277 NCAA Basketball Champions: Intriguing NBA Success Insights
Winning an NCAA basketball championship is the pinnacle of college basketball, but does it translate to NBA success? While some of the league’s most iconic players—like Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan—lifted college trophies before dominating the pros, others struggled to make an impact.
So, how strong is the connection between NCAA basketball champions and NBA greatness? This article breaks down the numbers, trends, and outliers to uncover the truth.
The NCAA Tournament as a Stepping Stone to the NBA
March Madness has long been a proving ground for elite talent, providing a high-stakes stage where players showcase their skills. Since its inception in 1939, the NCAA tournament has produced legendary teams, unforgettable moments, and future NBA stars. A championship run not only cements a player’s legacy but also puts them squarely on the radar of scouts and executives.
Standout performances under pressure can dramatically boost a player’s draft stock, making prospects more appealing to teams seeking battle-tested winners. While not every champion thrives in the NBA, history proves that many of the league’s greatest players first made their mark in the NCAA tournament.
Defining NBA Success
To evaluate the link between NCAA titles and NBA success, we focus on the following key metrics:
With these benchmarks in place, let’s examine how NCAA basketball champions have performed in the NBA—who lived up to expectations, who fell short, and what factors influenced their careers.
Analyzing the Data: Trends in NCAA Basketball Champions and NBA Success
NCAA basketball champions in the NBA average a career length of 6.4 years—nearly two years longer than the league-wide average of 4.5 years. Those who also win an NBA championship tend to enjoy significantly longer careers, averaging at least 10.1 years. This suggests that championship experience can provide a career boost, but does it also lead to stardom?
Only 44 out of 277 NCAA basketball champions (16%) became All-Stars or Hall of Famers, showing that while a college title helps, it’s not a guaranteed path to NBA superstardom. The following breakdown explores how champions have fared at the professional level.
Level of NBA Success Breakdown of NCAA Champions
| Category | Total | % of NCAA Champions that played in the NBA | Average Career Length |
| Hall of Famers | 20 | 7% | 13 years |
| All-Stars(excluding HOFs) | 24 | 8.6% | 11 years |
| NBA Champions | 52 | 18.7% | 10.11 years |
| Individual Awards (excluding HOFs & All-Stars) | 12 | 4.3% | 11.16 years |
Decade-by-Decade Analysis
Since the 1940s, the NBA has seen an increasing number of NCAA basketball champions enter the league with varying degrees of success. This upward trend suggests that NBA front offices have placed greater value on championship experience at the college level.
Decade-by-Decade Breakdown
| Decade | NCAA Champions in NBA | Hall of Famers | All-Stars | NBA Champions | Individual Awards (non All-Stars & HOFs) | Average Career Length | Success Rate (%) NBA Accolade(s) |
| 1940s | 13 | 2 | 4 | 3 | N/A | 3.84 years | 38.4% (5 of 13) |
| 1950s | 18 | 6 | 6 | 7 | N/A | 6.1 years | 55.5% (10 of 18) |
| 1960s | 26 | 4 | 8 | 9 | N/A | 6.6 years | 50% (13 of 26) |
| 1970s | 31 | 3 | 7 | 6 | N/A | 6.09 years | 32.2% (10 of 31) |
| 1980s | 41 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 7.46 years | 29.2% (12 of 41) |
| 1990s | 43 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 7.16 years | 23.2% (10 of 43) |
| 2000s | 47 | N/A | 4 | 8 | 4 | 8.48 years | 27.6% (13 of 47) |
| 2010s | 50 | N/A | 3 | 6 | 2 | 5.08 years | 2% (10 of 50) |
| 2020s | 12 | N/A | N/A | 1 | N/A | 1.25 years | 0.08% (1 of 12) |
As the 2020s unfold, it remains to be seen whether NBA teams will continue to prioritize NCAA basketball Champions or shift focus based on emerging talent pipelines.
The NBA Talent Factories: Success by School
Certain powerhouse programs have consistently produced NCAA champions who thrive in the NBA. Kentucky leads in total NCAA champions and NCAA champions to win NBA championships, while UCLA stands out in producing All-Stars and Hall of Famers. Also, among schools with at least 10 champions reaching the NBA, UCLA has the highest success rate. Meanwhile, Georgetown’s NCAA champions, on average, enjoy the longest NBA careers.
Top Schools Producing NCAA Champions in the NBA
| School | NCAA Champions in NBA | Hall of Famers | Future Hall of Famers | All-Stars | NBA Champions | Average Career Length | Success Rate (%) NBA Accolade(s) |
| Kentucky | 37 | 2 (Cliff Hagan, Frank Ramsey) | Anthony Davis | 7 | 8 | 5.8 years | 21.6% (8 of 37) |
| UCLA | 29 | 4 (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Gail Goodrich, Jamaal Wilkes) | N/A | 9 | 7 | 6.17 years | 31% (9 of 29) |
| North Carolina | 28 | 2 (Michael Jordan, James Worthy) | N/A | 3 | 4 | 7.1 years | 10.7% (3 of 28) |
| Duke | 26 | 1 (Grant Hill) | N/A | 2 (Carlos Boozer, Christian Laettner) | 2 | 7.1 years | 15.3% (4 of 26) |
| UConn | 20 | N/A | N/A | 2 (Richard Hamilton, Kemba Walker) | 1 | 5.1 years | 20% (4 of 20) |
| Indiana | 16 | 2 (Isiah Thomas, Bobby Leonard – coaching) | N/A | N/A | 3 | 5.8 years | 18.7% (3 of 16) |
| Villanova | 14 | N/A | N/A | 1 (Jalen Brunson) | 2 | 4.2 years | 14.2% (2 of 14) |
| Kansas | 13 | 1 (Clyde Lovellette) | N/A | 2 (Danny Manning) | 5 | 5.7 years | 15.3% (2 of 13) |
| Louisville | 13 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3 | 6 years | 30.7% (4 of 13) |
Schools with Smaller NBA Representation (5+ NCAA Champions) but Longest Average Career Lengths
| School | NCAA Champions in NBA | Hall of Famers | All-Stars | NBA Champions | Average Career Length | Success Rate (%) |
| Michigan State | 7 | 1 (Magic Johnson) | 1 | 1 | 9.2 years | 14.2% (1 of 7) |
| Florida | 6 | N/A | 2 (Al Horford, Joakim Noah) | 4 | 9.5 years | 33.3% (2 of 6) |
| Michigan | 6 | N/A | 1 (Glenn Rice) | 1 | 8.3 years | 16.6% (1 of 6) |
| Ohio State | 5 | 2 (Jerry Lucas, John Havlicek) | N/A | 3 | 8.4 years | 40% (2 of 5) |
| Georgetown | 5 | 1 (Patrick Ewing) | N/A | N/A | 9.6 years | 20% (1 of 5) |
| Arizona | 5 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 8 years | 20% (1 of 5) |
Notable Individual Performers from Schools with Smaller NBA Representation (less than 5)
| School | NCAA Champions in NBA | Hall of Famers | All-Stars | NBA Champions | Average Career Length | Success Rate (%) |
| UNLV | 3 | N/A | 1 (Larry Johnson) | N/A | 12 years | 33% (1 of 3) |
| Syracuse | 2 | N/A | 1 (Carmelo Anthony – Future HOF & 10x All-Star) | N/A | 13.5 years | 50% (1 of 2) |
| San Francisco | 2 | 1 (Bill Russell) | 1 | 1 | 10 years | 50% (1 of 2) |
| Loyola | 2 | N/A | 1 (Les Hunter) | N/A | 5 years | 50% (1 of 2) |
| Holy Cross | 2 | 1 (Bob Cousy) | 1 | 1 | 9.5 years | 50% (1 of 2) |
| California | 1 | N/A | 1 (Darrall Imhoff) | N/A | 12 years | N/A |
| LaSalle | 1 | 1 (Tom Gola) | 1 | 1 | 10 years | N/A |
| Stanford | 1 | 1 (Jim Pollard) | 1 | 1 | 7 years | N/A |
Remaining Schools with NBA Representation
| School | NCAA Champions in NBA | NBA Champions | Average Career Length |
| Cincinnati | 5 | 2 | 4 years |
| Virginia | 5 | 1 | 4 years |
| Marquette | 4 | 1 | 4.2 years |
| Maryland | 4 | N/A | 8.7 years |
| NC State | 4 | N/A | 4.5 years |
| Arkansas | 3 | 2 | 5.3 years |
| Baylor | 2 | N/A | 2.5 years |
| UTEP/Texas Western | 2 | N/A | 3 years |
| Wyoming | 2 | N/A | 3 years |
| Utah | 1 (Arnie Ferrin) | 2 (BAA/NBA Titles) | 3 years |
| Wisconsin | 1 | N/A | 1 year |
Factors Influencing NBA Success Beyond NCAA Basketball Championships
While an NCAA title can help launch a player’s NBA career, other factors shape a player’s trajectory and long-term success:
Coming out of Kentucky Anthony Davis was a defensive dynamo who thrived in the NBA due to his elite skill development, while other NCAA champions, like Jahlil Okafor, struggled to stick because their game didn’t translate to the modern NBA.
Similarly, Carmelo Anthony landed in a situation without a leash allowing him to flourish, while Mateen Cleaves, despite leading Michigan State to a national title in 2000, lacked the opportunity to develop into a star and struggled to find a consistent role in the pros.
The Impact of NCAA Success on Draft Position and Early NBA Opportunities
Many Hall of Famers and All-Stars were first-round picks, highlighting the value of being drafted early. Early playing time and opportunities in the NBA are crucial. NCAA champions who secure playing time early tend to have longer careers, while limited minutes, opportunities or injuries can hinder development.
Success Stories – NCAA Champions Who Became NBA Legends
The most successful NCAA champions seamlessly transitioned to the NBA, where they won multiple titles, earned individual accolades, built Hall of Fame careers, and became basketball icons:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (UCLA, 1967-69) – One of the best college basketball players of all time, and a staple in the NBA “GOAT” conversation, Abdul-Jabbar won three NCAA titles before securing six NBA championships, six MVPs, and a Hall of Fame induction.
Michael Jordan (UNC, 1982) – A two-time NCAA champion and six-time NBA champion, Jordan’s dominance at both levels set the gold standard for future NCAA champions.
Magic Johnson (Michigan State, 1979) – The leader of Michigan State’s 1979 championship team, Magic went on to win five NBA titles, three MVPs, and earn a Hall of Fame induction.
Bill Russell (San Francisco, 1955-56) – After winning two NCAA titles, Russell became the greatest winner in basketball history, capturing 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics.
Other NCAA champions who thrived in the NBA include Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Anthony Davis, and Carmelo Anthony just to name a few.
Mixed Outcomes: Solid Careers That Fell Short of Lofty Expectations
Some NCAA champions had solid NBA careers but didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations placed on them as high-profile NBA prospects coming out of college:
Christian Laettner (Duke, 1991-92) – One of the most accomplished college players ever, Laettner was selected 3rd overall in the 1992 NBA Draft. While he enjoyed a lengthy career and made one All-Star appearance, he never fully lived up to the hype.
Danny Manning (Kansas, 1988) – The No. 1 overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, Manning had a solid career but failed to replicate his college success. Despite his talent, he never won an NBA championship.
Unfulfilled Expectations: Tragic Endings, Careers Cut Short
While some NCAA champions go on to achieve legendary status in the NBA, others face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Some promising careers were derailed before they could fully take off:
Jay Williams (Duke, 2001) – After an impressive rookie season that earned him a spot on the 2003 All-Rookie Team, Williams’ NBA career ended abruptly due to a devastating motorcycle accident.
Bobby Hurley (Duke, 1992) – A highly touted prospect, Hurley’s NBA career was derailed after a life-threatening car accident, preventing him from reaching his full potential.
Whether due to overhyped expectations, injury, or unforeseen tragedy, the transition from college dominance to NBA greatness is never guaranteed.
The NCAA-to-NBA Pipeline: A Question of Opportunity
Winning an NCAA title can open doors to the NBA, but staying there and thriving is another challenge altogether. While history shows that NCAA champions tend to have longer careers, true NBA greatness comes down to development, opportunity, and resilience.
As you watch March Madness unfold, remember: A championship is just the start. Then ask yourself: Which of these players has the talent, mindset, and will likely receive a fair opportunity to thrive at the next level?
6 Trends in NCAA Basketball Champions’ NBA Success
List of 277 NCAA Champions That Play(ed) in the NBA
Below is a complete list of all NCAA champions who went on to play in the NBA. This breakdown includes their college teams, championship years, relevant NBA achievements and career length, giving a full picture of how these players fared at the next level.
| NCAA Champion | NCAA Team | NCAA Championship Year(s) | Relevant NBA Accolades | NBA Career Length |
| AJ Bramlett | Arizona | 1997 | N/A | 1 year |
| Adam Flagler | Baylor | 2021 | N/A | 2 years |
| Adama Sanogo | UConn | 2023 | N/A | 2 years |
| Adrian Smith | Kentucky | 1958 | 1× All-Star | 11 years |
| Al Horford | Florida | 2006, 2007 | 5× All-Star, NBA Champion (2024), All-NBA 3rd Team (2011), All-Defensive 2nd Team (2018) | 18 years |
| Alex Groza | Kentucky | 1948, 1949 | 1× All-Star, 2× All-NBA 1st Team (1950-51), ROY (1950) | 2 years |
| Amida Brimah | UConn | 2014 | N/A | 1 year |
| Amile Jefferson | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 2 years |
| Andre Dawkins | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 1 year |
| Andre Jackson | UConn | 2023 | N/A | 2 years |
| Anthony Davis | Kentucky | 2012 | 9× All-Star, NBA Champion (2020), 5× All-NBA, 5× All-Defensive, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Future HOFer | 12 years |
| Antoine Walker | Kentucky | 1996 | 3× All-Star, NBA Champion (2006) | 12 years |
| Antonio Lang | Duke | 1991, 1992 | N/A | 6 years |
| Arnie Ferrin | Utah | 1944 | 2× NBA/BAA Champion (1949-50) | 3 years |
| Ben Gordon | UConn | 2004 | NBA Sixth Man (2005) | 10 years |
| Bernard Toone | Marquette | 1977 | N/A | 1 year |
| Bill Martin | Georgetown | 1984 | N/A | 3 years |
| Bill Russell | San Francisco | 1955, 1956 | Hall of Fame, 12× All-Star, 11× NBA Champion, 11× All-NBA, 5× MVP, NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 13 years |
| Bill Walton | UCLA | 1972, 1973 | Hall of Fame, 2x All-Star, 2× NBA Champion, 2× All-NBA, 2× All-NBA Defensive Team, MVP (1978), Sixth man (1986), NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 10 years |
| Billy Thompson | Louisville | 1986 | NBA Champion (1987) | 6 years |
| Bo Ellis | Marquette | 1977 | N/A | 3 years |
| Bob Cousy | Holy Cross | 1947 | Hall of Fame, 13× All-Star, 6× NBA Champion, 12× All-NBA, MVP (1957), NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 14 years |
| Bob Wiesenhahn | Cincinnati | 1961 | N/A | 1 year |
| Bob Wilkerson | Indiana | 1976 | N/A | 7 years |
| Bobby Hurley | Duke | 1991, 1992 | N/A | 5 years |
| Bobby Leonard | Indiana | 1953 | Hall of Fame (Coach), 3× ABA Champion | 7 years |
| Bobby Watson | Kentucky | 1951 | N/A | 1 year |
| Brandon Rush | Kansas | 2008 | NBA Champion (2015) | 9 years |
| Braxton Key | Villanova | 2019 | N/A | 3 years |
| Brett Vroman | UCLA | 1975 | N/A | 1 year |
| Brian Davis | Duke | 1991, 1992 | N/A | 1 year |
| Butch Lee | Marquette | 1977 | NBA Champion (1980) | 2 years |
| Cam Spencer | UConn | 2024 | N/A | Rookie |
| Carlos Boozer | Duke | 2001 | 2× All-Star, All-NBA (2008) | 13 years |
| Carmelo Anthony | Syracuse | 2003 | 10× All-Star, 6× All-NBA, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Future HOFer | 19 years |
| Charles O’Bannon | UCLA | 1995 | N/A | 2 years |
| Charlie Bell | Michigan State | 2000 | N/A | 7 years |
| Charlie Villanueva | UConn | 2004 | N/A | 11 years |
| Cherokee Parks | Duke | 1992 | N/A | 9 years |
| Chris Duhon | Duke | 2001 | N/A | 9 years |
| Chris Richard | Florida | 2006, 2007 | N/A | 2 years |
| Chris Wilcox | Maryland | 2002 | N/A | 11 years |
| Christian Braun | Kansas | 2022 | NBA Champion (2023) | 2 years |
| Christian Laettner | Duke | 1991, 1992 | 1× All-Star | 13 years |
| Chuck Aleksinas | Kentucky | 1978 | N/A | 1 year |
| Cliff Barker | Kentucky | 1948, 1949 | N/A | 3 years |
| Cliff Hagan | Kentucky | 1951 | Hall of Fame, NBA Champion (1958), 6× All-Star, 2× All-NBA | 13 years |
| Clint McDaniel | Arkansas | 1994 | N/A | 1 year |
| Clyde Lovellette | Kansas | 1952 | Hall of Fame, 3× NBA Champion, 4× All-Star, 1× All-NBA | 11 years |
| Cole Aldrich | Kansas | 2008 | N/A | 8 years |
| Collin Gillespie | Villanova | 2018 | NBA Champion (2023) | 1 year |
| Corey Beck | Arkansas | 1994 | N/A | 3 years |
| Corey Brewer | Florida | 2006, 2007 | NBA Champion (2011) | 13 years |
| Corliss Williamson | Arkansas | 1994 | NBA Champion (2004), NBA Sixth Man (2002) | 12 years |
| Cozell McQueen | NC State | 1983 | N/A | 1 year |
| Curtis Rowe | UCLA | 1969, 1970, 1971 | 1× All-Star | 8 years |
| Daniel Ochefu | Villanova | 2016 | N/A | 1 year |
| Danny Green | North Carolina | 2009 | 3× NBA Champion, NBA All-Defensive Team (2017) | 15 years |
| Danny Manning | Kansas | 1988 | 2× All-Star, NBA Sixth Man (1998) | 15 years |
| Darius Miller | Kentucky | 2012 | N/A | 6 years |
| Darnell Jackson | Kansas | 2008 | N/A | 3 years |
| Darrall Imhoff | California | 1959 | 1× All-Star | 12 years |
| Darrell Arthur | Kansas | 2008 | N/A | 9 years |
| Darrell Griffith | Louisville | 1980 | Rookie of the Year (1981) | 10 years |
| Dave Lattin | Texas Western (UTEP) | 1966 | N/A | 5 years |
| Dave Meyers | UCLA | 1973, 1975 | N/A | 4 years |
| David Noel | North Carolina | 2005 | N/A | 1 year |
| David Wingate | Georgetown | 1984 | N/A | 15 years |
| Dean Garrett | Indiana | 1987 | N/A | 6 years |
| Demetrius Calip | Michigan | 1989 | N/A | 1 year |
| Derek Anderson | Kentucky | 1996 | NBA Champ (2006) | 11 years |
| Derek Smith | Louisville | 1980 | N/A | 9 years |
| Derrick Phelps | North Carolina | 1993 | N/A | 1 year |
| De’Andre Hunter | Virginia | 2019 | N/A | 5 years |
| Dick Farley | Indiana | 1953 | NBA Champ (1955) | 3 years |
| Donovan Clingan | UCONN | 2023, 2024 | N/A | Rookie |
| Donte DiVincenzo | Villanova | 2016, 2018 | NBA Champ (2021) | 6 years |
| Doron Lamb | Kentucky | 2012 | N/A | 2 years |
| Dwayne McClain | Villanova | 1985 | N/A | 1 year |
| Ed Davis | North Carolina | 2009 | N/A | 12 years |
| Ed O’Bannon | UCLA | 1995 | N/A | 2 years |
| Ed Pinckney | Villanova | 1985 | N/A | 12 years |
| Edgar Lacey | UCLA | 1965, 1968 | N/A | 1 year |
| Emeka Okafor | UCONN | 2004 | Rookie of the Year (2005) | 10 years |
| Eric Montross | North Carolina | 1993 | N/A | 8 years |
| Eric Paschall | Villanova | 2018 | N/A | 3 years |
| Frank Ramsey | Kentucky | 1951 | Hall of Fame, 7x NBA Champ | 9 years |
| Gail Goodrich | UCLA | 1964 | Hall of Fame, NBA Champion (1972), 5x All-Star, 1x All-NBA | 14 years |
| Gene Englund | Wisconsin | 1941 | N/A | 1 year |
| George Kaftan | Holy Cross | 1947 | N/A | 5 years |
| George Lynch | North Carolina | 1993 | N/A | 12 years |
| George Wilson | Cincinnati | 1962 | N/A | 7 years |
| George Zidek | UCLA | 1995 | N/A | 3 years |
| Glen Rice | Michigan | 1989 | NBA Champ (2000), 3x All-Star, 2x All-NBA | 15 years |
| Gorgui Dieng | Louisville | 2013 | N/A | 10 years |
| Grant Hill | Duke | 1991, 1992 | Hall of Fame, 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, ROY (1995) | 18 years |
| Grayson Allen | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 6 years |
| Greg Anthony | UNLV | 1990 | N/A | 11 years |
| Greg Kelser | Michigan State | 1979 | N/A | 6 years |
| Greg Lee | UCLA | 1972, 1973 | N/A | 2 years |
| Hakim Warrick | Syracuse | 2003 | N/A | 8 years |
| Harold Pressey | Villanova | 1985 | N/A | 4 years |
| Henry Bibby | UCLA | 1970, 1971, 1972 | NBA Championship (1973) | 9 years |
| Hilton Armstrong | UCONN | 2004 | N/A | 6 years |
| Isaiah Hicks | North Carolina | 2017 | N/A | 2 years |
| Isiah Thomas | Indiana | 1981 | Hall of Fame, NBA 75th Anniversary Team, 2x NBA Champ, 12x All-Star, 5x All-NBA | 13 years |
| J.R. Henderson | UCLA | 1995 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jack Givens | Kentucky | 1978 | N/A | 2 years |
| Jack Parkinson | Kentucky | 1948 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jahlil Okafor | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 6 years |
| Jake Voskuhl | UCONN | 1999 | N/A | 9 years |
| Jalen Brunson | Villanova | 2016, 2018 | 2x All-Star, All-NBA (2024) | 6 years |
| Jalen Wilson | Kansas | 2022 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jamaal Magloire | Kentucky | 1998 | All-Star (2004) | 12 years |
| Jamaal Wilkes | UCLA | 1972, 1973 | Hall of Fame, 4x NBA Champ, 3x All-Star, ROY (1975), 2x All-NBA Defense | 12 years |
| James Worthy | North Carolina | 1982 | Hall of Fame, 3x NBA Champ, 7x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 12 years |
| Jared Butler | Baylor | 2021 | N/A | 3 years |
| Jason Richardson | Michigan State | 2000 | N/A | 13 years |
| Jason Terry | Arizona | 1997 | NBA Champion (2011), NBA Sixth Man (2009) | 19 years |
| Jawad Williams | North Carolina | 2005 | N/A | 3 years |
| Jay Huff | Virginia | 2019 | N/A | 3 years |
| Jay Vincent | Michigan State | 1979 | N/A | 9 years |
| Jay Williams | Duke | 2001 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jeff Sheppard | Kentucky | 1996, 1998 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jeremy Lamb | UCONN | 2011 | N/A | 10 years |
| Jermaine Samuels | Villanova | 2018 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jerome Whitehead | Marquette | 1977 | N/A | 11 years |
| Jerry Eaves | Louisville | 1980 | N/A | 4 years |
| Jerry Harkness | Loyola | 1963 | N/A | 3 years |
| Jerry Lucas | Ohio State | 1960 | Hall of Fame, 1973 NBA Champ, 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA, ROY (1964), NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 11 years |
| Jim Pollard | Stanford | 1942 | Hall of Fame, 5x NBA/AAB Champ, 4x All-Star | 7 years |
| Jim Thomas | Indiana | 1981 | N/A | 4 years |
| Joakim Noah | Florida | 2006, 2007 | 2x All-Star, All-NBA (2014), 3x All-Defensive, DPOY (2014) | 13 years |
| Joe Holland | Kentucky | 1948 | N/A | 3 years |
| Joe Roberts | Ohio State | 1960 | N/A | 4 years |
| John Havlicek | Ohio State | 1960 | Hall of Fame, 8x NBA Champ, 13x All-Star, 11x All-NBA, 8x All-Defensive, NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 16 years |
| John Vallely | UCLA | 1969, 1970 | N/A | 2 years |
| Johnny Cox | Kentucky | 1958 | N/A | 1 year |
| Jordan Hawkins | UCONN | 2023 | N/A | 1 year |
| Josh Boone | UCONN | 2004 | N/A | 4 years |
| Josh Hart | Villanova | 2016 | N/A | 7 years |
| Juan Dixon | Maryland | 2002 | N/A | 7 years |
| Justin Jackson | North Carolina | 2017 | NBA Champion (2021) | 7 years |
| Justise Winslow | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 8 years |
| Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | UCLA | 1967, 1968, 1969 | Hall of Fame, 6x NBA Champ, 19x All-Star, 15x All-NBA, 11x All-Defensive, 6x MVP, ROY (1970), NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 20 years |
| Keith Erickson | UCLA | 1964, 1965 | NBA Champion (1972) | 12 years |
| Keith Smart | Indiana | 1987 | N/A | 1 year |
| Kemba Walker | UCONN | 2011 | 4x All-Star, All-NBA (2019) | 12 years |
| Kenny Payne | Louisville | 1986 | N/A | 4 years |
| Kenny Sailors | Wyoming | 1943 | N/A | 5 years |
| Kent Benson | Indiana | 1976 | N/A | 11 years |
| Kevin Pritchard | Kansas | 1988 | N/A | 4 years |
| Kevin Salvadori | North Carolina | 1993 | N/A | 2 years |
| Khalid El-Amin | UCONN | 1999 | N/A | 1 year |
| Kyle Guy | Virginia | 2019 | N/A | 3 years |
| Kyle Macy | Kentucky | 1978 | N/A | 7 years |
| Kyle Singler | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 6 years |
| Kyle Wiltjer | Kentucky | 2012 | N/A | 1 year |
| Lance Thomas | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 9 years |
| Larry Drew II | North Carolina | 2009 | N/A | 2 years |
| Larry Johnson | UNLV | 1990 | 2x All-Star, All-NBA (1993), ROY (1992) | 10 years |
| Larry Siegfried | Ohio State | 1960 | 5x NBA Champion | 9 years |
| Lennie Rosenbluth | North Carolina | 1957 | N/A | 2 years |
| Les Hunter | Loyola | 1963 | 2x All-Star | 7 years |
| Lonnie Baxter | Maryland | 2002 | N/A | 4 years |
| Lorenzo Charles | NC State | 1983 | N/A | 1 year |
| Lou Tsioropoulos | Kentucky | 1951 | 2x NBA Champ | 3 years |
| Loy Vaught | Michigan | 1989 | N/A | 11 years |
| Lucius Allen | UCLA | 1967, 1968 | NBA Champion (1973) | 10 years |
| Lynn Shackelford | UCLA | 1967, 1968, 1969 | N/A | 1 year |
| Magic Johnson | Michigan State | 1979 | Hall of Fame, 5x NBA Champ, 12x All-Star, 10x All-NBA, 3x MVP, NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 13 years |
| Mamadi Diakite | Virginia | 2019 | NBA Champ (2021) | 4 years |
| Marcus Williams | UCONN | 2004 | N/A | 4 years |
| Mario Chalmers | Kansas | 2008 | 2x NBA Champ | 9 years |
| Mark Pope | Kentucky | 1996 | N/A | 6 years |
| Marques Johnson | UCLA | 1975 | 5x All-Star, 3x All-NBA | 11 years |
| Marquis Teague | Kentucky | 2012 | N/A | 3 years |
| Marreese Speights | Florida | 2007 | NBA Champ (2015) | 10 years |
| Marshall Plumlee | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 2 years |
| Marvin Williams | North Carolina | 2005 | N/A | 15 years |
| Mason Plumlee | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 11 years |
| Mateen Cleaves | Michigan State | 2000 | N/A | 6 years |
| Matt Wenstrom | North Carolina | 1993 | N/A | 1 year |
| Mel Nowell | Ohio State | 1960 | N/A | 2 years |
| Michael Bradley | Kentucky | 1998 | N/A | 5 years |
| Michael Dickerson | Arizona | 1997 | N/A | 5 years |
| Michael Jackson | Georgetown | 1984 | N/A | 3 years |
| Michael Jordan | North Carolina | 1982 | Hall of Fame, 6x NBA Champ, 14x All-Star, 11x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, DPOY (1988), 5x MVP, ROY (1985), NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 15 years |
| Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | Kentucky | 2012 | N/A | 8 years |
| Mikal Bridges | Villanova | 2016, 2018 | NBA All-Defensive Team (2022) | 6 years |
| Mike Bibby | Arizona | 1997 | N/A | 14 years |
| Mike Dunleavy | Duke | 2001 | N/A | 15 years |
| Mike Farmer | San Francisco | 1956 | N/A | 7 years |
| Mike Lynn | UCLA | 1965 | N/A | 2 years |
| Miles Plumlee | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 7 years |
| Miles Simon | Arizona | 1997 | N/A | 1 year |
| Milo Komenich | Wyoming | 1943 | N/A | 1 year |
| Milt Wagner | Louisville | 1986 | NBA Champ (1988) | 2 years |
| Montrezl Harrell | Louisville | 2013 | NBA Sixth Man Award (2020) | 8 years |
| Morris Peterson | Michigan State | 2000 | N/A | 11 years |
| Nazr Mohammed | Kentucky | 1996, 1998 | NBA Champ (2005) | 18 years |
| Nolan Smith | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 2 years |
| Ochai Agbaji | Kansas | 2022 | N/A | 2 years |
| Omari Spellman | Villanova | 2018 | N/A | 2 years |
| Patrick Ewing | Georgetown | 1984 | Hall of Fame, 11x All-Star, 7x All-NBA, 3x All-NBA Defense, ROY (1986), NBA 75th Anniversary Team | 17 years |
| Paul Hogue | Cincinnati | 1961, 1962 | N/A | 2 years |
| Pervis Ellison | Louisville | 1986 | NBA Most Improved Player (1992) | 11 years |
| Pete Brennan | North Carolina | 1957 | N/A | 1 year |
| Peyton Siva | Louisville | 2013 | N/A | 1 year |
| Quinn Buckner | Indiana | 1986 | NBA Champ (1984), 4x All-NBA Defense | 10 years |
| Quinn Cook | Duke | 2015 | 2x NBA Champ | 5 years |
| Ralph Beard | Kentucky | 1948 | All-Star (1950), 2x All-NBA | 2 years |
| Ralph Drollinger | UCLA | 1973, 1975 | N/A | 1 year |
| Randy Wittman | Indiana | 1981 | N/A | 9 years |
| Rashad McCants | North Carolina | 2005 | N/A | 4 years |
| Ray Tolbert | Indiana | 1981 | N/A | 5 years |
| Raymond Felton | North Carolina | 2005 | N/A | 14 years |
| Raymond Townsend | UCLA | 1975 | N/A | 3 years |
| Reggie Williams | Georgetown | 1984 | N/A | 10 years |
| Richard Hamilton | UCONN | 1999 | NBA Champ (2004), 3x All-Star | 14 years |
| Richard Washington | UCLA | 1975 | N/A | 6 years |
| Rick Calloway | Indiana | 1987 | N/A | 1 year |
| Rick Robey | Kentucky | 1978 | NBA Champ (1981) | 8 years |
| Rodney McCray | Louisville | 1980 | NBA Champ (1993), 2x All-Defensive | 10 years |
| Roger Burkman | Louisville | 1980 | N/A | 1 year |
| Ron Bonham | Cincinnati | 1962 | 2x NBA Champ | 3 years |
| Ron Mercer | Kentucky | 1996 | N/A | 8 years |
| Rumeal Robinson | Michigan | 1989 | N/A | 6 years |
| Russ Smith | Louisville | 2013 | N/A | 2 years |
| Ryan Arcidiacono | Villanova | 2016 | N/A | 7 years |
| Ryan Kelly | Duke | 2010 | N/A | 4 years |
| Sam Perkins | North Carolina | 1982 | N/A | 17 years |
| Sasha Kaun | Kansas | 2008 | NBA Champ (2016) | 1 year |
| Scott May | Indiana | 1976 | N/A | 7 years |
| Scott Padgett | Kentucky | 1998 | N/A | 8 years |
| Sean Higgins | Michigan | 1989 | N/A | 6 years |
| Sean May | North Carolina | 2005 | N/A | 4 years |
| Semi Ojeleye | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 5 years |
| Shabazz Napier | UCONN | 2011, 2014 | N/A | 6 years |
| Shane Battier | Duke | 2001 | 2x NBA Champ, 2x All-Defensive | 13 years |
| Sherron Collins | Kansas | 2008 | N/A | 1 year |
| Sidney Lowe | NC State | 1983 | N/A | 4 years |
| Sidney Wicks | UCLA | 1969, 1970, 1971 | 4x All-Star, ROY (1972) | 10 years |
| Skippy Whitaker | Kentucky | 1951 | N/A | 1 year |
| Stacey Augmon | UNLV | 1990 | N/A | 15 years |
| Stephon Castle | UCONN | 2024 | N/A | Rookie |
| Steve Alford | Indiana | 1987 | N/A | 4 years |
| Steve Blake | Maryland | 2002 | N/A | 13 years |
| Steve Patterson | UCLA | 1969, 1970, 1971 | N/A | 5 years |
| Swen Nater | UCLA | 1972, 1973 | 2x All-Star, ROY (1974) | 11 years |
| Taureen Green | Florida | 2006, 2007 | N/A | 1 year |
| Terrance Jones | Kentucky | 2012 | N/A | 6 years |
| Terry Mills | Michigan | 1989 | N/A | 11 years |
| Theo Pinson | North Carolina | 2017 | N/A | 5 years |
| Thurl Bailey | NC State | 1983 | N/A | 12 years |
| Toby Bailey | UCLA | 1995 | N/A | 2 years |
| Tom Abernethy | Indiana | 1976 | N/A | 5 years |
| Tom Gola | LaSalle | 1954 | Hall of Fame, NBA Champ (1956), 5x All-Star, All-NBA (1958) | 10 years |
| Tom Thacker | Cincinnati | 1961, 1962 | NBA Champ (1968) | 7 years |
| Tommy Kearns | North Carolina | 1957 | N/A | 1 year |
| Tony Bradley | North Carolina | 2017 | N/A | 6 years |
| Tony Delk | Kentucky | 1996 | N/A | 10 years |
| Tristen Newton | UCONN | 2023 | N/A | Rookie |
| Ty Jerome | Virginia | 2019 | N/A | 5 years |
| Ty Lawson | North Carolina | 2009 | N/A | 9 years |
| Tyler Hansbrough | North Carolina | 2009 | N/A | 7 years |
| Tyler Zeller | North Carolina | 2009 | N/A | 8 years |
| Tyus Edney | UCLA | 1995 | N/A | 4 years |
| Tyus Jones | Duke | 2015 | N/A | 9 years |
| Vernon Hatton | Kentucky | 1958 | N/A | 4 years |
| Wallace Jones | Kentucky | 1948 | N/A | 3 years |
| Walt Hazzard | UCLA | 1964 | All-Star (1968) | 10 years |
| Walter McCarty | Kentucky | 1996 | N/A | 10 years |
| Wayne Ellington | North Carolina | 2009 | N/A | 13 years |
| Wayne Radford | Indiana | 1976 | N/A | 1 year |
| Wayne Turner | Kentucky | 1996, 1998 | N/A | 1 year |
| Willie Worsley | UTEP | 1966 | N/A | 1 year |
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