Big Ten Conference Basketball Best Players of All Time

The Big Ten Conference is one of the most successful and competitive college basketball conferences in the nation. Comprised of 14 teams, including Penn State University since 1989, these schools boast some of the best athletes and coaches in all of college basketball. With a strong commitment to gender equity, it’s no surprise that their courts are full every season with passionate fans cheering on their favorite team. From thrilling tournament matchups to heated rivalry games, there’s something exciting happening year-round for Big Ten Basketball.

1. Trayce Jackson-Davis

Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball

Career

• High school: Center Grove, (Greenwood, Indiana)
• College: Indiana (2019–present)
• Third-team All-American – USBWA, NABC, SN (2021), First-team All-Big Ten – Media (2021), Second-team All-Big Ten (2022), Second-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2021), Third-team All-Big Ten (2020), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2020), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2022), McDonald's All-American (2019), Indiana Mr. Basketball (2019)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA U18 Americas Championship, : 2018 St. Catharines: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA U18 Americas Championship
• : 2018 St. Catharines: Team

Trayce Jackson-Davis is an American power forward currently playing for the Indiana Hoosiers. Trayce was born on February 22, 2000 in Greenwood, Indiana.

He attended Center Grove High School before attending Indiana University where he played for the Hoosiers since 2019. Trayce has been a standout player at both high school and college level, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game in his career to date.

In March 2019, Trayce helped the United States win their first ever FIBA World Cup by winning gold medal with Team USA alongside Donovan Mitchell, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker among others. 

His accolades include being named First-Team All-Big Ten as a freshman at IU; Second-Team All-American as a senior at IU; recipient of Big Ten Player of the Year Award (2019) and NABC Defensive Player of the Year Award (2018).

2. Hunter Dickinson

Career

• High school: DeMatha Catholic, (Hyattsville, Maryland)
• College: Michigan (2020–present)
• Consensus second-team All-American (2021), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2021), First-team All-Big Ten (2021), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2022), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2021), Second-team All-Big Ten (2022), Jordan Brand Classic (2020)

Dickinson was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school and chose the Michigan Wolverines over other top programs. As a freshman, Dickinson started all 12 games for Michigan and averaged 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1 block and 0 assists per game.

In his sophomore year, Dickinson led the team in scoring with 18.1 points per game while also ranking second in rebounding (7.6 rpg) and third in blocks (0 bpg). He was also named to First Team All-Big Ten Conference by both media outlets and coaches. 

As a junior, Hunter continued to be one of the most dominant players in college basketball averaging 23 points on 55% shooting from the field along with 8 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal and 1 block per contest en route to being unanimous first team All-American selection. 

On May 14th, 2018 Dickinson declared for the NBA draft but withdrew on May 25th after deciding he would return to Michigan for his final season of eligibility Dickinson is considered one of best shooters in this years draft class having shot above 50% from 3 point range every year he’s been eligible.

3. Kofi Cockburn

Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball

Career

• High school: , Christ the King, (Middle Village, New York), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia)
• College: Illinois (2019–2022)
• NBA draft: 2022 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2022–present
• Consensus First-team All-American (2022), Consensus Second-team All-American (2021), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2021, 2022), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2020), 2× Nike Hoop Summit (2018, 2019)

Kofi Cockburn is a Jamaican basketball player who was drafted by the Niigata Albirex BB in the second round of the 2018 JBA Draft. Kofi has represented his country at both U17 and U20 levels, winning a gold medal at the 2017 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship.

He started playing organized basketball at age 10, when he joined Christ The King High School in Kingston, Jamaica. His athleticism and skill led him to play college ball with Illinois State University before being drafted by Niigata Albirex BB in Japan's National Basketball Association. 

2nd Round draft on July 6th, 2018 Kofi hopes to represent Jamaica internationally one day and contribute towards its future sporting success Kofi Cockburn is a 2021-22 consensus First-team All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year.

Kofi was drafted in the 20th round by the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers but has not played in that league yet. He is currently playing for Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia where he averaged 24 points per game as a senior this year. 

Kofi is projected to be one of the top 2020 NBA Draft prospects and has received comparisons to players like Kyrie Irving and Stephen Curry due to his scoring ability and explosive athleticism. 

Kofi is looking forward to continuing his basketball career at Illinois next season before potentially entering the draft again later on down the line.

4. Zach Edey

Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball

Career

• High school: IMG Academy, (Bradenton, Florida)
• College: Purdue (2020–present)
• Second-team All-Big Ten (2022), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team

Zach Edey is a 2020 center for the Purdue Boilermakers. Zach Edey was born in 2002 and played high school basketball at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

At 295 pounds, Zach Edey is one of the heaviest players on Purdue's roster and will be relied upon to provide depth behind starting center Isaac Haas. 

Zach Edey has yet to play in any college games but he looks like a promising prospect who could develop into an impact player for Purdue down the road.

Zach Edey is a 2020 graduate of Purdue University. Zach was named to the Second-team All-Big Ten in 2022 and earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors in 2021. 

Zach played for Canada at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in 2021, where they finished second place. After college, Zach plans on playing basketball professionally overseas.

5. Keegan Murray

Sacramento Kings

Career

• High school: , Prairie, (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), DME Academy, (Daytona Beach, Florida)
• College: Iowa (2020–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Sacramento Kings
• Summer League MVP (2022), Karl Malone Award (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2022), Big Ten tournament MVP (2022), First-team All-Big Ten (2022), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2021)

Keegan Murray was born on August 19, 2000, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is a power forward who played college basketball for Prairie and DME Academy. In the 2018 NBA Draft, Murray was selected by the Sacramento Kings as the 13th overall pick.

His rookie season saw him average 10 points and 5 rebounds per game whilst playing 38 games off the bench. The 2019-20 season saw Murray become a starter for Sacramento and he averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds per game en route to being named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

As of February 2020, Murray has scored 1,247 points (16th all-time) in 772 games played which put him well on track to eclipse Wilt Chamberlain's record of 34,419pts set during his era (1968–1973). 

Keegan has been vocal about wanting to help grow basketball globally as part of Nike's "One Team" campaign alongside stars such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry.

One that targets grassroots development programs across 55 countries around Africa & Asia where kids can learn how to play ball like pros.

6. Jonathan Davis

Career

• High school: La Crosse Central, (La Crosse, Wisconsin)
• College: Wisconsin (2020–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Washington Wizards
• 2022: →Capital City Go-Go
• Jerry West Award (2022), Lute Olson Award (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2022), Big Ten Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-Big Ten (2022), Wisconsin Mr. Basketball (2020)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team

Jonathan Davis is a shooting guard/small forward who played college basketball for Wisconsin. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards in the 2022 NBA draft and has since played for them throughout his career.

Jonathan Davis is currently playing with the Washington Wizards and has had a successful career so far. Davis was the top high school player in his class and committed to play for Duke.

 Davis averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists as a freshman at Duke and led the Blue Devils to an ACC title.

After one season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Davis was traded to Memphis Grizzlies where he became a key contributor on their playoff team in 2017-2018. 

In 2020, Davis signed with the Golden State Warriors and helped them win the 2019 NBA Championship after averaging 17 points per game on 53 percent shooting from three-point range during playoffs.

7. Luka Garza

Minnesota Timberwolves

Career

• High school: Maret School (Washington, D.C.)
• College: Iowa (2017–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52nd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–2022: Detroit Pistons
• 2021–2022: →Motor City Cruise
• 2022–present: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2022–present: →Iowa Wolves
• All-NBA G League Third Team (2022), NBA G League All-Rookie Team (2022), National college player of the year (2021), 2× Sporting News College Player of the Year (2020, 2021), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (2020, 2021), 2× Pete Newell Big Man Award (2020, 2021), 2× Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (2020, 2021), John R. Wooden Award (2021), Lute Olson Award (2021), Senior CLASS Award (2021), 2× Big Ten Player of the Year (2020, 2021), Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year (2021), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2020, 2021), No. 55 retired by Iowa Hawkeyes

Luka Garza is an American power forward and center who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2021. He played college basketball for Iowa before being selected 52nd overall by the Pistons.

In his rookie season, he averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 44% from three-point range. In 2022–23, he improved his averages to 15 points and 10 rebounds per game while also shooting 47% from three-point range.

As a result of these impressive performances, Garza was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 23rd place behind Philadelphia 76ers' Dario Saric (1st). 

He has continued to improve over the course of his career; as of 2019–20, he averages 19 points and 11 rebounds per game whilst shooting 50% from three-point range – ranking him 4th among all Power forwards in that category on ESPN’s Real Plus/Minus rankings list.

Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves

8. Glenn Robinson

Milwaukee Bucks

Career

• NBA champion (2005)
• 2× NBA All-Star (2000, 2001)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1995)
• National college player of the year (1994)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1994)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1993)
• NCAA season scoring leader (1994)
• Big Ten Player of the Year (1994)
• Big Ten Athlete of the Year (1994)
• First-team Parade All-American (1991)
• McDonald's All-American (1991)
• Indiana Mr. Basketball (1991)

Gelen Robinson was a prolific scorer in the NBA, amassing over 14,000 points during his career. He played for Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks between 1994-2002.

His most successful season came with Milwaukee where he averaged 26 points per game en route to being named an All-Star for the first time in his career. After playing two seasons with Atlanta, he retired from professional basketball in 2003.

In 2004, Gelen Robinson founded The Dream Institute which provides educational opportunities to at-risk youth across America Robinson was a consensus first-team All-American and led the NCAA in scoring in 1994. 

Robinson was drafted third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1994 NBA Draft, but he did not play for them until 1995 because of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

He won Rookie of The Year honors with Philadelphia and helped lead them to their only championship in 2005 while averaging 20 points per game. 

Robinson has also played for San Antonio and Cleveland, where he is currently a free agent after being released by Cleveland on January 7th, 2019.

9. Trey Burke

Houston Rockets

Career

• High school: Northland (Columbus, Ohio)
• College: Michigan (2011–2013)
• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2013–present
• 2013–2016: Utah Jazz
• 2016–2017: Washington Wizards
• 2017–2018: Westchester Knicks
• 2018–2019: New York Knicks
• 2019: Dallas Mavericks
• 2019–2020: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2020–2022: Dallas Mavericks
• 2022–present: Stockton Kings
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2014), Third-team All NBA G League (2018), National college player of the year (2013), Consensus first-team All-American (2013), Bob Cousy Award (2013), Big Ten Player of the Year (2013), First-team All-Big Ten (2013), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2012), Second-team Parade All-American (2011), Ohio Mr. Basketball (2011)

Trey Burke was drafted 9th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves. After two seasons with Utah, Trey signed with Washington Wizards for the 2016-2017 season.

Trey is an experienced point guard who has played in both the NBA and G League over his career so far. Despite being limited to just 18 games this past season due to a foot injury, Trey still averaged 8 points and 3 assists per game while shooting 43% from the field overall during that time period.

Trey will likely continue playing in either the NBA or G League next season, but he is always looking to improve his skillset wherever he goes Trey Burke was born and raised in Columbus, OH. 

Trey Burke attended Ohio State University where he played for head coach Thad Matta. After two seasons at Ohio State, Trey Burke was selected with the 10th overall pick by the Utah Jazz in the 2013 NBA draft.

Trey Burke has since spent time with three different teams- Utah, Boston Celtics, and New York Knicks- before joining the Dallas Mavericks this season as a free agent. In his five years in the NBA, Trey Burke has averaged 7 points per game while shooting 37% from 3-point range (93 total 3-pointers made). 

Outside of basketball, Trey is an advocate for mental health awareness and speaks about it frequently on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

10. Jaden Ivey

Detroit Pistons

Career

• High school: , Marian, (Mishawaka, Indiana), La Lumiere School, (La Porte, Indiana)
• College: Purdue (2020–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Detroit Pistons
• Consensus second-team All-American (2022), First-team All-Big Ten (2022), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team

Jaden Ivey was born on February 13, 2002 in South Bend, Indiana. At 20 years old, he is a shooting guard for the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. Jaden attended high school at Marian and La Lumiere School in Indiana before playing college basketball for Purdue from 2020 to 2022.

He was drafted fifth overall by the Pistons in the 2022 NBA draft and has since made an impact as one of their key players. Jaden Ivey is a 20-year old forward who was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the 2018 NBA Draft. 

Jeden Ivey played college basketball at Michigan and was named to both the second team All-American and first team All-Big Ten teams in his final season with the Wolverines.

In 2021, Jaden Ivey won Big Ten Freshman of the Year honours after averaging 12 points and 5 rebounds per game for Michigan during his freshman year. On July 1st 2022, Jaden Ivey signed a rookie scale contract with the Detroit Pistons following his graduation from Michigan State.

 University where he totaled 148 points (57 FGs, 109 FTs) over three seasons on campus. As an impending restricted free agent, Jaden has already shown flashes of brilliance as a Piston including scoring 34pts against Miami in early December.

However it remains to be seen if he will command max offers come off of this strong showing or settle for something less due to injury concerns that have dogged him throughout much of his young career thus far.

11. Deron Williams

Utah Jazz

Career

• High school: The Colony (The Colony, Texas)
• College: Illinois (2002–2005)
• NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Playing career: 2005–2017
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 8, 31
• 2005–2011: Utah Jazz
• 2011–2015: New Jersey / Brooklyn Nets
• 2011: Beşiktaş
• 2015–2017: Dallas Mavericks
• 2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 3× NBA All-Star (2010–2012), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2008, 2010), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2006), No. 8 retired by Beşiktaş, No. 5 jersey honored by Illinois, Consensus second-team All-American (2005), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Media (2004, 2005), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2004, 2005)
• Points: 13,804 (16.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,619 (3.1 rpg)
• Assists: 6,819 (8.1 apg)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team, : 2012 London: Team, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2007 Las Vegas: , FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2002 Isla Margarita: Team
• Men's Basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team
• : 2012 London: Team
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2007 Las Vegas:
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2002 Isla Margarita: Team

Deron Williams is a retired point guard who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was drafted third overall by the Utah Jazz in 2005 and spent five seasons with them before joining the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets franchise in 2011.

Deron won an NBA championship with the Brooklyn Nets in 2017, his last season playing professionally. Deron Williams is a three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Second Team selection. In 2005, he was the consensus second-team All-American.

He played for the Dallas Mavericks from 2007 to 2015 before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.

12. Clifford Omoruyi

Career

• High school: , Queen of Peace, (North Arlington, New Jersey), Immaculate Conception, (Montclair, New Jersey), Roselle Catholic, (Roselle, New Jersey)
• College: Rutgers (2020–present)

Clifford Omoruyi is an accomplished center for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Omoruyi was born in Benin City, Nigeria on 11 October 2001 and he is 21 years old.

He attended Christ The King Regional High School in Metuchen, New Jersey and then played college football at Rutgers University from 2019 to 2020. 

At 6'11" tall, Clifford has the size that most centers need to succeed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).

During his two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Clifford recorded 42 tackles and 10 sacks while also catching 18 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown as a wide receiver out of the backfield. 

With his playmaking ability as a center and big-play potential as a runner or pass catcher out of the backfield, Clifford should have no trouble finding a new home after graduating from Rutgers this May .

Also Played For: rutgers–new brunswick basketball

13. Trevion Williams

Career

• High school: , Mount Carmel, (Chicago, Illinois), Henry Ford Academy, (Dearborn, Michigan)
• College: Purdue (2018–2022)
• NBA draft: 2022 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Santa Cruz Warriors
• Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year (2022), First-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2021), Second-team All-Big Ten – Media (2021), Third-team All-Big Ten – Media, Coaches (2022)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2019 Greece: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2019 Greece: Team

Trevion Williams was born on September 16, 2000 in Chicago, Illinois. He played high school basketball at Mount Carmel Catholic Secondary School in Chicago and then attended Henry Ford Academy for his college years.

In 2018, Trevion Williams signed a two-way contract with the Santa Cruz Warriors of the NBA G League and has since been averaging 14 points per game while also playing stellar defense on the wing. 

Trevion is considered one of the most promising young prospects in American basketball and could soon be making an impact with either Team USA or an NBA franchise down the line.

Williams was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA draft by the Santa Cruz Warriors. Williams has played for various teams throughout his career, most notably Purdue and the Warriors. 

Williams is a versatile player who can play both guard positions well. He has been named to several All-American teams and was awarded Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year in 2022. Williams is an excellent scorer and passer who will be a key component on any team he plays for in future seasons.

14. Glen Rice

Miami Heat

Career

• 1989–1995: Miami Heat
• 1995–1999: Charlotte Hornets
• 1999–2000: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2000–2001: New York Knicks
• 2001–2003: Houston Rockets
• 2003–2004: Los Angeles Clippers

Glen Rice was a highly productive small forward in the NBA for many years. He first gained fame as a member of the Miami Heat, where he won two championships and helped lead them to another Finals appearance.

After leaving Miami, Glen spent time with the Charlotte Hornets before retiring in 2004. Glen is now a commentator on various sports broadcasts and has written two books about his basketball career experiences.

Glen Rice was a prolific scorer in the NBA and is one of the most decorated players in league history. He won an NBA championship with the Lakers and three All-Star games. Rice also held numerous NCAA records, including winning a national title with Michigan Wolverines in 1989.

After retiring from basketball, Glen Rice has devoted his time to charity work and promoting educational programs for children across America.

15. Jim Jackson

Career

• High school: Macomber (Toledo, Ohio)
• College: Ohio State (1989–1992)
• NBA draft 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 1992–2006
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 24, 22, 19, 2, 21
• 1992–1997: Dallas Mavericks
• 1997: New Jersey Nets
• 1997–1998: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1998: Golden State Warriors
• 1999: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1999–2001: Atlanta Hawks
• 2001: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2001–2002: Miami Heat
• 2002–2003: Sacramento Kings
• 2003–2004: Houston Rockets
• 2005–2006: Phoenix Suns
• 2006: Los Angeles Lakers
• UPI College Player of the Year (1992), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1991, 1992), 2× Big Ten Player of the Year (1991, 1992), No. 22 retired by Ohio State Buckeyes, Big Ten Freshman of the Year (1990), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1988, 1989), 2× Ohio Mr. Basketball (1988, 1989)
• Points: 12,690 (14.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,152 (4.7 rpg)
• Assists: 2,851 (3.2 apg)
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2021
• Medals, , Men’s Basketball, Representing the  United States, Pan American Games, : 1991 Havana: Team Competition
• Men’s Basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Pan American Games
• : 1991 Havana: Team Competition

Jim Jackson was a standout shooting guard at Ohio State and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1992. He spent seven seasons with the team before signing with the New Jersey Nets in 1997.

Jackson is best known for his time with the Mavericks, where he won two championships (1994 and 1996) and scored over 20,000 points in his career. After retiring from playing basketball, Jackson worked as an analyst on NBA TV until 2016.

In 2017, he joined ESPN as a studio analyst for their coverage of the playoffs Jackson was a two-time consensus first-team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year. Jackson was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 1992 NBA Draft.

Jackson played for six different teams during his career, including stints with the Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets. 

In 2004, he retired from professional basketball after playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Also Played For: dallas mavericks, 2003–04 nba season

16. Calbert Cheaney

Washington Wizards

Career

• High school: William Henry Harrison, (Evansville, Indiana)
• College: Indiana (1989–1993)
• NBA draft 1993 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Washington Bullets
• Playing career: 1993–2006
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 40, 29
• Coaching career: 2013–present
• National college player of the year (1993), Consensus first-team All-America (1993), Second-team All-America – USBWA (1991), 2× Third-team All-America – AP, NABC, UPI (1991, 1992), Big Ten Player of the Year (1993)
• Points: 7,826 (9.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,610 (3.2 rpg)
• Assists: 1,398 (1.7 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 1990 Montevideo: National team, Summer Universiade, : 1991 Sheffield: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 1990 Montevideo: National team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1991 Sheffield: National team

Calbert Cheaney is an assistant player development coach with the Indiana Pacers. He attended William Henry Harrison High School in Evansville, Indiana and played for the school's basketball team from 1989 to 1993.

In 1993, Calbert was selected by the Washington Bullets as the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft and he began his professional career playing for them that year. 

Calbert later moved on to play for teams such as Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks before finishing his career with stints in Toronto Raptors (2006-2007) and New Orleans Hornets (2007-2008).

In 2006, he was named an NBA All-Star while playing for Toronto Raptors but he retired at season's end due to injuries sustained during playoffs. 

Since retiring from active playing days, Calbert has worked as a player development coach with various teams including Indiana Pacers since 2008 where he currently works.

Also Played For: indiana hoosiers men's basketball

17. Mateen Cleaves

Sacramento Kings

Career

• 2000–2001: Detroit Pistons
• 2001–2003: Sacramento Kings
• 2003–2004: Huntsville Flight
• 2004: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2004: Huntsville Flight
• 2004–2006: Seattle SuperSonics
• 2006: Fayetteville Patriots
• 2006–2007: UNICS Kazan
• 2007: Bakersfield Jam
• 2007–2008: Panionios
• 2008–2009: Bakersfield Jam

Cleaves was a point guard for the Detroit Pistons from 2000 to 2009. He averaged 12.3 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game in his career. Cleaves won two championships with the Pistons (2004–05, 2008).

In 2006, he signed with the Seattle SuperSonics but did not play much due to injury. Cleaves has also played for Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks in his career as well as Spanish team Real Madrid CIBACAF during the 2007-08 season.

Where he helped lead them to their first Champions League trophy since 1978/79 Cleaves is currently an assistant coach for Michigan State Spartans basketball team Mateen Cleaves was a two-time consensus first-team All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year at Michigan State.

He played nine seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Seattle SuperSonics. Mateen Cleaves retired from professional basketball in 2009 after playing for Panionios in Greece.

Also Played For: michigan state basketball, michigan state spartans basketball

18. Jerry Lucas

Sacramento Kings

Career

• High school: Middletown (Middletown, Ohio)
• College: Ohio State (1958–1962)
• NBA draft 1962 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1962–1974
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 16, 47, 32
• 1963–1969: Cincinnati Royals
• 1969–1971: San Francisco Warriors
• 1971–1974: New York Knicks
• NBA champion (1973), 7× NBA All-Star (1964–1969, 1971), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1965), 3× All-NBA First Team (1965, 1966, 1968), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1964, 1967), NBA Rookie of the Year (1964), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1964), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), NCAA champion (1960), 2× NCAA Final Four MOP (1960, 1961), 2× Consensus National College Player of the Year (1961, 1962), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1960–1962), 2× NCAA rebounding leader (1961, 1962), No. 11 retired by Ohio State Buckeyes, 2× Mr. Basketball USA (1957, 1958), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1957, 1958)
• Points: 14,053 (17.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 12,942 (15.6 rpg)
• Assists: 2,732 (3.3 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Olympics, : 1960 Rome: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Olympics
• : 1960 Rome: Team competition

Jerry Lucas was a dominant power forward in the NBA during the 1960s and 1970s. He played for several teams, including the Cincinnati Royals, San Francisco Warriors, and Philadelphia 76ers.

Lucas is best known for his time with the Cincinnati Royals, where he won three championships (1963–1965). After retiring from playing basketball, he became a television commentator and coach.

Jerry Lucas was an All-American basketball player at Ohio State who went on to have a long and successful NBA career. He won championships with the New York Knicks in 1973, and also starred for Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs over the course of his illustrious career.

Jerry Lucas is known as one of the greatest rebounders in NBA history, and he was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (in 1984) and the College Sports Information Directors Association Hall of Fame (in 1990). 

He passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 71 years old.

19. Cassius Winston

FC Bayern Munich

Career

• High school: University of Detroit Jesuit, (Detroit, Michigan)
• College: Michigan State (2016–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 2 / Pick: 53rd overall
• Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–2022: Washington Wizards
• 2021: →Erie BayHawks
• 2021–2022: →Capital City Go-Go
• 2022–present: Bayern Munich
• 2× Consensus second-team All-American (2019, 2020), Big Ten Player of the Year (2019), 2× First-team All Big Ten (2019, 2020), Third-team All-Big Ten (2018), Big Ten tournament MOP (2019), Mr. Basketball of Michigan (2016)

Cassius Winston is a talented point guard who has played for some of the top teams in Europe. He was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020 and he will join them for the 2021–2022 season.

Cassius Winston has excellent ball handling and shooting skills which makes him an threat to score from anywhere on the court. He also displays strong defensive abilities, making him difficult to beat one-on-one or off the dribble.

Cassius Winston is looking forward to starting his NBA career with one of the league's biggest clubs, Bayern Munich Cassius Winston was a consensus second-team All-American in 2019 and 2020. In his two seasons at Michigan, he was named Mr.

Basketball of the state of Michigan twice (2016, 2017). Winston joined the Washington Wizards for the 2020 season as a second round draft pick. 

He has had success with Erie BayHawks and Capital City Go-Go before joining Bayern Munich for the 2022 season where he is currently playing.

20. Caleb Houstan

Michigan Wolverines men's basketball

Career

• High school: Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida)
• College: Michigan (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32nd overall
• Selected by the Orlando Magic
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Orlando Magic
• McDonald's All-American (2021), Jordan Brand Classic (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2019 Brazil: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2019 Brazil: Team

Houstan was born in 2003 and is from Mississauga, Ontario. He went to Montverde Academy where he played basketball for two years. In 2020, Houstan declared for the NBA draft and was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 32nd overall pick.

Since entering the league, Houstan has spent time with both the Magic and their G-League affiliate team, the Lake Erie Monsters. 

In the 2019–20 season, Housta had his best year statistically as he averaged 16 points per game on 49% shooting from three-point range en route to earning an All-Rookie Second Team nomination from Basketball-Reference.

As a rookie in 2021–22 season Houston led Michigan to an NCAA Tournament appearance but they were eliminated in the second round by Louisville who were led by Rick Pitino who would go on to coach Kentucky Wildcats that won 2016 National Championship under head coach John Calipari.

21. EJ Liddell

Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball

Career

• High school: Belleville West, (Belleville, Illinois)
• College: Ohio State (2019–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Pelicans
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2022–present: →Birmingham Squadron
• Third-team All-American – AP, USBWA, NABC, SN (2022), First-team All-Big Ten – Media (2022), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2021, 2022), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2022), Second-team All-Big Ten – Media (2021), 2× Illinois Mr. Basketball (2018, 2019)

EJ Liddell is a young power forward who was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2022 NBA Draft. At 22 years old, Liddell has plenty of time to develop his skills in the NBA and become one of the best players on his team.

His college career at Ohio State was impressive, as he averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds per game over two seasons with the Buckeyes. Liddell will need to work hard on his shooting if he wants to make an impact in the NBA, but he is already an excellent rebounder and passer for a power forward.

The Pelicans are hoping that Liddell can help them reach their goals of making it back to the playoffs next season EJ Liddell was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. 

Liddell spent his first four seasons with the Birmingham Squadron before joining the Pelicans for the 2021-22 season.

The 5'11" forward has appeared in 258 career games and averaged 10.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assists per game over that span. 

In 22 appearances during the 2019-20 season, Liddell averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 53 percent from field goal range en route to earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors from both media and coaches alike.

22. JaJuan Johnson

Türk Telekom B.K.

Career

• High school: Franklin Central, (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Purdue (2007–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2012: Boston Celtics
• 2012: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2012–2013: Canton Charge
• 2013: Idaho Stampede
• 2013–2014: Pistoia
• 2014: Guangdong Southern Tigers
• 2014–2015: Beşiktaş
• 2015: Krasny Oktyabr
• 2015–2017: Cantù
• 2017–2018: Darüşşafaka
• 2018–2019: Lokomotiv Kuban
• 2019–2020: Bahçeşehir Koleji
• 2020–2021: Bayern Munich
• 2021–2022: Türk Telekom
• 2022–present: BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque
• EuroCup champion (2018), All-EuroCup Second Team (2018), Consensus first-team All-American (2011), Pete Newell Big Man Award (2011), Big Ten Player of the Year (2011), Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2011), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2009, 2011), Second-team All-Big Ten (2010), 3× Big Ten All-Defensive team (2009–2011)

JaJuan Johnson was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in the 2011 NBA Draft. He has spent his entire career with the Nets, appearing in over 200 games. As a power forward/center, he averages 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.

JaJuan is an American born player who attended Franklin Central High School before playing college basketball at Purdue University where he averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game as a senior captain for the Boilermakers team that made it to the NCAA tournament Final Four.

In 2011–12, JaJuan played 26 games (24 starts) for Boston Celtics averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds off of shots from within six feet of the basket.

While shooting 46% from three point range en route to earning Second Team All-Rookie honors from Basketball America magazine after also being named Rookie of The Month for December 2012 by Eastern Conference Coaches Association.

23. Frank Kaminsky

Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball

Career

• High school: Benet Academy (Lisle, Illinois)
• College: Wisconsin (2011–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
• Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2019: Charlotte Hornets
• 2019–2022: Phoenix Suns
• 2022–present: Atlanta Hawks
• National college player of the year (2015), Consensus first-team All-American (2015), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (2015), Big Ten Player of the Year (2015), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2014, 2015), Big Ten tournament MVP (2015), No. 44 jersey retired by Wisconsin Badgers

Kaminsky was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the ninth overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. Kaminsky played college basketball for Wisconsin, where he was named a First-Team All-American and won two Big Ten Championships.

In his rookie season, Kaminsky averaged 14 points and 7 rebounds per game for the Hornets. Kaminsky has since moved to Atlanta and continued to be a key player for them in 2017–2018, averaging 19 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Kaminsky is a former college basketball player who has played in the NBA for two seasons. He was named a consensus first-team All-American and won several awards during his time at Wisconsin, including being named the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2015.

Kaminsky was drafted 44th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2015, after playing three seasons with Wisconsin where he averaged 17.8 points and 7 rebounds per game. 

In 2018, he signed with the Phoenix Suns on a one-year contract worth $5 million dollars before joining Atlanta Hawks later that season.

24. Denzel Valentine

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: J. W. Sexton (Lansing, Michigan)
• College: Michigan State (2012–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2021: Chicago Bulls
• 2017, 2019: →Windy City Bulls
• 2021–2022: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2022: Utah Jazz
• 2022–present: Maine Celtics
• AP Player of the Year (2016), NABC Player of the Year (2016), Consensus first-team All-American (2016), Senior CLASS Award (2016), Julius Erving Award (2016), Lute Olson Award (2016), Big Ten Player of the Year (2016), First-team All-Big Ten (2016), Third-team All-Big Ten (2015), Big Ten tournament MOP (2016)
• Medals, , Representing the  United States, Pan American Games, : 2015 Toronto: National team
• Representing the  United States
• Pan American Games
• : 2015 Toronto: National team

Denzel Valentine was drafted 14th overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2016. Denzel played for the Bulls from 2016-2021 before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021.

Denzel is a shooting guard and averaged 7 points per game over his career with Chicago and Memphis. Denzel Valentine was a consensus first-team All-American and Senior CLASS Award winner in 2016.

He led Michigan to the Final Four that year, where they were upset by Villanova. Denzel has since moved on to the NBA, playing for Utah and Maine over the past two years. In his two seasons, he's averaged 10 points and six assists per game while shooting 46 percent from three-point range.

Averaging 22 minutes per game during his time with the Jazz this season, Denzel is doing everything possible to help them make an impact in the playoffs next week.

25. Gary Bradds

Career

• High school: Greeneview (Jamestown, Ohio)
• College: Ohio State (1961–1964)
• NBA draft 1964 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
• Playing career: 1964–1971
• Position: Power forward / Small forward
• Number: 33, 30, 31, 40
• 1964–1966: Baltimore Bullets
• 1967–1969: Oakland Oaks / Washington Caps
• 1970: Carolina Cougars
• 1970–1971: Texas Chaparrals
• ABA champion (1969), AP Player of the Year (1964), UPI College Player of the Year (1964), Consensus first-team All-American (1964), Consensus second-team All-American (1963), No. 35 retired by Ohio State Buckeyes
• Points: 3,106 (12.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,398 (5.5 rpg)
• Assists: 227 (0.9 apg)
• Medals, , Representing  United States, Men's basketball, Pan American Games, : 1963 São Paulo: Team Competition
• Representing  United States
• Men's basketball
• Pan American Games
• : 1963 São Paulo: Team Competition

Gary Bradds was a prolific scorer in the NBA and ranks sixth all time in points scored. He played for the Baltimore Bullets, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers over his career.

Gary Bradds had an accomplished college career at Ohio State where he led the team to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1961 and 1962. After going undrafted out of college, Bradds joined the Baltimore Bullets as their third pick overall in 1964.

He quickly emerged as one of the league’s top power forwards, averaging 20 points per game from 1964–1971 with L.A., Chicago and Cleveland respectively. 

In 1971, after nine seasons with four different teams, Gary Bradds retired from professional basketball due to injury concerns which forced him into early retirement at just 33 years old.

Since retiring from playing professional basketball, Gary has devoted himself full-time to his business interests including owning several restaurants across.

Columbus and serving on many charitable boards including those for The United Way of Central Ohio & Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation - both organizations that greatly impacted his life during his time spent playing ball professionally.

26. Rudy Tomjanovich

Houston Rockets

Career

• 1970–1981: San Diego / Houston Rockets
• As coach:
• 1983–1992: Houston Rockets (assistant)
• 1992–2003: Houston Rockets
• 2004–2005: Los Angeles Lakers

Rudy Tomjanovich played in the NBA for over 20 years, most notably with the San Diego Rockets. He is known as one of the best power forwards to ever play the game and was a 12-time All-Star.

After retiring from playing he went on to work as a consultant for various teams in the league. Rudy Tomjanovich has also served as head coach of several teams, most notably Houston and Los Angeles Lakers, where he led them to two championships respectively.

He is currently retired from coaching but remains an influential figure within basketball circles Rudy Tomjanovich was a highly successful coach in the NBA, winning two championships with the Houston Rockets. 

He began his coaching career with the Rockets as an assistant and later took over as head coach for 1992-2003.After leaving Houston, he spent four seasons as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 2005.

27. Steve Alford

Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball

Career

• High school: Chrysler (New Castle, Indiana)
• College: Indiana (1983–1987)
• NBA draft 1987 / Round: 2 / Pick: 26th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 1987–1991
• Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
• Number: 2, 4
• Coaching career: 1991–present
• As player:, NCAA champion (1987), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1986, 1987), 3× First-team All-Big Ten (1985–1987), Big Ten MVP (1987), Indiana Mr. Basketball (1983), , As coach:, , Pac-12 tournament champion (2014), 2× MWC tournament champion (2012, 2013), 4× MWC regular season champion (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), 2× Big Ten tournament champion (2001, 2006), 2× Heartland Conference regular season champion (1994, 1995), 3× MWC Coach of the Year (2009, 2010, 2013)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, : 1984 Los Angeles: Basketball
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• : 1984 Los Angeles: Basketball

Steve Alford is currently the head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack in the Mountain West Conference. Prior to his coaching career, he played point guard and shooting guard in the NBA for the Dallas Mavericks from 1987-1991.

His coaching experience began in 1991 with a stint as an assistant at Arizona State before moving on to Indiana University where he was head coach from 2003-2013. He has also served as an assistant coach at UCLA and Iowa State among other schools throughout his lengthy coaching career.

In 2013, he was named head coach at New Mexico Lobos who are members of Division I basketball . In 2017-2018, Alford led a young UNM squad to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006 by winning 29 games.

Overall including 20 against conference opponents en route to earning MWC regular season champion status for just the second time ever.

The Lobos lost 71-62 (8OT) in overtime against #1 seed Villanova in their opening round matchup but showed great resilience - having trailed by fourteen points with 7:22 left - ultimately becoming one of just four teams nationally ranked below #25 that made it allthe way to Dance under Steve Alford's tutelage. 

 A native of Franklin, Indiana (just outside Indianapolis), Steve attended Chrysler High School where he starred both on and off the court during his playing days alongside future pros Reggie Miller (Indiana Pacers) and Christian Laettner (Kansas Jayhawks).

Also Played For: nevada wolf pack basketball, university of nevada basketball

28. Cazzie Russell

New York Knicks

Career

• NBA champion (1970)
• NBA All-Star (1972)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1967)
• CBA Newcomer of the Year (1981)
• National college player of the year (1966)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1965, 1966)
• Consensus second-team All-American (1964)
• No. 33 retired by Michigan Wolverines
• Mr. Basketball USA (1962)
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (1962)

Cazzie Russell was a highly successful small forward in the NBA for more than 20 years. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994. Russell played college basketball at Michigan and led the Wolverines to two NCAA championships (1963 and 1966).

He was drafted by the New York Knicks with the first overall pick in the 1966 NBA draft, and he went on to win three consecutive MVP awards (1969-71). 

After retiring from playing, Russell coached various teams throughout the league before becoming head coach of his alma mater, Michigan, in 1981.

He continues to serve as an influential figure within professional basketball today. Cazzie Russell is one of the most successful players in NBA history. He played for six different teams during his career, and won three championships with the New York Knicks. 

After retirement, he became a coach and led various teams to success, including the Atlanta Hawks and Armstrong State University.

29. Joe Barry Carroll

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: East (Denver, Colorado)
• College: Purdue (1976–1980)
• NBA draft 1980 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1980–1991
• Position: Center
• Number: 2, 11
• 1980–1984: Golden State Warriors
• 1984–1985: Simac Milano
• 1985–1987: Golden State Warriors
• 1987–1988: Houston Rockets
• 1988–1990: New Jersey Nets
• 1990: Denver Nuggets
• 1991: Phoenix Suns
• NBA All-Star (1987), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1981), Italian Serie A champion (1985), FIBA Korać Cup (1985), Consensus first-team All-America (1980), Third-team All-America – AP, NABC (1979), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1979, 1980)
• Points: 12,455 (17.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,404 (7.7 rpg)
• Blocks: 1,121 (1.6 bpg)
• Medals, , Representing  United States, Men's basketball, World Invitational Tournament, : 1978 United States: Men's Basketball
• Representing  United States
• Men's basketball
• World Invitational Tournament
• : 1978 United States: Men's Basketball

Joe Barry Carroll was drafted first overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1980. He played for the Warriors from 1980 to 1991, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per season.

Carroll won two NBA championships with the Warriors (1980 and 1986), as well as an MVP award in 1987. After leaving the NBA, he played for several other teams before retiring in 1995 after a stint with Spanish club Valencia Basketbal Club.

Carroll was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1988 and made an immediate impact on the court. He won two consecutive NBA All-Star games, averaging 17.7 points per game over his four year career. Carroll played for the Nuggets, Suns, and Cavaliers before retiring in 2000 at age 36 due to knee injuries.

His legacy is cemented as one of the most effective forwards of his era; he ranks fifth all-time in scoring with 12,455 points and fourth in rebounding with 5,404 rebounds.

30. Kent Benson

Detroit Pistons

Career

• High school: Chrysler (New Castle, Indiana)
• College: Indiana (1973–1977)
• NBA draft 1977 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1977–1989
• Position: Center
• Number: 54
• 1977–1980: Milwaukee Bucks
• 1980–1986: Detroit Pistons
• 1986–1987: Utah Jazz
• 1987–1988: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1988–1989: Vismara Cantù
• NCAA champion (1976), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1976), Helms Foundation Player of the Year (1976), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1976, 1977), Third-team Parade All-American (1973)
• Points: 6,168 (9.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,881 (5.7 rpg)
• Assists: 1,203 (1.8 apg)

Kent Benson was drafted 1st overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1977. He played for the Bucks from 1977 to 1989, averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game over his career.

After retiring from playing basketball, Kent became a coach with the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers. Kent is one of only two players in NBA history to score more than 20,000 points and grab more than 10,000 rebounds in his career (the other being Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

In 2013, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor candidate. Kent Benson was a two-time consensus first-team All-American in both 1976 and 1977 while playing for the Detroit Pistons. 

He also won an NCAA championship with the Michigan Wolverines in 1976, and played in three consecutive NBA Finals (1981–1983).

After retiring from basketball, Kent became a successful coach at several schools including Utah Jazz (1986–1987), Cleveland Cavaliers (1988–1989), Vismara Cantù (1990) and Kansas State Wildcats (1991).

31. Evan Turner

Philadelphia 76ers

Career

• High school: St. Joseph (Westchester, Illinois)
• College: Ohio State (2007–2010)
• NBA draft 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2010–2020
• Position: Small forward / Guard
• Number: 12, 11, 1
• Coaching career: 2020–present
• National college player of the year (2010), Consensus first-team All-American (2010), Big Ten Player of the Year (2010), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2009, 2010), Big Ten tournament MVP (2010), No. 21 retired by Ohio State Buckeyes
• Points: 6,824 (9.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,278 (4.6 rpg)
• Assists: 2,462 (3.5 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 2009 Belgrade: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 2009 Belgrade: Team competition

Evan Turner was a talented small forward and guard who played in the NBA from 2010 to 2020. He started his career with the Philadelphia 76ers, but is best known for playing with the Portland Trail Blazers.

In total, he scored 14,745 points in his NBA career and won two championships with Portland. After retiring as a player, Evan began coaching professionally in 2020. Turner was a four-year player at Ohio State, where he won two Big Ten Player of the Year awards and was named an All-American both times.

The 6'7" Turner has averaged 9.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in his career, most notably as a member of Boston's 2016–2019 championship squad. Turner is now an assistant coach with the Celtics, who are gearing up for another run at glory this season under new head coach Brad Stevens.

32. Jalen Pickett

Siena Saints men's basketball

Career

• High school: , Aquinas Institute, (Rochester, New York), SPIRE Academy, (Geneva, Ohio)
• College: , Siena (2018–2021), Penn State (2021–present)
• MAAC Player of the Year (2020), 3× First-team All-MAAC (2019–2021), MAAC Rookie of the Year (2019)

Jalen Pickett is a point guard for Penn State in the Big Ten Conference. He was born on October 22, 1999 and has American nationality. 

Jalen played high school basketball at Aquinas Institute where he averaged 16 points, six assists, four rebounds and one steal per game as a senior.

As a freshman at PSU, Pickett started all 31 games and averaged 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game while leading his team to an 18-16 record.

overall and 10-6 mark in conference play which secured them a spot in the NCAA Tournament's Second Round where they fell to eventual champion Kentucky 74-57 despite picking up 14 steals from Pickett who finished with seven turnovers total that night.

In his sophomore season (2018-19), Pickett once again led PSU to another successful campaign as they went 20-12 overall including 8-10 in conference play good for fifth place finish but also their first appearance.

In the NIT since 2014 when they narrowly lost 64-61 against Kansas after holding their own throughout most of regulation only to fall apart down the stretch? 

Lastly during this year's postseason he recorded averages of 9 PPG (third on team) along with 4 RPG (second on team) en route to being named First Team All Big Ten performer by both coaches & media members.

? After two years of solid yet unspectacular performances it would appear that Jalen may have reached his ceiling due to lack or opportunity? 

This could change should Penn State decide not renew Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract opting instead for someone like Jalen who can provide similar level production off the bench while still developing into more of an all around player.?

Regardless if picks up another offer from PSU or not there are certainly other professional teams out there who would welcome him with open arms?

Also Played For: penn state university basketball, ncaa men's division

33. Jared Sullinger

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Northland (Columbus, Ohio)
• College: Ohio State (2010–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2016: Boston Celtics
• 2016–2017: Toronto Raptors
• 2017: Raptors 905
• 2017–2018: Shenzhen Aviators
• 2021: Anyang KGC
• 2021–present: Shenzhen Leopards
• KBL Playoffs MVP (2021), CBA rebounding leader (2018), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (2011, 2012), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2011), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2011), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2011, 2012), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2011), Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2010), McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010), Second-team Parade All-American (2009), 2× Ohio Mr. Basketball (2009, 2010)

Jared Sullinger attended Northland High School in Columbus, Ohio. He played college basketball for Ohio State and was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2012.

In his NBA career, he has played for the Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Sullinger is known for his rebounding ability and scoring average of 10 points per game.

He announced his retirement from professional basketball in March 2019 following a season-ending injury suffered during the playoffs with the Cavs Jared Sullinger was a two-time consensus first-team All-American and an all-conference selection as a freshman at Ohio State.

He left college early to enter the 2007 NBA draft, but was not selected. Sullinger spent three seasons with the Boston Celtics, appearing in 71 games and averaging 8.5 points and 5 rebounds per game before being traded to Phoenix in 2012. 

In his final season with Phoenix, he averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game en route to winning his only championship ring with the team.

After failing to find a new home during free agency, Sullinger signed with Shenzhen Aviators of the Chinese Basketball Association in November 2017.

Also Played For: china basketball league, chinese basketball association

34. Terrence Shannon Jr.

Texas Tech Red Raiders men's basketball

Career

• High school: , Lincoln Park, (Chicago, Illinois), IMG Academy, (Bradenton, Florida)
• College: , Texas Tech (2019–2022), Illinois (2022–present)
• Third-team All-Big 12 (2021), Big 12 All-Freshman Team (2019)

Terrence Shannon Jr. is a 2020 graduate of Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, Illinois, and played college ball for the Illinois Fighting Illini. Terrence has been listed as 6'6" and 215 lbs on most websites that list his information, making him one of the biggest players in college basketball.

He averaged 14 points per game as a freshman with the Fighting Illini before declaring for the NBA draft following his sophomore season. In March 2019, Shannon was arrested after an alleged altercation at a hotel near campus where he was attending an NCAA tournament game against Kentucky Wildcats.

The incident remains under investigation but no charges have yet been filed. As of September 2019, Shannon is playing professional basketball with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany's ProB league.

35. Ayo Dosunmu

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Morgan Park (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Illinois (2018–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 38th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Chicago Bulls
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2021), Bob Cousy Award (2021), 2× First-team All-Big Ten – Media (2020, 2021), First-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2021), Second-team All-Big Ten – Coaches (2020), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2019), Big Ten tournament MOP (2021), No. 11 jersey honored by Fighting Illini
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2018 St. Catharines: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2018 St. Catharines: Team

Dosunmu was born on January 17, 2000, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Morgan Park High School and played for the school's basketball team before joining the Illinois Fighting Illini as a freshman in 2018–19.

Dosunmu averaged 5.5 points, 1 rebound, and 0 assists per game during his time at Illinois but was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team following his sophomore season in 2021–22. 

The shooting guard was drafted 38th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2021 NBA draft and made his professional debut with their G-League affiliate Windy City Bulls later that year.

Dosunmu has also appeared for both the UConn Huskies teams (2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament) and United States Virgin Islands national team (2019 Caribbean Championships). 

Dosunmu was a consensus first-team All-American and Bob Cousy Award winner as a junior, leading Illinois to the Final Four. The Nigerian-born Dosunmu averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists during his three seasons with the Fighting Illini.

Dosunmu signed with an agent in 2020 after declaring for the NBA Draft but did not hire one before returning to college for his senior season. After graduating from Illinois in May 2021, Dosunmu signed with the Houston Rockets but was waived shortly thereafter due to injuries sustained in preseason games. 

Dosunmu joined the Philadelphia 76ers’ affiliate team Fort Wayne Mad Ants on October 16th of that year He made his debut for Philadelphia on November 21st against Brooklyn Nets scoring 10 points off the bench and recording 5 assists along with 3 steals.

Also Played For: illinois basketball, illinois fighting illini men's basketball

36. Alando Tucker

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: Lockport Township, (Lockport, Illinois)
• College: Wisconsin (2002–2007)
• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 29th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2007–2017
• Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 29
• Coaching career: 2019–present
• Consensus first-team All-American (2007), Big Ten Player of the Year (2007), Senior CLASS Award (2007)

Alando Tucker was born on February 11, 1984 in Joliet, Illinois. He attended Lockport Township High School and played college basketball for Wisconsin from 2002 to 2007.

After being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2007 NBA draft, Tucker started his professional career with them before spending time with several other teams over the next six seasons.

In 2017 he signed a two-year contract with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe Üniversitesi and helped them win their first championship title that year. In 2019 he became head coach of UNLV's men's basketball team after previously coaching at Utah State University (2013–2018) and Montana Tech (2015).

Tucker was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2007 and played with them until 2009. He then spent two seasons playing for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds before joining the Iowa Energy for two more years. Tucker then signed a contract with Minnesota Timberwolves, but he only played one game before being released.

He next moved to Spain and joined Gran Canaria where he played from 2011-2015 before returning to Israel to play for Hapoel Eilat in 2017. Tucker has also been an assistant coach at Wisconsin since 2019.

Also Played For: university of wisconsin-madison basketball

37. Isaiah Livers

Michigan Wolverines men's basketball

Career

• High school: Kalamazoo Central, (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
• College: Michigan (2017–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 42nd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–present: Detroit Pistons
• 2021–2022: →Motor City Cruise
• Second-team All-Big Ten (2021), Michigan Mr. Basketball (2017)

Livers was a four-star recruit and the No. 12 small forward in the nation according to Rivals. He played high school basketball for Kalamazoo Central, averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game as a senior.

Livers was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with their first pick in the 2018 NBA draft, but he wasn’t included on their roster right away due to injury concerns. 

After appearing in seven games off of waivers with the Erie BayHawks of the G League, Livers made his debut with Detroit on January 9th against Oklahoma City Thunder where he recorded six points and three rebounds in 17 minutes playing time).

On February 25th against Brooklyn Nets, Livers had his best performance statistically recording 20 points (7-of-14 shooting), eight rebounds and two blocks while logging 33 minutes playing time) which led him to being named.

Eastern Conference Rookie of The Month for February 2019 (the only rookie from both conferences selected). 

In March 2019, Liver signed a multiyear contract extension that will keep him with Detroit through 2024–25 season worth $63 million dollars including an option for 2025–26 at an additional $20 million dollar salary cap hit making him one of highest paid players in league history.

Isaiah has been nominated for 2nd annual Kia MVP Award , given annually by NBA TV “to honor an individual who exemplifies great play both on and off-court throughout each month during the regular season”. His competition is other top rookies such as Kemba Walker Jr., Deandre Ayton & Marvin Bagley.

38. Joe Wieskamp

Wisconsin Herd

Career

• High school: Muscatine, (Muscatine, Iowa)
• College: Iowa (2018–2021)
• NBA draft 2021 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the San Antonio Spurs
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–2022: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–2022: →Austin Spurs
• 2022–2023: Wisconsin Herd
• 2023–present: Toronto Raptors
• 2023: →Raptors 905
• Second-team All-Big Ten (2021), Third-team All-Big Ten (2020), Big Ten All-Freshman Team (2019), Iowa Mr. Basketball (2018)

Joe Wieskamp was born on August 23, 1999 in Muscatine, Iowa. He attended high school at Muscatine and played for the varsity basketball team there. Joe Wieskamp then went to play college basketball with the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2018-2021.

After he finished his college career, Joe was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the 2021 NBA draft as a second round pick (41st overall). In his rookie season with Toronto, he averaged 5 points per game and 2 rebounds per game over 38 games played during the regular season.

Joe is currently playing for the Raptors' G League affiliate team, Raptors 905 of the NBA Development League (D-League). Joe Wieskamp was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2021. Joe has played for the Austin Spurs, Wisconsin Herd, and Toronto Raptors during his career so far.

He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2019 and Mr. Basketball of Iowa in 2018. Joe is a versatile player who can play both shooting guard and small forward positions well on offense, while also providing defense on perimeter players with his length and size at 6'7".

39. Malcolm Hill

Atlanta Hawks

Career

• High school: Belleville East (Belleville, Illinois)
• College: Illinois (2013–2017)
• NBA draft: 2017 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017: Star Hotshots
• 2017–2018: Telekom Baskets Bonn
• 2018–2019: MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg
• 2019–2020: BC Astana
• 2020–2021: Hapoel Jerusalem
• 2021: Birmingham Squadron
• 2021–2022: Atlanta Hawks
• 2022–present: Chicago Bulls
• 2022–present: →Windy City Bulls
• VTB United League scoring champion (2020), VTB United League All-Star (2020), 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2016, 2017)

Malcolm Hill was a small forward for the Chicago Bulls. He played college basketball at Illinois and entered the 2017 NBA draft but was not drafted. Malcolm Hill signed with the Bulls in August of that year and has since been playing in their G League affiliate, the Windy City Bulls.

Malcolm Hill has had success in his professional career so far, averaging 11 points per game over 33 games this season for Windy City Bulls - helping them qualify for playoffs. 

Malcolm Hill is a versatile player who can play both forward positions. He started his career with Telekom Baskets Bonn before joining MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in 2018–19.

Malcolm then joined BC Astana for the 2019-20 season and helped them to reach the Euroleague Playoffs. In 2020, he signed with Chicago Bulls and has been playing there since. Malcolm is a very good scorer and passer and has scored over 20 points in each of his last two seasons in the NBA.

40. Gary Grant

Career

• High school: Canton McKinley (Canton, Ohio)
• College: Michigan (1984–1988)
• NBA draft 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 1988–2002
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 23, 1, 14
• 1988–1995: Los Angeles Clippers
• 1995–1996: New York Knicks
• 1996–1997: Miami Heat
• 1997: Yakima Sun Kings
• 1998: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1998–1999: Aris
• 1999–2001: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2001–2002: Peristeri
• Consensus first-team All-American (1988), Second-team All-American – USBWA (1987), Big Ten Player of the Year (1988), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (1986), First-team Parade All-American (1984)
• Points: 4,368 (7.9 ppg)
• Assists: 3,013 (5.5 apg)
• Rebounds: 1,283 (2.3 rpg)

Grant was a high school All-American point guard who went on to play in the NBA for 20 years. Grant is best known for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he won two championships and earned three MVP awards.

In 2002, Grant retired from professional basketball after playing with the Washington Wizards. Since retiring from basketball, Grant has pursued various business ventures and served as an ambassador for Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Gary Grant is married and has three children; he currently resides in California. Grant was a consensus first-team All-American in 1988, and won Big Ten Player of the Year honors. 

Grant played college basketball for the University of Michigan before being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round of the 1988 NBA draft.

Grant spent seven seasons with Portland, winning two championships (1996 and 1997). He retired after playing one season with Aris Bologna in Italy. 

After retiring from basketball, Grant worked as an analyst on various networks before becoming a sports agent in 2007. In 2011, Grant was elected to serve as president of his alma mater's alumni association.

GaryGrant is married to former model Lori McNeil and they have three children together: Sydney (born 1995), Nicholas (born 1998), and Jackson (born 2002).

41. A. J. Guyton

Career

• High school: Central (Peoria, Illinois)
• College: Indiana (1996–2000)
• NBA draft 2000 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32nd overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 2000–2010
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 11
• As player, Consensus first-team All-American (2000), Big Ten Player of the Year (2000), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (1997), As coach, 3× PBL champion (2012–2014), 2× PBL coach of the year (2012, 2013)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing  United States, Goodwill Games, : 1998 New York: Team competition
• Men’s basketball
• Representing  United States
• Goodwill Games
• : 1998 New York: Team competition

Guyton played for the Chicago Bulls from 2000 to 2002. He then signed with the Golden State Warriors, where he spent two seasons before joining the Huntsville Flight of the NBA Development League in 2003.

Guyton was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 2000 and saw action as a shooting guard and point guard over his six-year career in the NBA. Guyton is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and consensus first-team All-American.

Guyton was the 2000 Big Ten Player of the Year and helped lead Fortitudo to back-to-back Italian League titles in 2001 and 2002. Guyton played professionally for Tel Aviv, Bologna, Virtus Bologna, Reggio Calabria (Calcio), Zagreb (Croatia) and Larissa (Greece).

In 2017, Guyton became Northwestern's director of player development after spending three years as an assistant coach at Loyola University Maryland.

42. Shawn Respert

Career

• 1995–1997: Milwaukee Bucks
• 1997–1998: Toronto Raptors
• 1998: Dallas Mavericks
• 1999: Phoenix Suns
• 1999–2000: Adecco Milano
• 2000–2001: Near East
• 2001–2002: Fillattice Imola
• 2002–2003: Spójnia Stargard Szczeciński
• As coach:
• 2013–2016: Memphis Grizzlies (assistant)

Shawn Respert was a point guard in the NBA for 10 years. He played for Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and Portland Trail Blazers during his playing career.

Shawn is currently a coach in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves. As a player, he averaged 13 points per game and 3 assists over his career. Shawn Respert played college basketball for Michigan State.

Respert was a three-time consensus first-team All-American and won the National Association of Basketball Coaches Player of the Year award in 1995. 

He was selected by the Dallas Mavericks with the ninth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, but he only spent one season with them before being traded to Phoenix Suns where he played until 2000.

After spending time overseas, including stints with Adecco Milano and Fillattice Imola, Respert joined Near East midway through 2001–2002 season as an assistant coach before leaving after two years due to personal reasons. 

In 2013, Shawn became an assistant coach for Memphis Grizzlies under Lionel Hollins and helped them make it to their first playoff appearance since 2004 that led him to be offered a contract extension which he declined citing family reasons.

However, they would eventually lose in six games against San Antonio Spurs in Conference Semifinals (2014).

Also Played For: michigan high school basketball

43. Jay Edwards

Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball

Career

• High school: Marion (Marion, Indiana)
• College: Indiana (1987–1989)
• NBA draft 1989 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33rd overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 1989–2001
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 3
• 1989–1991: Los Angeles Clippers
• 1991: Rapid City Thrillers
• 1991–1992: Fort Wayne Fury
• 1993: Argal Huesca
• 1993: Fort Wayne Fury
• 1993–1994: Rochester Renegade
• 1994–1995: Rockford Lightning
• 1995–1996: Fort Wayne Fury
• 1996: Connecticut Pride
• 1996–1997: Yakima Sun Kings
• 1997–2000: Elitzur Ashkelon
• 2001: Gimnasia de Comodoro
• Consensus second-team All-American (1989), Big Ten Player of the Year (1989), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (1988), Second-team Parade All-American (1987), Indiana Mr. Basketball (1987)

Jay Edwards was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for ten seasons. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1989 and spent his first six years with them before moving to Rapid City Thrillers and Fort Wayne Fury in 1991 and 1992, respectively.

Jay then had a long career playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring at the age of 34 in 2001. 

Throughout his professional basketball career he averaged 10 points per game on 45% shooting from three-point range while also averaging 2 assists per game over his ten seasons Edwards was a two-time All-American for the Indiana Hoosiers, and he was an important part of their 1989 NCAA Championship squad.

Edwards went undrafted in the 1990 NBA Draft but signed with the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent. He spent three seasons with Milwaukee before being traded to Miami Heat in 1995 where he played for one more season. 

After stints with Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors, Edwards retired from professional basketball in 2000 at age 29 due to injuries sustained during his playing career. Edwards currently works as an assistant coach at Butler University under Rick Majerus.

44. Ron Harper

Cleveland Cavaliers

Career

• High school: Kiser (Dayton, Ohio)
• College: Miami (Ohio) (1982–1986)
• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 1986–2001
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 4, 9
• Coaching career: 2005–2007
• 5× NBA champion (1996–1998, 2000, 2001), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1987), Consensus second-team All-American (1986), 2× MAC Player of the Year (1985, 1986), 3× First-team All-MAC (1984–1986), No. 34 retired by Miami RedHawks
• Points: 13,910 (13.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,309 (4.3 rpg)
• Assist: 3,915 (3.9 apg)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 1985 Kobe: National team
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 1985 Kobe: National team

Harper was a two-time All-Star and one of the most decorated players in NBA history. Harper played for the Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors during his 15-year career.

He is regarded as one of the best shooting guards ever to play in the league and helped lead Cleveland to their first championship in 52 years in 2016. 

After retiring from playing, Harper began a successful coaching career with stints at several clubs including Miami (Ohio) University and Xavier University before joining Indiana Pacers as head coach in 2005 Harper was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls.

He was an All-Rookie First Team selection in 1987 and Second-Team All-American in 1986. Harper is Miami's all-time leader in blocks (1,590) and steals (1,596). In 2006, he became Detroit's interim head coach after Flip Saunders resigned due to health reasons.

 Harper led the Pistons to a 41–41 record before being replaced by Lawrence Frank midway through the 2007 season. Harper retired from playing professional basketball following the end of the 2007–08 season as a result of chronic knee injuries.

He had been battling for several years prior to his retirement announcement; however, he remained on staff as an assistant coach with Detroit until July 2015 when he left to become head coach at Indiana State University.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, los angeles clippers

45. Zavier Simpson

Oklahoma City Thunder

Career

• High school: Lima Senior, (Lima, Ohio)
• College: Michigan (2016–2020)
• NBA draft: 2020 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021–2022: Oklahoma City Blue
• 2022: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2022–present: Lakeland Magic
• 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2019, 2020), Big Ten All-Defensive team (2019), Ohio Mr. Basketball (2016)

Zavier Simpson was selected by the Michigan Wolverines in the 2016 NBA draft. He played college basketball for Michigan and led them to two Big Ten championships (2017, 2018).

In the 2019 G League playoffs, he averaged 25 points per game as Lakeland Magic reached the league finals. Simpson has appeared in 82 games for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA, scoring an average of 3 points per game.

Zavier is a natural point guard who excels at creating opportunities for his teammates with his passing skills and shooting ability from outside-the-three-point line Zavier Simpson was a high school basketball standout, earning Second-team All-Big Ten honors in both his junior and senior seasons.

He went on to play two years of college ball at Oklahoma City before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Blue in the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Since then, Zavier has played for the Lakeland Magic of the G League and is currently with their affiliate team, the Tulsa 66ers, in 2020–21 season. In total, Simpson has averaged 4 points and 3 rebounds per game over his career thus far.

46. Zed Key

Career

• High school: Long Island Lutheran, (Brookville, New York)
• College: Ohio State (2020–present)

Zed Key is a 20-year-old power forward/center for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was born on April 4, 2002 and has yet to achieve any major accomplishments in his young career.

Zed Key played high school basketball at Findlay Prep in Nevada where he averaged 19 points and 14 rebounds per game as a senior. As a freshman, he started 13 of 15 games for the Buckeyes before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.

In 2017–18, Zed Key redshirted while recovering from surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Following offseason workouts, he announced that he would return to action this season and had been playing well by averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds per game through 11 games when he suffered another ankle injury against Michigan which ended his season prematurely once again.

Despite being hampered by injuries throughout his college career thus far, there is potential for Zed Key to develop into an effective player if given the opportunity to do so over time; however, it will be important for him to stay healthy if he wants any shot at becoming a successful professional athlete.

47. Ignas Brazdeikis

Orlando Magic

Career

• High school: , Holy Trinity CSS (Oakville, Ontario), Orangeville Prep (Mono, Ontario)
• College: Michigan (2018–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–2021: New York Knicks
• 2019–2021: →Westchester Knicks
• 2021: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2021–2022: Orlando Magic
• 2021–2022: →Lakeland Magic
• 2022–present: Žalgiris Kaunas
• AP Honorable mention All-American (2019), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2019), Second-team All-Big Ten (2019), Big Ten All-Freshman team (2019)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2015 Bahia Blanca: Team Competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2015 Bahia Blanca: Team Competition

Brazdeikis is a 24-year-old small forward and shooting guard from Lithuania who played collegiately at Michigan. He was drafted 47th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA Draft.

Brazdeikis has been very productive in his three years playing professionally, averaging 14.9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game in LKL play this season. 

In 2018–19 he averaged 13.5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists for Michigan as they made it to the NCAA Tournament before losing to Texas Tech in the second round.

Brazdeikis will likely spend most of his time with Žalgiris Kaunas next season where he can continue developing his skills while also contributing towards Lithuanian success on the EuroLeague stage Ignas Brazdeikis is a Lithuanian-born power forward who has played for Žalgiris Kaunas and the Sacramento Kings. 

Brazdeikis was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2019 NBA draft.

He started playing professional basketball with Žalgiris Kaunas in 2016, and he spent two seasons there before joining the Sacramento Kings in 2019. Brazdeikis averaged 13 points and 5 rebounds per game during his rookie season with the Kings, helping them make it to the playoffs as an eighth seed. 

In 2020–21, Brazdeikis joined New York Knicks but did not play much due to injury; after being traded to Westchester Knicks later that year, he helped them reach their first playoff series since 2015–16.

The following season, Brazdeikis signed with the Philadelphia 76ers but again failed to make much of an impact; he was then traded back to Lakeland Magic midway through 2020–21 where he starred for most of the season en route to winning Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year honors (2021). 

Brazdeika's contract expired at end of the 2021 campaign and so far no teams have shown interest on signing him although rumors abound that Cleveland Cavaliers could be interested given. 

Kyrie Irving’s departure from the team earlier this offseason which opens up a spot at center court for him on the roster next year Ignas Brasdiekís arrival comes just over a month. 

After DeMarcus Cousins left Sac City – another big man gone too soon – leaving fans wondering whether or not they can compete without one or more dominant centers on their roster. 

With other promising young prospects such as Marvin Bagley III waiting in line behind Buddy Hield (a scorer) and Skal Labissiere (an agile player), donít count out coach Dave Joerger just yet.

48. Daniel Oturu

Los Angeles Clippers

Career

• High school: Cretin-Derham Hall, (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
• College: Minnesota (2018–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33rd overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–2021: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2021: Windy City Bulls
• 2021–2022: Toronto Raptors
• 2022–present: Windy City Bulls
• Third-team All-American – SN (2020), Second-team All-Big Ten (2020), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2020)

Daniel Oturu is a center for the Windy City Bulls of the NBA G League. He was born on September 20, 1999 in Brooklyn, New York to Nigerian parents. Daniel attended Cretin-Derham Hall high school in Saint Paul, Minnesota and played for the varsity basketball team there from 2015 to 2018.

In his three seasons with Minnesota (2018–2020), he averaged 7.8 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field and 39% from 3-point range over 136 games played. Daniel was selected by the Chicago Bulls as an Undrafted Free Agent in 2019 and signed a two year contract with them that same month.

Daniel Oturu is a 20-year old forward from Windy City Bulls, who was drafted 33rd overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2020 NBA draft. He played college basketball at Iowa State University.

Where he averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game over his two seasons with the Cyclones. Daniel has been described as an "energetic player" and is known for his defensive versatility, which makes him valuable on both ends of the court.

With experience playing in Canada and Europe before coming to America's top league, Daniel will have plenty of chances to prove himself on an NBA stage in future years.

49. Sam Dekker

Toronto Raptors

Career

• High school: Sheboygan Lutheran, (Sheboygan, Wisconsin)
• College: Wisconsin (2012–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1st / Pick: 18th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2017: Houston Rockets
• 2016: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2017–2018: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2018–2019: Washington Wizards
• 2019–2020: Lokomotiv Kuban
• 2020–2021: Türk Telekom
• 2021: Toronto Raptors
• 2021–2022: Bahçeşehir Koleji
• 2022–present: London Lions
• FIBA Europe Cup champion (2022), 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (2014, 2015), Big Ten All-Freshman team (2013), First-team Parade All-American (2012), Wisconsin Mr. Basketball (2012)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2012 Brazil: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2012 Brazil: Team

Sam Dekker was drafted 18th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2015 NBA draft. He played college basketball at Wisconsin, where he helped lead the Badgers to consecutive NCAA championships in 2016 and 2017.

In his rookie season with the Rockets, Dekker averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game. In 2018–19, Dekker signed with Baskimi Koleji of Turkey’s Basketball Super League (BSL) and led them to their first ever Turkish Cup title.

The 28-year-old forward is currently a member of the London Lions of Europe’s top professional club competition – EuroCup – averaging 16 points and 8 rebounds per game this season so far.. Sam Dekker was a two-time Second Team All-Big Ten player at Wisconsin.

He then played for the Houston Rockets and Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. Dekker has been very productive, averaging 13 points per game off of 47% shooting from the field and 79% from 3 point range in 2018/19 with Cleveland so far.

Dekker is also known for his athleticism and defense, which should help him continue to develop as an all round player in the NBA.

Final Words

. . The Big Ten Conference is one of the most successful and competitive college basketball conferences in the United States. Some of the best players in NCAA history have come from this conference, including Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.