigan is a school that produces a lot of good NBA talent, and Webber is their magnum opus.
HMs: Glen Rice, Rudy Tomjanovich, Jamal Crawford
Michigan State: Magic Johnson
Career Highlights: 19.5 PPG, 11.2 APG, 7.2 RPG, 12x All Star, 5x Champ, 10x All NBA, 3x FMVP, 3x MVP, Hall of Fame
Partly responsible for the revitalization of basketball, Magic Johnson is an absolute legend. There are not many players who can even come close to having his résumé. He is one of the faces of the NBA. Easy choice.
HMs: Draymond Green, Zach Randolph, Jason Richardson
Minnesota: Kevin McHale
Career Highlights: 17.9 PPG, 1.7 APG, 7.3 RPG, 7x All Star, 3x Champ, 1x All NBA, 6x All Defensive, Hall of Fame
Kevin McHale was an integral part of one of the best basketball teams of all time. The Celtics of the 1980s would not be the same without his post presence and unstoppable post moves. This was another easy choice.
HMs: Lou Hudson, Mychal Thompson
Nebraska: Stu Lantz
Career Highlights: 12.4 PPG, 2.9 APG, 3.3 RPG
Nebraska has not produced much NBA talent. Their second best player’s highlight of his career was getting stepped over by Allen Iverson. Stu Lantz was an above average player in his day, but he was not a star by any means. That being said, he is the best player out of Lincoln.
HM: Tyronn Lue
Northwestern: Don Adams
Career Highlights: 8.8 PPG, 1.9 APG, 5.6 RPG
Similar to Nebraska, Northwestern just does not produce much NBA talent. Don Adams takes the cake here, but he wasn’t even that good. He only played for seven seasons and was basically just a role player.
HM: Billy McKinney
Ohio State: John Havlicek
Career Highlights: 20.8 PPG, 4.8 APG, 6.3 RPG, 13x All Star, 8x Champ, 11x All NBA, 8x All Defensive, 1x FMVP, Hall of Fame
Havlicek was one of the driving forces of the Boston Celtics in the 1960s. That team dominanted the sport in a way that sports has never seen and Havlicek was one of the best players on it. He made an All NBA team eleven times which is extremely impressive.
HMs: Jerry Lucas, Mike Conley, Neil Johnston
Penn State: Frank Brickowski
Career Highlights: 10.0 PPG, 1.9 APG, 4.7 RPG
Penn State is another school that does not produce a ton of NBA caliber players. The best of the few NBA players from Penn State was Frank Brickowski. He was a decent player in the late ’80s and early ‘90s.
HM: Jesse Arnelle
Purdue: Glenn Robinson
Career Highlights: 20.7 PPG, 2.7 APG, 6.1 RPG, 2x All Star, 1x Champ
Father of current NBA player Glenn Robinson III, Robinson was a really good player in the late ’90s and early ’00s. He was a pretty good scorer and was apart of 2005 Spurs championship team, even though he only played nine games total for them that season.
HMs: Joe Barry Carroll, Brad Miller
Rutgers: Roy Hinson
Career Highlights: 14.2 PPG, 1.0 APG, 6.8 RPG
Rutgers is not the best school when it comes to athletics and I think we all know that. Naturally, they haven’t had many high profile NBA players play at their school. The best player to come from Rutgers is Roy Hinson, who put up solid numbers in his eight year playing career.
HMs: John Battle
Wisconsin: Michael Finley
Career Highlights: 15.7 PPG, 2.9 APG, 4.4 RPG, 2x All Star, 1x Champ
Michael Finley is not a super thought of player, but he actually had a really solid playing career. His career was highlighted by two All Star appearances and being apart of the Spurs team that won the 2007 NBA Championship.
HMs: Wes Matthews, Devin Harris
Baylor: Vinnie Johnson
Career Highlights: 12.0 PPG, 3.3 APG, 3.2 RPG, 2x Champ
Vinnie Johnson was a member of the Bad Boys. He was not one of the big names and he did not start many games, but he was a staple in the two championships that the Pistons won in the late ’80s. He went by the nickname of “The Microwave.”
HMs: David Wesley, Taurean Prince
Iowa State: Jeff Hornacek
Career Highlights: 14.5 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1x All Star
Maybe known better as a coach, Jeff Hornacek was a good player and even made the All Star game in his career. He spent the majority of his prime playing for the Phoenix Suns, but he played for a total of four different teams.
HMs: Zaid Abdul-Aziz, Tyrese Haliburton (in the future)
Kansas: Wilt Chamberlain
Career Highlights: 30.1 PPG, 4.4 APG, 22.9 RPG, 13x All Star, 2x Champ, 10x All NBA, 2x All Defensive, 1x FMVP, 4x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
Kansas is one of the most decorated programs in college basketball and one of the true blue bloods. They have produced so many great players that would be the best players from most schools. However, the best player that was once a Payhawk is easily Wilt Chamberlain. Commonly known as the most dominant player in NBA history, there were seasons were Wilt averaged over 50 points per game and 25 rebounds per game. He was an absolute monster ahead of his time.
HMs: Paul Pierce, Joel Embiid, Jo Jo White, Danny Manning, Mario Chalmers, Clyde Lovellette
Kansas State: Dean Wade Mitch Richmond
Career Highlights: 21.0 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.9 RPG, 6x All Star, 1x Champ, 5x All NBA, ROY, Hall of Fame
Mitch Richmond was a really talented offensive player in the ’90s. I feel like he is pretty underrated, and he was a six time All Star and five time All NBA selection. He pretty easily the best player from the Little Apple and capped off his career with a Hall of Fame Induction in 2014.
HMs: Rolando Blackmon, Michael Beasley, Bob Boozer
Oklahoma: Blake Griffin
Career Highlights: 21.3 PPG, 4.4 APG, 8.7 RPG, 6x All Star, 5x All NBA, ROY
This is one that I feel like has a decent chance to change. I think it is entirely possible that Trae Young could possibly pass Griffin eventually. However, it is Griffin for now. In his prime, he was an MVP candidate and top ten player. He is not quite what he used to be, but he takes the prize for the best former Sooner.
HMs: Trae Young, Clifford Ray, Alvan Adams
Oklahoma State: Tony Allen
Career Highlights: 8.1 PPG, 1.3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 1x Champ, 6x All Defensive
Tony Allen did not put up the best offensive stats, but he absolutely incredible defender. He made the All Defensive Team six times despite not really being a star. Marcu Smart has a chance to pass him, but for now it is Tony Allen.
HMs: John Starks, Marcus Smart
TCU: Kurt Thomas
Career Highlights: 8.1 PPG, 1.1 APG, 6.6 RPG
Kurt Thomas is the best player to come out of TCU, and that should tell you a lot about how good the Horned Frogs have been. No offense to Kurt, but this is a little embarrassing and I feel like Desmond Bane will probably pass him within the next few years.
HM: Desmond Bane
Texas: Kevin Durant
Career Highlights: 27.1 PPG, 4.1 APG, 7.1 RPG, 11x All Star, 2x Champ, 9x All NBA, 2x FMVP, 1x MVP, ROY
The Longhorns are one of the premier athletic colleges in the entire country, and basketball is a prime example of that. They have had incredible players come from there, and Kevin Durant is easily the best. One of the best scorers of all time, KD deserves this. He is a future Hall of Famer and one of the all time greats.
HMs: LaMarcus Aldridge, Slater Martin, Myles Turner
Texas Tech: Tony Battie
Career Highlights: 6.1 PPG, 0.6 APG, 5.1 RPG
Look away Texas Tech fans. You are probably already sad that Chris Beard left for in an in state and in conference foe. Then, you realize that Tony Battie is the best player to ever come from your college. Sorry.
HM: Jarrett Culver
West Virginia: Jerry West
Career Highlights: 27.0 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.8 RPG, 14x All Star, 1x Champ, 12x All NBA, 5x All Defensive, 1x FMVP, Hall of Fame
One of the best players of all time, Jerry West was one of the NBA’s first superstars. Few players have had the impact and influence on the league as Jerry West. West always struggled against Bill Russell’s Celtics, but other than that, he was unstoppable. He is the logo for goodness sake.
HM: Rod Thorn
Arizona: Gilbert Arenas
Career Highlights: 20.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 3x All Star, 3x All NBA
Gilbert Arenas, nicknamed “Agent Zero”, was a star in the mid 2000’s. He was a three time All NBA player when he played for the Washington Wizards. He was averaging nearly thirty points per game at his peak, and is one of the forgotten stars of the 2000’s.
HMs: Andre Igoudala, Richard Jefferson, Mike Bibby, Jason Terry
Arizona State: James Harden
Career Highlights: 25.2 PPG, 6.5 APG, 5.5 RPG, 9x All Star, 7x All NBA, 1x MVP
Current MVP candidate James Harden is easily the best player from Arizona State. He still has a lot of playing time left, but he has been amazing thus far in his career. In the ‘18-’19 season, he averaged an unimaginable 36.1 points per game. That is the highest since Michael Jordan. He is one of the most prolific scorers and best iso players of this generation.
HMs: Freddie Lewis, Byron Scott, Fat Lever
California: Jason Kidd
Career Highlights: 12.6 PPG, 8.7 APG, 6.3 RPG, 10x All Star, 1x Champ, 6x All NBA, 9x All Defensive, ROY, Hall of Fame
Jason Kidd was a legit playmaker who torched the league for many years. He led the league in assists per game five different times. He played for six different teams in his nineteen year career. His prime was in Phoenix and New Jersey, but he was a great player everywhere he went.
HMs: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Kevin Johnson, Jaylen Brown
UCLA: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Career Highlights: 24.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, 11.2 RPG, 19x All Star, 6x Champ, 15x All NBA, 11x All Defensive, 2x FMVP, 6x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
UCLA has a real argument for the best college basketball program of all time. On top of that, they have an argument for producing the best NBA players of any college. They produced the third best NBA player of all time in my opinion in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He is the all time points leader and had a super long, productive carer.
HMs: Reggie Miller, Bill Walton, Russell Westbrook, Mark Eaton, Kevin Love, Baron Davis
Colorado: Chauncey Billups
Career Highlights: 15.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 2.9 RPG, 5x All Star, 1x Champ, 3x All NBA, 2x All Defensive, 1x FMVP
Chauncey was the best player on an NBA Finals champion. When I think of superstars in the 2000’s, I usually do not think of Chauncey Billups. However, he had one of the best careers of the 2000’s. He did not put up the most eye-popping numbers, but he had that “it” factor as well as being a great performer in the clutch time.
HMs: Scott Wedman, Spencer Dinwiddie
Oregon: Steve Jones
Career Highlights: 15.2 PPG, 2.2 APG, 3.5 RPG, 3x All Star
Steve Jones actually only played one season in the NBA, but he had such a great ABA career that I thought it would be fair to include him. He was a three time ABA All Star and there were many years when he was averaging around twenty points per game.
HMs: Terrell Brandon, Greg Ballard
Oregon State: Gary Payton
Career Highlights: 16.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, 3.9 RPG, 9x All Star, 1x Champ, 9x All NBA, 9x All Defensive, 1x DPOY, Hall of Fame
“The Glove” is one of my favorite players of all time. He was an incredible on ball defender, and he did not back down from anyone. Him and Shawn Kemp were a deadly duo for the Seattle Supersonics. He ended his career with a deserved Hall of Fame induction.
HMs: A.C. Green, Lonnie Shelton
USC: Bill Sharman
Career Highlights: 17.8 PPG, 3.0 APG, 3.9 RPG, 8x All Star, 4x Champ, 7x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Have you ever heard of Bill Sharman? Yeah, I haven’t either. However, he was one of the very first stars in the NBA. He was apart of the Celtics and him and Bob Cousy were the best backcourt of the 1950’s.
HMs: DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic, Gus Williams, Paul Westphal
Stanford: George Yardley
Career Highlights: 19.2 PPG, 1.7 APG, 8.9 RPG, 6x All Star, 2x All NBA, Hall of Fame
George Yardley only had a seven year career, but he managed to make the Hall of Fame. He was the very first player to score 2,000 points in a single season when he averaged 27.8 points per game in the ‘57-’58 season.
HMs: Robin and Brook Lopez, Jim Pollard
Utah: Tom Chambers
Career Highlights: 18.1 PPG, 2.1 APG, 6.1 RPG, 4x All Star, 2x All NBA
Tom Chambers was a great player, but he will forever be remembered for one play. His dunk over Mark Jackson on January 27, 1989 was one of the best dunks in NBA history and one of the most memorable. He was a four time All Star selection and even won the All Star Game MVP in 1987.
HMs: Andre Miller, Andrew Bogut
Washington: Detlef Schrempf
Career Highlights: 13.9 PPG, 3.4 APG, 6.2 RPG, 3x All Star, 2x 6MOY
Detlef Schrempf is one of the best foreign born NBA players of all time. He was a sharpshooter, and even shot over 50% from three in the ‘94-’95 season. He is also one of the best players to come off the bench of all time as he won the Sixth Man of the Year twice.
HMs: Isaiah Thomas, Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy
Washington State: Klay Thompson
Career Highlights: 19.5 PPG, 2.3 APG, 3.5 RPG, 5x All Star, 3x Champ, 2x All NBA, 1x All Defensive
One of the best shooters of all time, Klay Thompson was an easy choice here. He was apart of the Warriors’ dynasty and he is one half of the Splash Bros, the best shooting duo of all time. He also delivered one of the most memorable moments of the last few seasons when he scored 37 points in a single quarter on perfect shooting.
HM: Craig Ehlo
Alabama: Latrell Sprewell
Career Highlights: 18.3 PPG, 4.0 APG, 4.1 RPG, 4x All Star, 1x All NBA, 1x All Defensive
Latrell Sprewell was an interesting character. He choked his coach PJ Carlesimo, but he was very good while on the court. He was a tenancious defender and a four time All Star. Alabama is a football school, but they have had some pretty good NBA players.
HMs: Mo Williams, Antonio McDyess
Arkansas: Sidney Moncrief
Career Highlights: 15.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, 4.7 RPG, 5x All Star, 5x All NBA, 5x All Defensive, 2x DPOY, Hall of Fame
This was a relly tough decision. I almost gave Arkansas to Joe Johnson, but eventually settled on Sidney Moncrief. He is one of the best players in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, and even Michael Jordan respected him.“When you play against Moncrief, you’re in for a night of all-around basketball,” said Jordan.
HMs: Joe Johnson, Patrick Beverley
Auburn: Charles Barkley
Career Highlights: 22.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 11.7 RPG, 11x All Star, 11x All NBA, 1x MVP, Hall of Fame
Today Chuck is known as one of the funniest sports analysts, but he was a killer back in his playing days. He was an undersized big man, but that did not stop him from being a dominant paint force. He will go down as one of the best players to never win a ring, and Shaq likes to remind him of that often.
HMs: Mike Mitchell, Eddie Johnson
Florida: Joakim Noah
Career Highlights: 8.8 PPG, 2.8 APG, 9.0 RPG, 2x All Star, 1x All NBA, 3x All Defensive, 1x DPOY
This is probably a pretty controversial pick. You could make a real case for Horford or Beal, but what really put Noah ahead in my eyes was his Defensive Player of the Year award. Joakim was not the best scorer, nor was he very offensively talented, but he was such a prescense on defense that I had to give Florida to him.
HMs: Bradley Beal, Al Horford, Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem
Georgia: Dominique Wilkins
Career Highlights: 24.8 PPG, 2.5 APG, 6.7 RPG, 9x All Star, 7x All NBA, Hall of Fame
This was probably one of the easiest decisions. Georgia has not sent anyone to the NBA that has been in the same universe as Dominique Wilkins. “The Human Highlight Reel” was an explosive play waiting to happen. Not only is he one of the best players of all time, but he is one of the best dunkers of all time.
HM: Anthony Edwards (in the future)
Kentucky: Anthony Davis
Career Highlights: 23.9 PPG, 2.3 APG, 10.3 RPG, 8x All Star, 1x Champ, 4x All NBA, 4x All Defensive
Kentucky is a literal NBA factory. They have so many NBA players come through their program that it is insane. The best of these NBA caliber talents is Anthony Davis. He was one of the best draft prospects ever, and he definitely has not disappointed. He was one of the main reasons that the Lakers won the championship last year and he is one of the best NBA players in the NBA, and will be for a long time.
HMs: Karl-Anthony Towns, DeMarcus Couisns, John Wall, Louie Dampler, Cliff Hagan, half the entire population of earth
LSU: Shaquille O’Neal
Career Highlights: 23.7 PPG, 2.5 APG, 10.9 RPG, 15x All Star, 4x Champ, 14x All NBA, 3x All Defensive, 3x FMVP, 1x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
Shaq is one of the most physically dominant players of all time. He is one of the greatest centers ever and was the driving force behind the Lakers’ three-peat. He is arguably a top ten player of all time and the NBA has not seen many players like him.
HMs: Bob Pettit, Pete Maravich, Ben Simmons
Ole Miss: Johnny Neumann
Career Highlights: 13.2 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.7 RPG
Ole Miss has only had nine players make it to the NBA. To put that into perspective, Oral Roberts has also had nine. So, there was not a very talented pool of players to select from. That being said, Johnny Neumann was a pretty good player although he spent most of his career in the ABA.
HM: Terence Davis
Mississippi State: Bailey Howell
Career Highlights: 18.7 PPG, 2.0 APG, 9.9 RPG, 6x All Star, 2x Champ, 1x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Bailey Howell was an ealy star in the NBA when he played in the 1960s. He spent the best years of his career playing for Detroit, but he also wore the jerseys of Baltimore, Boston, and Philadelphia. He is the very finest of Starkville.
HM: Jeff Malone
Missouri: Jordan Clarkson
Career Highlights: 15.0 PPG, 2.5 APG, 3.2 RPG
Jordan Clarkson is surprisingly the best player to come from Missouri. I think that it is a likely possibility that Michael Porter Jr. will pass him at some point, but Clarkson is the best for now. He is one of the best sixth men in the entire NBA and has a chance to win Sixth Man of the Year this year.
HMs: Michael Porter Jr., Steve Stipanovic
South Carolina: Alex English
Career Highlights: 21.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, 5.5 RPG, 8x All Star, 3x All NBA, Hall of Fame
In the 1982–1983 NBA season, Alex Engish was the best scorer in the entire league and averaged 28.4 points per game. He is one of the best Nuggets of all time and earned eight All Star selections. When he retired, he had the seventh most points of all time.
HMs: Brian Winters, Jim Fox
Tennessee: Bernard King
Career Highlights: 22.5 PPG, 3.3 APG, 5.8 RPG, 4x All Star, 4x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Bernard King was a really good scorer in the ’80s. In fact, he led the league in scoring in ‘85-’85 season when he averaged an astonishing 32.9 points per game. He suffered many injuries throughout his career which eventually forced him to retire, but he was an absolute bucket when healthy.
HMs: Allan Houston, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, Red Robbins
Texas A&M: DeAndre Jordan
Career Highlights: 9.4 PPG, 1.0 APG, 10.6 RPG, 1x All Star, 3x All NBA, 2x All Defensive
A member of the feared Lob City, DeAndre Jordan was a force to be reckoned with in his prime. I found it interesting that he has been an All NBA selection more times than he has made the All Star game. He’s out of his prime now, and Khris Middleton has a chance to surpass him before his career is over.
HMs: Khris Middleton, John Beasley
Vanderbilt: Darius Garland
Career Highlights: 13.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.0 RPG
Despite not playing two full seasons and not even being that impressive in those seasons, Darius Garland is still the best NBA player to ever come out of Vanderbilt. Aside from baseball, Vandy is not really a sporting powerhouse, so it is understandable that they do not have any noticeable names.
HM: DeMarre Carroll
y tough decision. I almost gave Arkansas to Joe Johnson, but eventually settled on Sidney Moncrief. He is one of the best players in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, and even Michael Jordan respected him.“When you play against Moncrief, you’re in for a night of all-around basketball,” said Jordan.
HMs: Joe Johnson, Patrick Beverley
Auburn: Charles Barkley
Career Highlights: 22.1 PPG, 3.9 APG, 11.7 RPG, 11x All Star, 11x All NBA, 1x MVP, Hall of Fame
Today Chuck is known as one of the funniest sports analysts, but he was a killer back in his playing days. He was an undersized big man, but that did not stop him from being a dominant paint force. He will go down as one of the best players to never win a ring, and Shaq likes to remind him of that often.
HMs: Mike Mitchell, Eddie Johnson
Florida: Joakim Noah
Career Highlights: 8.8 PPG, 2.8 APG, 9.0 RPG, 2x All Star, 1x All NBA, 3x All Defensive, 1x DPOY
This is probably a pretty controversial pick. You could make a real case for Horford or Beal, but what really put Noah ahead in my eyes was his Defensive Player of the Year award. Joakim was not the best scorer, nor was he very offensively talented, but he was such a prescense on defense that I had to give Florida to him.
HMs: Bradley Beal, Al Horford, Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem
Georgia: Dominique Wilkins
Career Highlights: 24.8 PPG, 2.5 APG, 6.7 RPG, 9x All Star, 7x All NBA, Hall of Fame
This was probably one of the easiest decisions. Georgia has not sent anyone to the NBA that has been in the same universe as Dominique Wilkins. “The Human Highlight Reel” was an explosive play waiting to happen. Not only is he one of the best players of all time, but he is one of the best dunkers of all time.
HM: Anthony Edwards (in the future)
Kentucky: Anthony Davis
Career Highlights: 23.9 PPG, 2.3 APG, 10.3 RPG, 8x All Star, 1x Champ, 4x All NBA, 4x All Defensive
Kentucky is a literal NBA factory. They have so many NBA players come through their program that it is insane. The best of these NBA caliber talents is Anthony Davis. He was one of the best draft prospects ever, and he definitely has not disappointed. He was one of the main reasons that the Lakers won the championship last year and he is one of the best NBA players in the NBA, and will be for a long time.
HMs: Karl-Anthony Towns, DeMarcus Couisns, John Wall, Louie Dampler, Cliff Hagan, half the entire population of earth
LSU: Shaquille O’Neal
Career Highlights: 23.7 PPG, 2.5 APG, 10.9 RPG, 15x All Star, 4x Champ, 14x All NBA, 3x All Defensive, 3x FMVP, 1x MVP, ROY, Hall of Fame
Shaq is one of the most physically dominant players of all time. He is one of the greatest centers ever and was the driving force behind the Lakers’ three-peat. He is arguably a top ten player of all time and the NBA has not seen many players like him.
HMs: Bob Pettit, Pete Maravich, Ben Simmons
Ole Miss: Johnny Neumann
Career Highlights: 13.2 PPG, 3.0 APG, 2.7 RPG
Ole Miss has only had nine players make it to the NBA. To put that into perspective, Oral Roberts has also had nine. So, there was not a very talented pool of players to select from. That being said, Johnny Neumann was a pretty good player although he spent most of his career in the ABA.
HM: Terence Davis
Mississippi State: Bailey Howell
Career Highlights: 18.7 PPG, 2.0 APG, 9.9 RPG, 6x All Star, 2x Champ, 1x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Bailey Howell was an ealy star in the NBA when he played in the 1960s. He spent the best years of his career playing for Detroit, but he also wore the jerseys of Baltimore, Boston, and Philadelphia. He is the very finest of Starkville.
HM: Jeff Malone
Missouri: Jordan Clarkson
Career Highlights: 15.0 PPG, 2.5 APG, 3.2 RPG
Jordan Clarkson is surprisingly the best player to come from Missouri. I think that it is a likely possibility that Michael Porter Jr. will pass him at some point, but Clarkson is the best for now. He is one of the best sixth men in the entire NBA and has a chance to win Sixth Man of the Year this year.
HMs: Michael Porter Jr., Steve Stipanovic
South Carolina: Alex English
Career Highlights: 21.5 PPG, 3.6 APG, 5.5 RPG, 8x All Star, 3x All NBA, Hall of Fame
In the 1982–1983 NBA season, Alex Engish was the best scorer in the entire league and averaged 28.4 points per game. He is one of the best Nuggets of all time and earned eight All Star selections. When he retired, he had the seventh most points of all time.
HMs: Brian Winters, Jim Fox
Tennessee: Bernard King
Career Highlights: 22.5 PPG, 3.3 APG, 5.8 RPG, 4x All Star, 4x All NBA, Hall of Fame
Bernard King was a really good scorer in the ’80s. In fact, he led the league in scoring in ‘85-’85 season when he averaged an astonishing 32.9 points per game. He suffered many injuries throughout his career which eventually forced him to retire, but he was an absolute bucket when healthy.
HMs: Allan Houston, Tobias Harris, Josh Richardson, Red Robbins
Texas A&M: DeAndre Jordan
Career Highlights: 9.4 PPG, 1.0 APG, 10.6 RPG, 1x All Star, 3x All NBA, 2x All Defensive
A member of the feared Lob City, DeAndre Jordan was a force to be reckoned with in his prime. I found it interesting that he has been an All NBA selection more times than he has made the All Star game. He’s out of his prime now, and Khris Middleton has a chance to surpass him before his career is over.
HMs: Khris Middleton, John Beasley
Vanderbilt: Darius Garland
Career Highlights: 13.9 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.0 RPG
Despite not playing two full seasons and not even being that impressive in those seasons, Darius Garland is still the best NBA player to ever come out of Vanderbilt. Aside from baseball, Vandy is not really a sporting powerhouse, so it is understandable that they do not have any noticeable names.
HM: DeMarre Carroll
