What NBA Players Went to Kansas?
The University of Kansas, often abbreviated as KU, has a rich history in basketball, producing numerous NBA players who have gone on to achieve great success on the professional level. Kansas has been a breeding ground for talent, with its storied program and dedicated coaching staff. In this article, we will explore some of the notable NBA players who have come from the Kansas Jayhawks.
One of the most iconic figures to come out of Kansas is Allen Iverson. A four-time NBA MVP, Iverson was a dynamic point guard who revolutionized the game with his fearless playmaking ability and scoring prowess. Iverson’s time at Kansas was brief, as he left the team after his freshman year to enter the NBA Draft, but his impact on the sport was undeniable.
Another legend from Kansas is Bill Russell, who is widely regarded as the greatest center in NBA history. Russell won 11 NBA championships during his career, all with the Boston Celtics, and was named the NBA Finals MVP five times. His time at Kansas was marked by his defensive prowess and his ability to dominate the glass, setting the foundation for his Hall of Fame career.
The list of NBA players who went to Kansas continues with the likes of Danny Manning, who won the NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1989 and was named the NBA Finals MVP. Manning was a dominant force on the interior, known for his scoring ability and defensive presence.
In recent years, Kansas has continued to produce NBA talent, with players like Kevin Durant, who won two NBA championships with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors. Durant was a three-time NBA scoring champion and is widely considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
Other notable Kansas Jayhawks who have gone on to play in the NBA include:
– Joakim Noah, who won the NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls in 2013 and was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2014.
– Ty Lawson, who played for the Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets during his NBA career.
– Jeff Withey, who had a brief but impactful career with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs.
The University of Kansas has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the best basketball players in NBA history. From Allen Iverson to Kevin Durant, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport and have shown that the Jayhawks’ program is a pipeline for NBA talent. As the years go on, it will be exciting to see which future stars will emerge from the ranks of the Kansas Jayhawks.
