As March Madness captures the attention of basketball fans nationwide, it’s worth reflecting on the NCAA stars who have seamlessly transitioned to the NBA. Here are some notable players who made their mark in college basketball and continue to shine on the professional stage:
Steph Curry – Golden State Warriors
- Curry’s magical run with the Davidson Wildcats in the 2008 NCAA Tournament put him on the map.
- Despite being a No. 10 seed, Curry led Davidson to an impressive Sweet 16 appearance with his exceptional scoring ability.
- Today, Curry is a four-time NBA champion and widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time.
Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans
- Williamson’s dominance at Duke University earned him numerous accolades, including ACC Player of the Year.
- Known for his explosive athleticism, Williamson showcased his talents in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, leaving a lasting impact despite Duke’s Elite Eight exit.
- Despite injury setbacks, Williamson remains a force to be reckoned with in the NBA.
Jalen Brunson – New York Knicks
- Brunson played a pivotal role in Villanova’s championship-winning teams in 2016 and 2018, earning National Player of the Year honors.
- Since joining the NBA, Brunson has flourished, particularly with the New York Knicks, where he earned his first All-Star selection.
Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
- Morant’s electrifying performances at Murray State University, including a memorable triple-double in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, captured the attention of NBA scouts.
- Named Rookie of the Year in his debut NBA season, Morant continues to impress with his dynamic playmaking abilities.
Al Horford – Boston Celtics
- Horford’s contributions to the Florida Gators’ back-to-back national championship victories in 2006 and 2007 laid the foundation for his successful NBA career.
- A five-time NBA All-Star, Horford has been a reliable presence in the league for over a decade.
Anthony Davis – Los Angeles Lakers
- Davis’ dominant one-and-done season at Kentucky culminated in a national championship and NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.
- Since entering the NBA, Davis has established himself as one of the premier big men in the league, winning a championship with the Lakers in 2020.
Kevin Love – Miami Heat
- Love’s standout performance for UCLA in the 2008 NCAA Tournament showcased his versatility and skill set.
- A key contributor to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ championship victory in 2016, Love continues to make an impact with the Miami Heat.
Derrick Rose – Memphis Grizzlies
- Rose’s memorable run with the Memphis Tigers in the 2008 NCAA Tournament propelled him to the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
- Despite injury setbacks, Rose remains a respected veteran in the league, contributing valuable minutes to the Memphis Grizzlies.
These players exemplify the enduring legacy of March Madness and continue to inspire basketball fans with their remarkable talents on the NBA stage.
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