American Athletic Conference
The conference has taken shape over recent years but its schools have produced numerous NBA stars in their basketball history.
CiNCINNATI: OSCAR ROBERTSON
The legendary Oscar Robertson came out of Cincinnati and turned triple-doubles for an entire season into a thing before it was fashionable. The Big O combined with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to bring the Milwaukee Bucks their lone championship in the 1970-71 season.
EAST CAROLINA: BLUE EDWARDS
Blue Edwards was the 21st overall pick in the 1989 draft out of East Carolina by the Utah Jazz. He played nine seasons in the NBA with a career-high 16.9 ppg for the Bucks in 1992-93. Edwards was quite durable playing in all 82 games four times and 81 games in a season twice.
HoUSTON: HAKEEM OLAJUWON
‘The Deram” was a college star in Houston and continued to be one as a pro with the Rockets. He spent 17 seasons with Houston before finishing his career in Toronto. Olajuwon scored 26,946 points and grabbed 13,748 rebounds. He was a two-time NBA champion and back-to-back Finals MVP in 1994 and 1995.
MEMPHIS: DERRICK ROSE
Derrick Rose is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves and enjoying a renaissance. The league will never know how great the former Memphis star could have been had he not suffered injury after injury. He’s averaging better than 18 ppg.
SMU: JON KONCAK
Jon Koncak was a reluctant seven-footer. The Mustang came out of SMU and was selected fifth overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 1985. He proved to be a solid defender and spent 10 seasons with the Hawks before closing out his career in Orlando.
SOUTH FLORIDA: CHUCKY ATKINS
Chucky Atkins was a journeyman’s journeyman. He played for nine different teams in a 14-year career. He finished a tick below 10 ppg. Atkins came from Maynard Evans HS, which also produced Chocolate Thunder, Darryl Dawkins.
TEMPLE: EDDIE JONES
Eddie Jones had the scoring touch. Coming out of the Big Five as the 10th overall pick in 1994 by the Los Angeles Lakers, all he did was average double-digits for the first 12 seasons of his career.
TULANE: HOT ROD WILLIAMS
Hot Rod Williams overcame controversy in college to have a solid NBA career. He was a Cleveland Cavalier for the first nine seasons of his time in the NBA and averaged double-digits in each of them. He also was solid on the boards, grabbing nearly seven per game.
TULSA: PAUL PRESSEY
Paul Pressey played 11 seasons in the NBA. He spent his first eight with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he enjoyed his best success. The 6-foot-5 Pressey averaged 10.6 points, 5.1 assists and nearly four rebounds per game.
UCF: JOEY GRAHAM*
Joey Graham split his college time between UCF and Oklahoma State, hence the asterisk. In his first two seasons in the Sunshine State he averaged almost 11 ppg. He then moved on to become a Cowboy and was an integral piece to a team that made the Final Four in his junior season. Still counts as tops for UCF.
UCONN: RAY ALLEN
Ray Allen played 16 seasons and averaged nearly 19 ppg. He was a member of four different teams and won two championships and was a 10-time All-Star. Allen made 2,973 three-point shots and was a 40 percent shooter from behind the arc.
WICHITA STATE: XAVIER MCDANIEL
Xavier McDaniel was the fourth overall pick in 1985 after a splendid career as a Shocker. As a senior, he became the first player to lead the nation in scoring and rebounding. He was an NBA All-Star in 1988 when he averaged better than 20 ppg.
Atlantic 10
The conference has been around for quite a while. However, with all the maneuverings schools do its look has changed through the years as evidenced by the A-10 now having 14 schools.
DAVIDSON: STEPHEN CURRY
Steph Curry is the critical spoke in the wheel that turned the Golden State Warriors from also-rans into NBA champions. He is a three-time champ, two-time MVP and a six-time All-Star. Curry has proven to be a threat to shoot – and connect – from practically anywhere on the court.
DAYTON: JIM PAXSON
Jim Paxson was a two-time NBA All-Star who averaged 11.9 ppg in a career that lasted from 1979-90. He averaged a career-high 21.7 ppg for Portland in 1982-83.
DUQUESNE: NORM NIXON
Norm Nixon was the 22nd overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1977. He went on to become a part of the Showtime backcourt with Magic Johnson and won two NBA titles. Nixon led the Lakers in scoring in the 1982 playoffs. Eventually, Nixon was dealt to the Clippers for the draft rights to Byron Scott
FORDHAM: KEN CHARLES
Ken Charles played five NBA seasons after playing at Fordham, where he was part of one of the Cinderella teams of college basketball. Charles and the Rams went 26-3 in 1970-71 under coach Digger Phelps. Charles was a third-round pick of the Buffalo Braves in 1973. He spent three seasons in Buffalo before concluding his career with a pair as an Atlanta Hawk.
GEORGE MASON: RICKY WILSON
Ricky Wilson played in 24 games, 18 for the Spurs and six for the Nets. He scored a total of 125 points.
GEORGE WASHINGTON: Yinka Dare
Yinka Dare played from 1994 to 1998, averaging 2.1 ppg and 2.6 rpg in four seasons as a Net.
LA SALLE: TOM GOLA
Tom Gola was a 1954 NCAA champion and became an NBA champ in 1956. The La Salle star averaged almost 12 points and eight rebounds in an 11-year NBA career. He was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame in 1976.
RHODE ISLAND: LAMAR ODOM
Before he became a sad part of pop culture, Lamar Odom had an intriguing basketball career. Nothing was easy for the New Yorker. He eventually went to URI and was then selected by the Los Angeles Clippers fourth overall in 1999. He is a two-time NBA champ and was Sixth Man of the Year in 2011. Lost in all the chaos and distractions is Odom did average better than 10 ppg in 12 straight seasons.
RICHMOND: Johnny Newman
A second-round pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Johnny Newman played on nine NBA teams in a 16-year career. While never earning an All-Star honor, he was a consistent scorer who finished with an average of 11 ppg.
SAINT JOSEPH’S: Jameer nelson
He was named to the All-Star team in 2009. He averaged a career-high 16.7 ppg for the Magic in 2008-09 and 7.4 apg in 2012-13.
ST. BONAVENTURE: BOB LANIER
One of the great big men to play in the NBA, Bob Lanier was a force. He averaged 20.1 ppg over 15 seasons, 10 with the Detroit Pistons and five with the Milwaukee Bucks. The eight-time All-Star also averaged better than 10 rpg in his career. His No. 16 jersey has been retired by both Milwaukee and Detroit.
UMASS: JULIUS ERVING
A legend in two leagues. Dr. J took basketball to new heights, above and around the rim. An NBA champ with the 76ers and two-time ABA champ, Erving was an 11-time All-Star. Between both leagues, Erving scored more than 30,000 points.
VCU: GERALD HENDERSON
Gerald Henderson is a three-time NBA champion who played on seven teams. An interesting note is when the Boston Celtics traded Henderson to the Seattle Supersonics in 1984, they eventually used the draft pick they received to select Len Bias.
ACC
Michael Jordan is but one of a parade of stars produced by one of – the? – most legendary of conferences.
BOStoN COLLEGE: DANA BARROS
Dana Barros was a 5-foot-11 guard out of BC who made it to an NBA All-Star team in 1995. That season saw Barros average a career-high 20.5 ppg for the Philadelphia 76ers.
CLEMSON: HORACE GRANT
One-half of the Grant twins, Horace gets the nod over brother Harvey as the best out of Clemson. Horace Grant was a four-time NBA champ and scored nearly 13,000 points and grabbed almost 10,000 rebounds in a career that saw him make one All-Star Game.
DUKE: GRANT HILL
Plenty of candidates to choose from out of Duke. However, the elite of the elite is Grant Hill. It isn’t close to Zion Williamson time … yet. A seven-time All-Star, Hill somehow never won an NBA championship, which puts him among the top players who failed to do so. Hill averaged 16.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 4.1 apg in a career that spanned 1994-2013.
FLORIDA STATE: DAVE COWENS
Dave Cowens was the big redhead out of Florida State. What he lacked in size at 6-foot-9 in the pivot, he more than made up in heart. Cowens won two championships with the Celtics and was the league and All-Star Game MVP in 1973.
GEORGIA TECH: CHRIS BOSH
Chris Bosh became part of a Big Three in Miami with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. His career was cut short due to health concerns. However, he still was an 11-time All-Star and two-time champion. Bosh averaged 19 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in his career.
LOUISVILLE: WES UNSELD
Wes Unseld is a Basketball Hall of Famer. At only 6-foot-7, he still ruled the paint. He was the league MVP in 1969 and Finals MVP when the Bullets won the championship in 1978. Unseld averaged better than 14 rpg in his career. As a rookie in 1968-69, he pulled down a career-high 18.2 rpg.
MIAMI: RICK BARRY
One of the great shooters of the game. Rick Barry was transcendent on and off the court. His underhand foul shots are the stuff of legends. He is an ABA champ and NBA champ. Barry was the Finals MVP when the Warriors captured the title in 1975.
NORTH CAROLINA: MICHAEL JORDAN
The name speaks for itself. His Airness is the G.O.A.T. Six-for-six in NBA Finals.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE: DAVID THOMPSON
David Thompson was one of the greatest leapers in NBA history. He was an MVP in both the NBA and ABA All-Star games. Thompson scored better than 13,400 points in a career that was derailed by substance abuse issues.
NOTRE DAME: ADRIAN DANTLEY
Adrian Dantley had his No. 4 retired by the Utah Jazz. The 6-foot-5 small forward scored more than 23,000 points in a career that went from 1976-91. He was drafted sixth overall by the Buffalo Braves in 1976 and went on to be a six-time All-Star.
PITTSBURGH: Billy KNight
Billy Knight played for six teams in an NBA career that saw him drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1974. The slender and sleek forward never played for the Lakers, opting for the ABA route. He averaged 28.1 ppg and 10.1 rpg with the Indiana Pacers in his second season. His most productive season in the NBA was his first. As a Buffalo Brave, Knight averaged 22.9 ppg in 1977-78.
SYRACUSE: CARMELO ANTHONY
Carmelo Anthony led Syracuse to a national title in his one season in Central New York. He hasn’t been able to earn an NBA championship ring. Still, he scored more than 25,000 points in a career that has taken him to four stops, Denver, New York, Oklahoma City and Houston.
VIRGINIA: Ralph Sampson
At 7-foot-4, there were huge expectations for Ralph Sampson, ones that were impossible to attain. As is, he was the Rookie of the Year in 1983-84 after being selected first overall by the Rockets. He is a four-time All-Star and once was named the game’s MVP. Sampson averaged better than 15 ppg and almost nine rebounds in his career.
VIRGINIA TECH: DELL CURRY
In addition to having two sons in the NBA, Dell Curry was a fine player and shooter. Dell Curry played for five teams and was the Sixth Man of the Year in 1994. He averaged 11.7 ppg in a career that lasted from 1986-2002.
WAKE FOREST: TIM DUNCAN
Cool, calm, collected and classy are the words that describe Tim Duncan. He played his entire 19-year career with the San Antonio Spurs, averaged a double-double in points and rebounds and won five championships.
Big 12
Wilt Chamberlain was one of the greatest players to come out of the conference that now is called the Big 12.
BAYLOR: VINNIE JOHNSON
The Microwave provided the spark and offense off the bench when the Bad Boy Detroit Pistons needed a catalyst. Vinnie Johnson is a two-time NBA champ who averaged 12.3 ppg. His No. 15 has been retired by the Pistons.
IOWA STATE: JEFF HORNACEK
Jeff Hornacek was a bright spot for the Phoenix Suns. The one-time NBA All-Star has had his No. 14 retired in Phoenix and at Iowa State. He averaged 14.5 ppg and almost five assists per game. Hornacek was part of the trade that brought Charles Barkley from Philly to Phoenix.
KANSAS: WILT CHAMBERLAIN
The Big Dipper. Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a game on March 1, 1962. He averaged 30 ppg and 22 rpg — AVERAGED. In 1961-62, Chamberlain averaged 50.4 ppg and 25.7 rebounds. One of a kind.
KANSAS STATE: MITCH RICHMOND
One-third of Run TMC (with Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullin) on the Golden State Warriors, Mitch Richmond was an offensive powerhouse. He played 14 seasons and averaged 21 ppg. After the band broke up in Golden State he played seven seasons in Sacramento, then three in Washington before closing it out as a Laker.
OKLAHOMA: BLAKE GRIFFIN
Blake Griffin was a first overall pick out of Oklahoma by the Los Angeles Clippers. He didn’t deliver a championship but was a superstar for them. Griffin is now a Detroit Piston. He is a six-time All-Star and averages 22 points and nine rebounds per game.
OKLAHOMA STATE: JOHN STARKS
John Starks was an explosive force in the Knicks’ backcourt from 1990-98. Overall, the 1994 All-Star played for four teams, including the Warriors twice. He averaged 12.5 ppg.
TEXAS: Kevin DUrant
Kevin Durant is one of the great superstars of the game today. He came out of Texas and was selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics. Durant moved with the team to OKC before taking the free-agent route to Golden State. He is a two-time NBA champ, two-time Finals MVP, league MVP in 2014 and 10-time All-Star.
TCU: Kurt THOMAS
Kurt Thomas was the NCAA scoring leader in 1995. He then was selected 10th overall by the Miami Heat. He played with nine teams, including two stints with the Knicks.
TEXAS TECH: TONY BATTIE
Tony Battie was drafted fifth overall by the Denver Nuggets in 1997. He had a journeyman career, which saw him play for six teams and score more than 5,000 points and snare 4,287 rebounds.
WEST VIRGINIA: JERRY WEST
The Logo. Jerry West is one of the best players in NBA history. A legend on the court and in the front office. He is a one-time champ and 14-time All-Star, who scored 25,192 points in a storied career.
Big East
Marquette is in the Big East now, adding more luster to a conference with a lot of history. The Golden Eagles produced Dwyane Wade, who has gone on to a legendary NBA career.
BUTLER: GORDON HAYWARD
Gordon Hayward almost hit one of the most dramatic shots in NCAA tournament history, one that would have given Butler a massive upset of Duke. The shot didn’t go in but the 6-foot-8 Hayward had already cemented his place as a Top 10 pick in the draft. The Utah Jazz selected him ninth in 2010 and he would play there until 2017. Hayward signed a free agent with the Boston Celtics and suffered a horrible leg injury in the regular-season opener.
CREIGHTON: PAUL SILAS
Paul Silas was a warrior, fierce and intimidating. He played for five teams in a career that lasted from 1964-80. A three-time NBA champ, Silas averaged 9.9 RPG and was a strong force on the boards.
DEPAUL: GEORGE MIKAN
George Mikan was in many ways the first true big man superstar in NBA history. He is a five-time BAA/NBA champ, a two-time NBL champ, was on the 25th and 35th All-NBA teams and the top 50 players of all-time.
GEORGEToWN: PAtRICK EWING
Patrick Ewing won an NCAA crown at Georgetown, where he currently coaches. He was the first choice in the 1985 NBA Draft and became the franchise player the New York Knicks desperately needed. An 11-time All-Star, Ewing scored 24,815 points and collected 11,617 rebounds. The only line missing from his resume: NBA champion.
MARQUETTE: Dwyane wade
Dwyane Wade is one of the most charismatic players of his generation. The Heat drafted him fifth overall and he became a three-time NBA champion. Wade is a 13-time All-Star, who is currently in his second run with Miami. An absolute great player.
PROVIDENCE: lenny wilkens
Lenny Wilkens was coach on the court so it was no surprise he didn’t want until his career was over on the court to become a player-coach. Wilkens held that role with the Seattle Supersonics and for a short time held the same role in Portland. A four-time All-Star Game head coach and one-time NBA champion, Wilkens averaged 16.5 ppg, 6.7 apg and 4.7 rpg.
SETON HALL: BOBBY WANZER
Bobby Wanzer (center on panel) was the 10th overall pick by the Rochester Royals in 1948. He went on to win a championship with them in 1951. Wanzer is a five-time All-Star in a career that saw him average better than 12 ppg, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
ST. JOHN’S: CHRIS MULLIN
The current St. John’s basketball coach was a star in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors. A five-time All-Star, Mullin scored nearly 18,000 points while averaging 18 ppg.
VILLANOVA: PAUL ARIZIN
Paul Arizon won one championship in his NBA career, which came in 1956. He was a 10-time All-Star and was named the game’s MVP in 1952. He also was a two-time league scoring champion.
XAVIER: DAVID WEST
David West made a smart decision late in his career signing on with the Golden State Warriors. He was rewarded with a pair of championships. He also was a two-time All-Star in a career that saw him average 13.6 ppg.
Big Ten
The Big Ten has stayed in shape with its founding members more than most other conferences. It has added schools such as Penn State, Nebraska, Maryland and Rutgers.
ILLINOIS: RED KERR
There may have been grander players but few people meant more to an area than Red Kerr to Chicago and Illinois. Kerr was an NBA champ in 1955 and a three-time NBA All-Star. He averaged a double-double in points and rebounds. Kerr coached the Bulls and eventually became a mainstay in the broadcast booth.
INDIANA: ISiaH THOMAS
One of the great point guards, Isiah Thomas was a large part of the Bad Boys Detroit Pistons. He is a 12-time All-Star and two-time MVP of the game. Thomas won two NBA titles with the Pistons. He averaged 19 ppg and 9.3 apg.
IOWA: DON NELSON
Don Nelson is enjoying the good life in retirement in Hawaii. As a player, he won five NBA championships. His No. 19 has been retired by the Celtics.
MARYLAND: BUCK WILLIAMS
Buck Williams was the definition of a power forward. The 6-foot-8 Terp is a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Defensive first team player. Williams scored 16,784 points in his career and grabbed 13,017 rebounds. His No. 52 has been retired by the Nets.
MICHIGAN: CHRIS WEBBER
A member of the Fab Five, Chris Webber is known for far more than his ill-fated timeout call in the NCAA tournament. While never earning an NBA title ring, Webber did score almost 21 ppg and averaged 8.8 rpg.
MICHIGAN STATE: MAGIC JOHNSON
One of the game’s all-time legends, Magic Johnson won five NBA titles and was named MVP of the Finals three times. He is also a three-time MVP and two-time All-Star Game MVP. Magic Johnson made the All-Star team 12 times and was first-team All-NBA on nine occasions.
MINNESOTA: KEVIN MCHALE
Another of the great Boston Celtics to find a home on the list, Kevin McHale came out of Minnesota to the Celts and became a three-time NBA champion. He is a seven-time member of the All-Star team and three-time Defensive First Team player. McHale averaged almost 18 ppg and better than 7 rpg.
NEBRASKA: TYRONN LUE
Tyronn Lue is a two-time NBA champ in a career that saw him play for eight teams. He coached the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2016 NBA championship.
NORthWESTERN: BILLY MCKINNEY
Billy McKinney averaged 8 points and 3.5 assists in a career that saw him play for five teams. Pretty good stuff for a sixth-round draft pick.
OHIO STATE: JOHN HAVLICEK
‘Hondo” was one of the greatest Boston Celtics. A scrappy, hustling player who became an absolute bona fide star. Havlicek scored 26,395 points and won eight NBA championships. The Finals MVP in 1974, Havlicek also was a 13-time All-Star.
PENN STATE: FRANK BRICKOWSKI
It took a while for Frank Brickowski to make it to the NBA from Penn State. He was drafted by the Knicks and played out of the country for three seasons before catching on with the Seattle SuperSonics, one of six teams he played for in a career that saw him average 10 ppg and 4.7 rpg.
PURDUE: GLENN ROBINSON
Glenn Robinson was the first overall pick in 1994 out of Purdue and went on to win a championship in 2005. The two-time All-Star averaged 20.7 ppg. His son Glenn Robinson III plays for the Detroit Pistons.
RUTGERS: EDDIE JORDAN
Eddie Jordan played on the greatest Rutgers team and then headed to the NBA. He played for five teams and was part of a championship team in 1982. He also was head coach of three teams.
WISCONSIN: MICHAEL FINLEY
Michael Finley won an NBA title in 2007 and made two All-Star teams. He averaged 15.7 ppg in a career that saw him play for four teams.
Pac-12
The conference has grown through the years from Pac-8, to Pac-10 to Pac-12. The most memorable years were when Lew Alcindor – Kareeem Abdul-Jabbar – was part of the UCLA dynasty.
ARIZONA: ANDRE IGUODALA
A player’s player. Andre Iguodala is a three-time NBA champ and was the Finals MVP in 2015. He has played for three teams and is a one-time All-Star.
AriZONA STATE: JAMES HARDEN
The Beard has become one of the great scorers in NBA history. He’s on his way to a scoring title this season. The reigning MVP is a seven-time All-Star and four-time first team selection.
CALIFORNIA: JASON KIDD
Jason Kidd was one of the game’s great point guards. He led the NBA in assists four times. An NBA champion in 2011, Kidd is a 10-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA first team and four-time All-Defensive first team.
COLORADO: CHAUNCEY BILLUPS
Chauncey Billups played for eight teams with two stints as a Piston. The five-time All-Star was the Finals MVP in 2004.
OREGON: GREG BALLARD
Greg Ballard averaged 12.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. He was a member of the 1978 champion Washington Bullets.
OREGON STATE: GARY PAYton
“The Glove” because of his great defensive skills, Gary Payton is a nine-time All-Star and was part of a championship team in 2006. Payton was an inductee to the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2013. He averaged 16 ppg and 6.7 apg.
STANFORD: BROOK LOPEZ
Sarah Stier/Getty Images
Half of the Lopez twins with brother Robin, Brook is a one-time NBA All-Star who made the All-Rookie team in 2009. In his career, he averages about 18 ppg and 7 rebounds.
UCLA: KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
One of the best big men in NBA history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a six-time MVP and champion. The Finals MVP twice and five times on the All-Defensive First team, Abdul-Jabbar scored 38,387 points and 17,440 rebounds. The person responsible for the “Alcindor Rule” in college hoops, which saw dunking outlawed.
USC: BILL SHARMAN
A four-time champ as a player and four times on the All-NBA 1st team, Bill Sharman was a titlist in three leagues: NBA, ABA and ABL, as a coach. One of the great foul shooters in NBA history, Sharman three times hit better than 90 percent from the line.
UTAH: TOM CHAMBERS
Tom Chambers averaged 18.1 ppg and was a four-time All-Star Game representative. He was the All-Star MVP in 1987.
WASHINGTON: BRANDON ROY
Brandon Roy had his career cut short by a degenerative knee condition. What a shame. He was a super scorer. Roy was the Rookie of the Year in 2007 and a three-time All-Star.
WASHINGTON STATE: KLAY THOMPSON
Klay Thompson is one of the game’s most accurate shooters. The three-time NBA champ and five-time All-Star was the three-point shooting champ in 2016. He consistently shoots better than 40 percent from behind the arc and his points-per-game average always hovers around 20.
SEC
Not as strong as its football schools, but the SEC has proven to be able to send plenty of great players to the next level.
ALABAMA: ROBERT HORRY
Big Shot Bob was the perfect nickname for a player who won seven championships. Pretty amazing when you consider career stats saw him average 7.0 ppg and 4.8 rebounds and he never made an All-Star team. Seven rings will do a lot to offset that.
ARKANSAS: SIDNEY MONCRIEF
Sidney Moncrief was named to five All-Star teams and was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Four times named to the All-Defensive First Team, his No. 4 has been retired by the Bucks.
AUBURN: CHARLES BARKLEY
The Round Mound of Rebound as he was known during a storied career, Charles Barkley is an 11-time All-Star and game MVP as well as league MVP. He averaged 22 ppg and 11.7 rpg in a career that saw him named one of the league’s 50 greatest players and a Naismith HOF inductee in 2006.
FLORIDA: AL Horford
Beginning to feel like you have to be a Boston Celtic to qualify for this list. Al Horford is a five-time All-Star, who won two NCAA titles at Florida. He has been with the Celtics since 2016 and has become a vital cog on the team.
GEORGIA: DOMINIQUE WILKINS
The Human Highlight Reel is the perfect nickname for one of the more spectacular players in NBA history. Born in Paris, France, Dominique Wilkins starred for the Atlanta Hawks. He was named to the All-Star team nine times and scored 26,668 points. The Hawks retired his No. 21 jersey.
KENTUCKY: ANTHONY DAVIS
Anthony Davis comes from the rich Bluegrass program of the Wildcats. The 6-foot-11 Davis was the first overall pick by New Orleans in 2012. He has gone on to be named an All-Star six times and was MVP of the 2017 game. He’s been 1st Team All-NBA once and was named to the All-Defensive team last season.
LSU: SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
Shaq is another of the legendary big men in NBA history. A four-time champion and three-time Finals MVP, O’Neal was named to the All-Star team 15 times and eight times to the NBA First Team. The Rookie of the Year in 1993, he has had his No. 34 retired by the Lakers and No. 32 similarly honored by the Heat.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: BAILEY HOWELL
Bailey Howell is another Boston Celtic to make the list. The two-time NBA champ and six-time All-Star had his No. 52 retired by the Bulldogs. Howell averaged 18.7 ppg and 9.9 rpg.
MISSOURI: LARRY DREW
Larry Drew averaged 11 ppg while playing for four teams. He currently is coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, having held the same job with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks.
OLE MISS: GERALD GLASS
Gerald Glass played for four teams while averaging 7.7 ppg. In 1991-92, he averaged 11.5 ppg for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
SOUTH CAROLINA: ALEX ENGLISH
Alex English has his No. 2 retired by the Denver Nuggets and No. 22 retired at South Carolina. He averaged 21.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg in a career that saw him inducted to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
TENNESSEE: BERNARD KING
An offensive powerhouse, Bernard King was named to four All-Star teams. The NBA scoring champ in 1985, King scored 19,655 points. His No. 53 has been retired at Tennessee.
TEXAS A&M: DEANDRE JORDAN
DeAndre Jordan is a New York Knick after opening his career with a lengthy run as a Los Angeles Clipper and then off to the Dallas Mavericks for 50 games. Jordan’s rebounding prowess is impressive as he is a double-digit man off the boards.
VANDERBILT: CLYDE LEE
Clyde Lee was someone to be reckoned with on the boards and in the paint. The 6-foot-10 Lee averaged in double figures rebounds five times in his career. He wasn’t an offensive force, at 7.7 ppg, but his prowess grabbing rebounds made him a force.
Other notables
Not all the great players in the NBA came from the same places or conferences. Here are some superstars who went to play in college at other locations.
JACKSONVILLE: ARTIS GILMORE
Artis Gilmore averaged 18.8 ppg and 12.3 rpg while earning ABA All-Star honors five times and NBA honors six times. As a collegian, he led the Dolphins to an unexpected spot against UCLA in the final in 1970.
WEBER STATE: DAMIAN LILLARD
Damian Lillard stars for the Portland Trail Blazers. The sixth overall pick in 2012, he went on to become Rookie of the Year. He’s a four-time All-Star. Lillard has averaged better than 20 ppg in every season but his rookie year when he averaged 19 ppg.
GONZAGA: JOHN STOCKTON
Like his tag-team partner Karl Malone, no championship rings for John Stockton. The 10-time All-Star averaged 13.1 ppg and 10.5 apg and was inducted into the Naismith HOF in 2017.
HOLY CROSS: BOB COUSY
A wonderful point guard, Bob Cousy was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA and a six-time champion. He averaged 18.4 ppg and 7.5 apg in a legendary career.
UNLV: Larry JOHNSON
The 1992 NBA Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, Larry Johnson averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg in the NBA. He played for the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks. His No. 2 has been retired at UNLV.
SAN DIEGO STATE: KAWHI LEONARD
Kawhi Leonard is a Top 10 player – Top 5 – in the NBA today. An NBA champion and Finals MVP in 2014, Leonard is a three-time All-Star and two-time First Team selection.
NEW MEXICO: Danny GRANGER
Danny Granger was voted the Most Improved Player in 2009, the season he made his lone All-Star appearance. That was the first of three consecutive seasons that saw him average better than 20 ppg.
EASTERN MICHIGAN: George gervin
All hail “The Iceman.” A three-time ABA All-Star and nine-time NBA All-Star, Gervin is a four-time NBA scoring champ. His No. 44 has been retired by the Spurs and No. 24 received the same accolade at Eastern Michigan.
Miami (OHIO): Ron HARPER
Ron Harper won five NBA championships in a career that saw him average 13.8 ppg. His No. 34 has been retired at Miami.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN: DAN MAJERLE
Dan Majerle had his No. 9 retired by the Suns and No. 44 honored similarly by Central Michigan. Majerle was always hustling and wound up averaging 11.4 ppg in a career that saw him as a three-time All-Star.
HARTFORD: VIN BAKER
Vin Baker played for six teams in a career that saw him average 15 ppg and 7.4 rpg. He was named to the All-Star team four times.
DREXEL: MALIK ROSE
Drexel has retired the No. 00 of two-time NBA champion Malik Rose, who played for four teams while averaging six points and four rebounds.
NORTHEASTERN: REGGIE LEWIS
Reggie Lewis was tragically lost to a sudden cardiac event during an offseason practice in 1993. The Celtics and Northeastern honored his memory by retiring his No. 35 jersey. He averaged better than 17 ppg in a career that was cut far too short.
FIU: RAJA BELL
Raja Bell played for six teams while averaging 9.9 ppg. He was an All-Defensive First Team choice in 2007.
MONTANA: Micheal RAY RICHARDSON
Michael Ray Richardson led the NBA in steals three times, was an All-Star four times and twice NBA Defensive First Team. He also led the league in assists once in a career that was derailed by violations of the NBA drug policy.
UC-SANTA BARBARA: Brian SHaw
A three-time NBA champion as a player, Brian Shaw has also been a two-time champ as an assistant coach.
PRINCEton: BILL BRADLEY
Bill Bradley was an incredible college player at Princeton. He was a territorial pick of the Knicks in 1965 – isn’t Princeton closer to Philadelphia? – and became a two-time champion on one of the great starting fives of many generations
DARTMOUTH: RUDY LARUSSO
In 1962, Rudy LaRusso scored 50 points, at that point the most by a Jewish NBA basketball player. A force, LaRusso averaged 16.9 ppg and 10.2 rpg. He was named to five All-Star teams.
COLUMBIA: Jim McMillian
The Lakers chose Jim McMillian out of Columbia with the 13th overall pick in 1970. Two seasons later, he was a member of a championship team. The small forward averaged 13.8 ppg and played for four teams.
YALE: CHRIS DUDLEY
Chris Dudley played for 16 seasons on five different teams. He won the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1996. In 1990, Dudley missed 13 consecutive free throws, setting an NBA record
HARVARD: JEREMY LIN
Jeremy Lin had a spectacular run as a New York Knick. The “Linsanity” period proved to be the highlight of a career that has seen him play for eight teams.
PENN: DAVE WOHL
Dave Wohl was a third-round pick of the Philadelphia 76ers out of Penn in 1971. He scrapped his way through a seven-year career, which saw him play for six teams.
NIAGARA: CALVIN MURPHY
One of the best players in the league who was under 6-foot. At 5-foot-9, Calvin Murphy averaged nearly 18 ppg while playing for the San Diego/Houston Rockets, who retired his No. 23.
IONA: RICHIE GUERIN
A six-time NBA All-Star, Richie Guerin excelled for the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks while averaging 17.3 ppg. Early on as a Hawk, Guerin was a player-coach.
NORth cAROLINA A&T: Al Attles
Al Attles was a Warrior through and through. He played from 1960-71 and was player-coach late in his playing days. Attles coached the NBA champs in 1975. His No. 16 has been retired by the Warriors and No. 22 at NC A&T.
MORGAN STATE: MARVIN WEBSTER
The Human Eraser was a defensive force. He played for four teams while averaging nearly as many rebounds as points per game.
INDIANA STATE: LARRY BIRD
The Boston Celtics made Larry Bird a first-round pick as a junior eligible out of Indiana State. The Hick from French Lick was worth waiting a season for as he delivered a highlight-filled career in Boston. Bird is a 12-time All-Star, three-time NBA champ, three-time MVP and two-time Finals MVP. He averaged a double-double in points and rebounds over his career.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: WALT FRAZIER
There are few players today who are equal in cool and style to Walt Frazier. His Salukis won the NIT in 1967 and the Knicks made him their first-round pick soon after. Frazier was the glue of a Knick squad that exuded team. He is a two-time NBA champ and seven-time All-Star.
BRADLEY: CHET WALKER
Chet the Jet is a seven-time NBA All-Star and one-time NBA champ. His No. 31 was retired by Bradley. Walker averaged 18.2 ppg and seven rebounds per game.
LEHIGH: CJ McCOLLUM
C.J. McCollum was a four-year star at the NCAA powerhouse known as Lehigh. He was a member of the team that stunned second-seeded Duke as a 15 seed in 2012. McCollum led the NBA in foul shooting in 2017, a year after being chosen the Most Improved Player in the league.
COLGATE: ADONAL FOYLE
Adonal Foyle averaged 4.1 ppg and 4.7 rebounds while playing for four teams.
BYU: DANNY AINGE
Danny Ainge has proven to be a smart guard on the court and in the front office. He is a two-time NBA champion and one-time All-Star. He’s currently the GM and President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics.
GRAMBLING: Willis Reed
Willis Reed was a second-round pick of the New York Knicks in 1964. He was a two-time champion and two-time Finals MVP. We are coming up on the 50th anniversary of the famous Game 7 in 1970 when he limped onto the court and hit two shots, inspiring the Knicks’ romp over the Lakers to their first championship.
NAVY: David Robinson
From the Naval Academy to the San Antonio Spurs with a stint in the Navy bridging them. A 10-time All-Star, two-time NBA champ and 1995 league MVP, Robinson averaged a double-double in points and rebounds and threw in three blocks a game for good measure.
San Francisco: Bill Russell
Bill Russell is arguably the biggest force to play in NBA history. He is an 11-time NBA champ as a player and two-time as a coach. A 12-time All-Star and five-time league MVP, Russell averaged 15-plus points and an insane 22.5 rebounds per game.
