41. Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s Basketball Best Players of All time

The Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s Basketball team is a powerhouse in college basketball. Founded in 1901, the program has had great success throughout its history and continues to be one of the most successful teams in NCAA Division I. With 20 conference titles, 28 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, 14 Sweet Sixteen appearances and five Final Fours under their belt–the Bearcats have cemented themselves as an elite basketball program on both local and national levels.

The team plays at Fifth Third Arena located on UC’s campus which offers fans an exciting atmosphere with plenty of action. Led by head coach John Brannen since 2019, there is no doubt that this storied franchise will continue to build upon its rich tradition for years to come.

1. Oscar Robertson

Point guard

Career

• High school: Crispus Attucks, (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Cincinnati (1957–1960)
• NBA draft 1960 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1960–1974
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 14, 1
• 1960–1970: Cincinnati Royals
• 1970–1974: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (1971), NBA Most Valuable Player (1964), 12× NBA All-Star (1961–1972), 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1961, 1964, 1969), 9× All-NBA First Team (1961–1969), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1971), NBA Rookie of the Year (1961), 6× NBA assists leader (1961, 1962, 1964–1966, 1969), NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2018), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 14 retired by Sacramento Kings, No. 1 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, 2× Helms College Player of the Year (1959, 1960), 3× UPI College Player of the Year (1958–1960), 2× USBWA College Player of the Year (1959, 1960), 3× Sporting News College Player of the Year (1958–1960), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1958–1960), 3× NCAA season scoring leader (1958–1960), 3× First-team All-MVC (1958–1960), No. 12 retired by Cincinnati Bearcats, Mr. Basketball USA (1956)
• Points: 26,710 (25.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 7,804 (7.5 rpg)
• Assists: 9,887 (9.5 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1960 Rome: National Team, Pan American Games, : 1959 Chicago: {{{3}}}
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1960 Rome: National Team
• Pan American Games
• : 1959 Chicago: {{{3}}}

Oscar Robertson was a point guard who played in the NBA for 14 seasons. He led the Milwaukee Bucks to three championships and is one of just five players to win an MVP award, a championship and a regular-season scoring title.

Robertson also received six All-Star selections and was inducted into both the Kentucky Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

In 2012, he became only the third player in history to be voted into both the FIBA Hall of Fame and the National Basketball Association (NBA) hall of fame simultaneously.

Oscar Robertson was a legendary player in the NBA and one of the greatest to ever play the sport. He won championships with both the Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento Kings, was named MVP three times, and is also remembered for his outstanding individual performances.

 Oscar Robertson was born on February 6th, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He played collegiately at Helms College before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1971. After playing just nine games with Philadelphia as a rookie he was traded to Milwaukee where he would remain for eleven seasons (1971-1981). 

In 1980, Robertson joined the newly formed Orlando Magic team which made it all the way to their first championship season – defeating Boston Celtics in seven games along with fellow All-Stars such as Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.

The following year saw them defeat Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in another Finals appearance that went down to the wire but this time they were unable to win it against Philly’s Black Aces who emerged victorious after a series-clinching victory over Washington Bullets earlier that same day. 

Following two more championship campaigns (Orlando Magic 1981-1982; Detroit Pistons 1983), Oscar retired from professional basketball having cemented himself as one of history’s most successful players – winning twelve titles overall including six consecutive MVP Awards between 1961 and 1969.

2. Jack Twyman

Career

• High school: Central Catholic, (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• College: Cincinnati (1951–1955)
• NBA draft 1955 / Round: 2 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Rochester Royals
• Playing career: 1955–1966
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 10, 27, 31
• 1955–1966: Rochester / Cincinnati Royals
• 6× NBA All-Star (1957–1960, 1962, 1963), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1960, 1962), No. 27 retired by Sacramento Kings, Second-team All-American – NEA, INS (1955), No. 27 retired by Cincinnati Bearcats
• Points: 15,840 (19.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,424 (6.6 rpg)
• Assists: 1,861 (2.3 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Jack Twyman was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Central Catholic High School. He played college basketball at Cincinnati before being drafted by the Rochester Royals in the 1955 NBA draft.

Twyman spent his entire playing career with the Royals, appearing in over 1000 games and averaging 16 points per game. After retiring from playing basketball, Jack became a coach with various teams including the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.

He died on May 30th, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 78 years old Jack Twyman was a forward who played for the Rochester Royals and Cincinnati Bearcats in the NBA. He was an All-Star and Second Team All-NBA player and retired with the Sacramento Kings as No.

27. Twyman is notable for his scoring prowess, averaging over 20 points per game throughout his career. After playing college ball at Notre Dame, Twyman entered the NBA in 1955 with the Rochester Royals, where he would stay until 1966 when he joined Cincinnati Bearcats. 

In 9 seasons in the league, Jack averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from three-point range.

3. Kenyon Martin

Power forward

Career

• High school: Bryan Adams (Dallas, Texas)
• College: Cincinnati (1996–2000)
• NBA draft 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2000–2015
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 6, 4, 2, 3
• 2000–2004: New Jersey Nets
• 2004–2011: Denver Nuggets
• 2011: Xinjiang Flying Tigers
• 2012: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2013–2014: New York Knicks
• 2015: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA All-Star (2004), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2001), National college player of the year (2000), Consensus first-team All-American (2000), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2000), Conference USA Player of the Year (2000), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1999, 2000), No. 4 retired by Cincinnati Bearcats
• Points: 9,325 (12.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,159 (6.8 rpg)
• Assists: 1,439 (1.9 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas Championship, : 2003 San Juan: National team, Goodwill Games, : 2001 Brisbane: National team, Summer Universiade, : 1999 Palma: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 2003 San Juan: National team
• Goodwill Games
• : 2001 Brisbane: National team
• Summer Universiade
• : 1999 Palma: National team

Kenyon Martin was one of the most sought-after high school basketball players in America. He attended Cincinnati and then went on to be drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2000 NBA draft.

Martin enjoyed a successful career with the Nuggets, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game over his 14-year playing career. In April 2015, he announced that he would be retiring at the end of that season due to numerous injuries sustained during play.

Martin is now widely considered one of the greatest power forwards ever to play in the NBA and has been awarded several accolades including six All-Star appearances and three MVP awards Kenyon Martin is a retired American professional basketball player who played his entire career with the Toronto Raptors.

He was drafted by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 1999 NBA draft, and he went on to play for five other teams before joining Toronto in 2006. 

In 9 seasons with Toronto, Martin averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while winning two All-Star games and an Olympic gold medal as part of Team USA's 2004 squad.

After retiring from playing professionally in 2013, Martin has worked as a commentator for several NBA games broadcasts, most notably TNT's coverage of the 2017–18 season opener between the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks which featured his son Jaren scoring 16 points off the bench.

4. Dontonio Wingfield

Career

• High school: Westover (Albany, Georgia)
• College: Cincinnati (1993–1994)
• NBA draft 1994 / Round: 2 / Pick: 37th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 1994–1998
• Position: Small forward / Power forward
• Number: 34, 10
• 1994–1995: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1995–1998: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1998: León
• First-team Parade All-American (1993), Second-team Parade All-American (1992)

Wingfield was a versatile player in the NBA, playing both forward and center positions. He had an injury-plagued career, but is still fondly remembered by many Seattle SuperSonics fans.

Wingfield retired from basketball following the 1998 season. He now works as a television commentator for NBA games. 

Wingfield has three children and lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Liza Henderson Wingfield Dontonio Wingfield was a prolific scorer in the NBA for over a decade, averaging nearly 20 points per game.

He played on some of the most successful teams in league history, including both the Seattle SuperSonics and Portland Trail Blazers. Wingfield is perhaps best known for his time with León of Spain's Liga ACB, where he won two titles and was named MVP twice. 

After retiring from playing professionally in 2006, Wingfield has since worked as an assistant coach at various levels of basketball around the world.

5. Jason Maxiell

Power forward

Career

• High school: Newman Smith (Carrollton, Texas)
• College: Cincinnati (2001–2005)
• NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2005–2017
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 54
• 2005–2013: Detroit Pistons
• 2013–2014: Orlando Magic
• 2014–2015: Charlotte Hornets
• 2015–2016: Tianjin Ronggang
• 2016–2017: Acıbadem Üniversitesi
• 2× Second-team All-Conference USA (2004, 2005), Conference USA Sixth Man of the Year (2002), Conference USA All-Freshmen Team (2002)

Jason Maxiell was a power forward and center for the Detroit Pistons during his playing career. He attended Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas before going on to play college ball at Cincinnati.

After being drafted by the Pistons with 26th overall pick in 2005 NBA Draft, Jason made an immediate impact as a rookie averaging 10 points and 7 rebounds per game en route to winning Rookie of The Year honors.

In 2006–07 season he improved these numbers marginally to 11 points and 8 rebounds but also picked up 2nd Team All-NBA recognition after helping Detroit make it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals where they eventually lost 4–1 against Cleveland Cavaliers led by Lebron James.

In 2007–08 season Jason once again averaged double figures with 13 points and 9 boards while making another appearance in East Final where this time Detroit emerged victorious over.

Indiana Pacers 3 games to 1 thanks to strong performances from Joe Dumars' men throughout series especially from Maxiell who averaged 20 points (11 of which came in Game 5).

As one of founding members of "Bad Boys" era Piston team that dominated Eastern conference starting from 2008 until 2011, Jason helped them win back-to-back titles alongside fellow Bad Boy Chauncey Billups while appearing in all 82 regular season games both years (2007 & 2008)

 and scoring 16 or more pts on 6 occasions including 25pt performance vs Boston Celtics on March 23rd 2009 – just days before signing contract extension that would keep him with Pistons till 2013; finally becoming fulltime starter later that year following Michael Jordan's retirement

 announcement ATLiens went into 2010 playoffs as heavy favorites only losing first round series 4 games to 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers despite dominating the majority of contests mainly due to excellent playoff averages 27 pts 12 rebounds 3 assists 1 steal (.554 FG%).

Stats not too shabby for a player who wasn't used much off bench prior coming into postseason.

Following two successful seasons together, there were some rumors linking Jason maxiell(alongside teammate Andre Drummond) with trade deadline deals involving players such as Dwight Howard or Chris Paul however nothing materialized ultimately leading up til 2012 postseason.

when newly acquired Steve Nash started struggling mightily turning things around late in regular season culminating into a dramatic comeback victory over.

Miami Heat clinching homecourt advantage through rest of playoffs paving way for eventual title run; unfortunately injuries took their toll limiting him mostly towards end resulting in MVP.

6. DerMarr Johnson

Career

• High school: Maine Central Institute, (Pittsfield, Maine)
• College: Cincinnati (1999–2000)
• NBA draft 2000 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 2000–2016
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 1, 4, 3, 8
• 2000–2003: Atlanta Hawks
• 2003: Long Beach Jam
• 2003–2004: New York Knicks
• 2004–2007: Denver Nuggets
• 2007: Pallacanestro Treviso
• 2007: Austin Toros
• 2007–2008: San Antonio Spurs
• 2009–2010: Jiangsu Dragons
• 2010: Leones de Ponce
• 2010–2011: Sagesse Club Beirut
• 2011: Bukaros
• 2012: Barako Bull Energy
• 2013: Libertad Sunchales
• 2013–2014: Guaros de Lara
• 2014: Fuerza Regia
• 2016: Cupes De Los Pepines
• Conference USA Freshman of the Year (2000), Third-team All-Conference USA (2000), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1998, 1999)

DerMarr Johnson was born on May 5, 1980, in Washington D.C. DerMarr played college basketball at Cincinnati and then made it to the NBA as a shooting guard / small forward for the Atlanta Hawks from 2000-2008.

After spending three years with the Knicks, DerMarr signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009 where he would play until 2016 when he retired due to an injury sustained during his last season with the team.

In total, Johnson had career averages of 10 points per game and 2 assists over 9 seasons in the NBA DerMarr Johnson was a two-time All-American at the University of Utah, where he played for Rick Majerus and Jerry Sloan.

DerMarr Johnson was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2004 and spent four seasons with them before moving on to play in Italy, Spain, and Lebanon. DerMarr Johnson is currently playing overseas with Club Baloncesto Fuerza Regia in Venezuela.

7. Ron Bonham

Forward

Career

• High school: Muncie Central (Muncie, Indiana)
• College: Cincinnati (1961–1964)
• NBA draft 1964 / Round: 2 / Pick: 16th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 1964–1968
• Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 21, 30
• 1964–1966: Boston Celtics
• 1967–1968: Indiana Pacers
• 2× NBA champion (1965, 1966), NCAA champion (1962), Consensus first-team All-American (1963), Consensus second-team All-American (1964), 3× First-team All-MVC (1962–1964), First-team Parade All-American (1960), Indiana Mr. Basketball (1960)
• Points: 723 (6.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 170 (1.4 rpg)
• Assists: 44 (0.4 apg)

Bonham was a highly successful small forward and shooting guard in the NBA for over a decade. He led the Celtics to two championships in 1964 and 1965, earning MVP honors both seasons.

Bonham also appeared in five other Finals appearances with Boston, winning one championship (1968). After retiring from playing basketball, he served as an assistant coach with his former team, the Celtics, until his death in 2016 at 73 years old.

Bonham played in the NBA from 1964 to 1966, with Boston and Indiana. He was an All-American at UCLA and won a championship with the Celtics in 1965 and 1966. After leaving the NBA, he played for Indiana's affiliate in ABA before retiring after one season.

Bonham is now a color commentator on ESPN broadcasts of college basketball games.

8. Danny Fortson

Career

• High school: Shaler Area (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• College: Cincinnati (1994–1997)
• NBA draft 1997 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1997–2007
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 15, 21, 27
• 1997–1999: Denver Nuggets
• 1999–2000: Boston Celtics
• 2000–2003: Golden State Warriors
• 2003–2004: Dallas Mavericks
• 2004–2007: Seattle SuperSonics
• Consensus first-team All-American (1997), Consensus second-team All-American (1996), 2× Conference USA Player of the Year (1996, 1997), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1996, 1997), Third-team Parade All-American (1994)
• Points: 3,615 (8.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,184 (7.2 rpg)
• Assists: 301 (0.7 apg)

Danny Fortson was born on March 27, 1976 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. He attended high school at Shaler Area in Pittsburgh before attending college at Cincinnati.

After one season with the Denver Nuggets, Danny Fortson joined the Boston Celtics for two seasons. In 2003, he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and spent six seasons there before retiring from professional basketball in 2007.

Danny Fortson is now a basketball coach living in Wisconsin and working as an assistant coach at his old high school alma mater Shaler Area Danny Fortson was a two-time All-American and Conference USA Player of the Year. 

He played for the Golden State Warriors from 2000 to 2003, then moved on to play for the Dallas Mavericks from 2003 to 2004.

In 2004, he joined the Seattle SuperSonics and went on to have a successful career with them. Danny Fortson retired in 2007 after playing for the Seattle SuperSonics for six seasons.

9. Nick Van Exel

Career

• 1993–1998: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1998–2002: Denver Nuggets
• 2002–2003: Dallas Mavericks
• 2003–2004: Golden State Warriors
• 2004–2005: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2005–2006: San Antonio Spurs
• As coach:
• 2009–2010: Texas Southern (assistant)
• 2013–2014: Milwaukee Bucks (assistant)
• 2014–2015: Texas Legends (assistant)
• 2015–2016: Texas Legends
• 2016–2019: Memphis Grizzlies (assistant)
• 2021–present: Atlanta Hawks (assistant)

Nick Van Exel was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks. He played professional basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers and Cincinnati Kings from 1993 to 2006.

Nick Van Exel is originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin and attended St Joseph's High School in Kenosha. 

After playing collegiately at Trinity Valley CC, he was drafted by the LA Lakers in the second round of the 1993 NBA draft but never played a game with them due to injury before being traded to Cincinnati midway through his rookie season.

In his six-year career, he averaged 11 points and four assists per game while shooting 42% from three-point range Nick Van Exel was a nine-time All-Star and played for the Lakers, Nuggets, Mavericks, Warriors and Spurs over a 15 year career. 

Nick Van Exel won an Olympic gold medal with the United States in 1996. He retired from professional basketball in 2003 after suffering multiple knee injuries which ended his playing days early.

In 2009 he became head coach of Texas Southern University where he led them to two NCAA tournament appearances before being hired by the Milwaukee Bucks as assistant coach in 2014.

 He has since been promoted to Assistant Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and is currently coaching Atlanta Hawks.

10. Ruben Patterson

Career

• High school: John Hay (Cleveland, Ohio)
• College: , Independence CC (1994–1996), Cincinnati (1996–1998)
• NBA draft 1998 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31st overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1998–2009
• Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 21, 22, 23
• 1998: AEK Athens
• 1998–1999: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1999–2001: Seattle SuperSonics
• 2001–2006: Portland Trail Blazers
• 2006: Denver Nuggets
• 2006–2007: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2007: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2009: Champville
• Points: 6,953 (10.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,697 (4.2 rpg)
• Assists: 1,150 (1.8 apg)

Ruben Patterson was drafted by the Lakers in 1998 and played for them until 2009. He is best known for his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won two championships (2006 and 2011).

Patterson also played with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic during his career. In 2018, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers as a player development coach.

Ruben Patterson is a 21-year-old small forward who has played for AEK Athens, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics and Portland Trail Blazers in his career. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2006 but never made an appearance with them before being traded to the LA Clippers later that year.

Patterson averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds per game over seven seasons with Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers and Champville before retiring at the end of the 2017 season.

11. Kenny Satterfield

Career

• High school: Rice (New York City, New York)
• College: Cincinnati (1999–2001)
• NBA draft 2001 / Round: 2 / Pick: 53rd overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 2001–2012
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 11, 12
• 2001–2002: Denver Nuggets
• 2002–2003: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2003: CSP Limoges
• 2004: Fayetteville Patriots
• 2004: Olympia Larissa
• 2004–2005: Al Hikmeh Sagesse
• 2005: Guaiqueríes de Margarita
• 2005–2006: Al Hikmeh Sagesse
• 2006–2007: Brooklyn Comets
• 2007: San Lazaro
• 2007–2008: Riyadi Beirut
• 2008: Caballeros de Sinaloa
• 2008–2009: Asociacion Quimsa Santiago del Estero
• 2009: Bucaneros de Campeche
• 2009: Ciclista Olimpico de La Banda
• 2010: Albany Legends
• 2010–2011: Saitama Broncos
• 2011: Osaka Evessa
• 2011–2012: Saitama Broncos
• 2012: Gigantes de Guayana

Kenny Satterfield was a two-time All-Star point guard in the NBA who played for six different teams over ten seasons. He attended Rice High School in New York City before playing collegiately at Cincinnati.

After being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks, he made an immediate impact, averaging 13 points and 5 assists per game as a rookie en route to winning Rookie of the Year honours. 

However, injuries would start to take their toll and by 2012 he had retired from professional basketball after appearing in just 52 games over four seasons with three different teams.

Kenny is now focusing on his business ventures which include investments in technology startups and restaurant concepts across North America. 

Kenny Satterfield played collegiately at the University of North Carolina. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the 1992 NBA draft, and he spent six seasons with them before being traded to Phoenix in 2001.

After four seasons with the Suns, he was signed as a free agent by Atlanta in 2005 and retired after that season. 

In 2007, he became head coach of his alma mater, UNC Wilmington, but resigned after one year due to personal reasons Kenny is currently an assistant coach for Alpha State University where he helped lead them to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2002 last season.

12. Deonta Vaughn

Career

• High school: Arlington, (Indianapolis, Indiana), Harmony Community School, (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (2006–2010)
• NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2011: Polpharma Starogard Gdański
• 2011–2012: MBC Mykolaiv
• 2012–2013: MIA Academy
• 2013–2014: Atomerőmű SE
• 2014–2015: Anwil Włocławek
• 2015: Paris-Levallois
• 2015: AEK Larnaca
• 2015–2016: Boulazac Basket Dordogne
• 2016–2017: Dinamo Tbilisi
• 2017–2018: Zalakerámia ZTE
• 2018–2019: APOEL
• 2020: Polpharma Starogard Gdański
• Georgian Superliga MVP (2013), 2× Georgian Superliga champion (2013, 2017), 2× Georgian Superliga All-Star (2013, 2017), Georgian Cup winner (2013), Polish Basketball Cup winner (2011), Third-team All-Big East (2009), First-team All-Big East (2008), Big East All-Rookie Team (2007)

Vaughn was undrafted out of Cincinnati in the 2010 NBA Draft, but he has since found success playing overseas. Vaughn played for Polpharma Starogard Gdański in 2010–2011 and then spent two seasons with the French team Cholet Basket before signing with Turkish club Fenerbahçe last season.

Vaughn is a versatile point guard who can play both shooting guard and point forward positions. In 2016, Vaughn helped lead Fenerbahçe to their first ever Turkish League championship title. 

At 36 years old, Deonta Vaughn still has plenty of basketball left in him and may yet sign with an American team this offseason if available on free agency.

Vaughn was a highly productive player in college and has continued that production at the professional level. Vaughn is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions. 

Vaughn also provides scoring punch off the bench for his team with his shooting ability from outside of the arc. He will need to continue to improve defensively if he wants to make an impact in the NBA long term, but on offense he should have no problem finding success playing in any league.

13. Pat Cummings

Career

• High school: Johnstown (Johnstown, Pennsylvania)
• College: Cincinnati (1974–1979)
• NBA draft 1978 / Round: 3 / Pick: 59th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1979–1993
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 6, 42, 50
• 1979–1982: Milwaukee Bucks
• 1982–1984: Dallas Mavericks
• 1984–1988: New York Knicks
• 1988–1990: Miami Heat
• 1990: CB Zaragoza
• 1990: Ranger Varese
• 1990–1991: Utah Jazz
• 1992–1993: Rapid City Thrillers
• 1993: Fort Wayne Fury
• 1993: Wichita Falls Texans
• Metro Conference Player of the Year (1979), 2× First-team All-Metro Conference (1978, 1979)
• Points: 6,259 (9.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,825 (5.6 rpg)
• Assists: 807 (1.2 apg)

Cummings was one of the best power forwards in NBA history. He spent his entire 14-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won two championships and was an All-Star five times.

Cummings also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and Houston Rockets during his professional career. In 1992, Cummings retired from basketball due to a knee injury that he suffered in a game against the New York Knicks.

After retirement, Cummings worked as a color commentator for several NBA games before passing away in 2012 at age 55 after battling cancer for several years prior to his death Cummings was a two-time Metro Conference Player of the Year and played in the NBA for nine seasons.

He averaged 9.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and shot 43 percent from 3-point range over his career. 

Cummings is best known for his time with the New York Knicks, where he won an Eastern Conference championship in 1984 and helped lead Miami to back-to-back championships in 1988–89.

14. Tony Yates

Career

• 1960–1963: Cincinnati
• Position(s): Point guard
• 1972–1974: Cincinnati (assistant)
• 1974–1983: Illinois (assistant)
• 1983–1989: Cincinnati

Tony Yates was an assistant coach at Illinois from 1983 to 1989. He led the Bearcats to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 1984 and 1985 but was fired after a poor 1986 season.

He then spent two years as an assistant coach at Cincinnati, helping them make another NCAA appearance in 1988. After retiring from coaching, Yates served as head basketball coach at Mason High School for six seasons until his death in 2020.

Tony Yates is most famous for leading the Bearcats to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 1984 and 1985 but being let go after a poor 1986 season which eventually led him to become an assistant coach with Illinois under Lou Henson.

Where he helped lead them back to national prominence during the 1990's before leaving following the 1995 season Tony Yates was a college basketball player who has won two NCAA championships.

Tony was also named to the All-American First Team and MVC First Team in 1963. After playing his collegiate career, Tony went on to have a successful professional career with the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers. Tony passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

15. Tom Thacker

Career

• High school: William Grant (Covington, Kentucky)
• College: Cincinnati (1960–1963)
• NBA draft 1963 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1963–1971
• Position: Guard / Forward
• Number: 25, 12, 11, 44
• Coaching career: 1973–1978
• As player:, NBA champion (1968), ABA champion (1970), 2× NCAA champion (1961, 1962), Consensus first-team All-American (1963), 2× First-team All-MVC (1962, 1963)

Tom Thacker was born on November 2, 1939 in Covington, Kentucky. He attended high school at William Grant and played college basketball for Cincinnati. Tom entered the NBA draft in 1963 and was selected by the Cincinnati Royals as their first ever pick.

During his playing career, he spent time at both guard and forward positions with the team before retiring in 1971. After retirement from professional basketball, Tom coached various youth teams until 1978 when he retired from coaching himself to focus on his business ventures full-time.

Tom Thacker was a successful player in the NBA and ABA, winning championships with both leagues. He also earned consensus first-team All-American honors three times while playing at Indiana University. 

After coaching stints with the Cincinnati Royals (women's) and Indiana Pacers, he retired from basketball in 1978.

16. Paul Hogue

Career

• High school: Austin (Knoxville, Tennessee)
• College: Cincinnati (1959–1962)
• NBA draft 1962 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 1962–1964
• Position: Center
• Number: 14
• 1962–1963: New York Knicks
• 1963–1964: Baltimore Bullets
• 1964: Wilmington Blue Bombers
• 2× NCAA champion (1961, 1962), NCAA Final Four MOP (1962), Helms College Player of the Year (1962), First-team All-American – USBWA (1962), Second-team All-American – NABC, NEA (1962), Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1962), 2× First-team All-MVC (1961, 1962)
• Points: 409 (6.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 461 (7.1 rpg)
• Assists: 48 (0.7 apg)

Paul Hogue was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and attended Austin High School before going on to play college basketball for Cincinnati. He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1962 and played for them until 1964.

After his playing career ended, he became a coach with the Knicks and later coached teams in Europe and Asia. He died of cancer at the age of 69 in 2009. Hogue starred at Helms College before being drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1963.

He was a two-time NCAA champion and first-team All-American for USBWA in 1962, as well as second-team all American from NABC and NEA. Hogue played one season with the Bullets before joining the Wilmington Blue Bombers where he won another 2 championships.

After his playing career ended, Hogue became an assistant coach under Rick Majerus at Saint Louis University and then took over as head coach of Utah State after Majerus' death in 2002.

17. George Wilson

Career

• High school: John Marshall (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Cincinnati (1961–1964)
• NBA draft 1964 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1964–1971
• Position: Center
• Number: 17, 15, 21, 16, 33
• 1964–1966: Cincinnati Royals
• 1966–1967: Chicago Bulls
• 1967–1968: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1968–1969: Phoenix Suns
• 1969–1970: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1970–1971: Buffalo Braves
• NCAA champion (1962), 2× First-team All-MVC (1963, 1964), First-team Parade All-American (1960), Third-team Parade All-American (1959)
• Points: 2,216 (5.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,144 (5.2 rpg)
• Assists: 307 (0.7 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1964 Tokyo: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1964 Tokyo: Team competition

George Wilson was a center for the Cincinnati Royals and Chicago Bulls during his playing career. He helped lead the Royals to their first ever NBA championship in 1964, and he also played in the 1966 playoffs with the Bulls.

In 1971, Wilson retired from professional basketball after playing just one more season with the Seattle SuperSonics. Today, George is considered one of the all-time greats at both his position and overall in pro hoops history.

Wilson was a standout player at the University of Kansas and was drafted in the first round by the Seattle SuperSonics. Wilson played for six different teams over his NBA career, including two stints with the Phoenix Suns. He is best known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers where he won an NBA championship in 1967-68.

Wilson retired from professional basketball after playing one more season with the Buffalo Braves in 1970-71. 

After retiring from playing, Wilson became a coach and spent several years working as an assistant coach at various universities before joining Rick Majerus's staff at Saint Louis University in 2001-02. 

In 2006, Wilson was named head coach of his alma mater, Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team where he led them to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1985 that year.

18. Derrek Dickey

Career

• High school: Purcell (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (1970–1973)
• NBA draft 1973 / Round: 2 / Pick: 29th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1973–1978
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 40
• 1973–1978: Golden State Warriors
• 1978: Chicago Bulls
• NBA champion (1975)
• Points: 1,962 (6.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,575 (4.9 rpg)
• Assists: 346 (1.1 apg)

Derrek Dickey was born on March 20, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended Purcell High School and played college basketball for the Cincinnati Bearcats from 1970 to 1973.

In 1973, Derrek was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with 29th overall pick in the NBA draft. He played for the Warriors from 1973 to 1978 before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in 1979.

Derrek then spent two seasons with the Hawks before joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 1981 where he remained until his retirement in 1988 at age 34 due to a knee injury sustained.

While playing against Philadelphia 76ers during that season's playoffs which ended up costing him his starting position back home of Cleveland Cavaliers who eventually won their first ever NBA Championship against Detroit Pistons led by Isiah Thomas.

After losing 4 straight games vs Boston Celtics including 3 overtime games but lost Finals MVP award given annually since 1967-68 season (at that time) series MVP Award is an annual postseason accolade bestowed on either player or team as determined by votes of media members covering both leagues;

 its recipient(s) is/are typically announced prior to or during playoff conference finals involving teams from those divisions; 1974–present: The Most Valuable Player of said series.

19. Connie Dierking

Career

• High school: Valley Stream Central, (Valley Stream, New York)
• College: Cincinnati (1955–1958)
• NBA draft 1958 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Syracuse Nationals
• Playing career: 1958–1971
• Position: Center
• Number: 8, 29, 26, 9, 18, 24
• 1958–1960: Syracuse Nationals
• 1961: Philadelphia Tapers
• 1961–1962: Cleveland Pipers
• 1963–1965: Philadelphia 76ers
• 1965: San Francisco Warriors
• 1965–1970: Cincinnati Royals
• 1970–1971: Philadelphia 76ers
• Second-team All-American – NEA (1958), First-team All-MVC (1958)
• Points: 7,094 (10.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,757 (6.7 rpg)
• Assists: 1,053 (1.5 apg)

Connie Dierking was born in Brooklyn, New York on October 2, 1936. After high school, Dierking attended Cincinnati College and played for the Syracuse Nationals in the NBA from 1958 to 1971.

Connie's powerful play at center made him a key part of many successful Syracuse teams throughout his career. Connie retired from playing in 1971 but continued to work as a basketball coach until his death in 2013 at the age of 77.

Dierking played collegiate basketball for Syracuse and was a Second-team All-American in 1958. Dierking was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1961 and spent six seasons with them before moving to the San Francisco Warriors in 1965.

Dierking won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 1970, his final season in the league. After retiring from playing, Dierking worked as a scout for various teams before becoming an assistant coach with the 76ers.

20. Corie Blount

Career

• High school: Monrovia (Monrovia, California)
• College: , Santa Ana College (1989–1991), Cincinnati (1991–1993)
• NBA draft 1993 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 1993–2004
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 44, 43, 40
• 1993–1995: Chicago Bulls
• 1995–1999: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1999: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1999–2001: Phoenix Suns
• 2001: Golden State Warriors
• 2001–2002: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2002–2004: Chicago Bulls
• 2004: Toronto Raptors
• Points: 2,287 (3.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,690 (4.2 rpg)
• Assists: 460 (0.7 apg)

Corie Blount was a power forward and center in the NBA for 10 seasons, playing for the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.

Corie started his career with the Chicago Bulls before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. He spent four years with them before joining the Detroit Pistons where he played two more seasons.

In 2001, Corie joined the Charlotte Hornets and stayed there until 2004 when he signed with the Miami Heat. He retired after that season at age 34 due to injuries sustained during an injury-plagued 2003–2004 campaign with Charlotte.

After retiring from basketball, Corie became a color commentator for Fox Sports North's broadcasts of Minnesota Timberwolves games alongside Verne Lundquist and Randy Foye Nowadays Corie resides in Monrovia California. 

Where he is active in philanthropic work through his foundation "One More Step" which helps underprivileged children achieve their dreams of becoming successful athletes or artists.

21. Steve Logan

Career

• High school: St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (1998–2002)
• NBA draft 2002 / Round: 2 / Pick: 30th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2002–2007
• Position: Point guard
• 2004–2005: Texas Tycoons
• 2005–2006: Mersin BB
• 2006: Kolossos Rodou
• 2006: Benfica
• 2006: Znicz Jarosław
• 2007: Hapoel Galil Elyon
• Consensus first-team All-American (2002), 2× Conference USA Player of the Year (2001, 2002), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2001, 2002), Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award winner (2002)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 1999 Lisbon: Team competition
• Men’s basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 1999 Lisbon: Team competition

Steve Logan was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 20th, 1980. He attended high school at St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) and played college basketball for Cincinnati from 1998-2002.

In 2002 he was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with the 30th overall pick and spent four seasons with them before signing with Kolossos Rodou in 2006. Steve has since retired from professional basketball but still resides in Cleveland with his wife and two children.

A six-time first team All American, Steve Logan was a dominant player at the college level. A two-time Conference USA Player of the Year, he led his teams to postseason berths both times and won Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award in 2002. 

After playing professionally for four seasons overseas, he returned to Benfica where he is currently an assistant coach under head coach José Peseiro.

His international experience includes playing for Team USA at FIBA U19 World Championship in 1999 and EuroBasket 2003 as well as representing Poland national basketball team at senior level during 2001-2005 period. 

An avid traveler who has also played in Spain (Real Madrid), Italy (Sampdoria) and France (Championnat National), Logan retired from professional basketball after the 2005/2006 season with Donar Kiev of Ukraine’s BC Kyiv Basketball League.

22. Pete Mickeal

Career

• High school: Rock Island (Rock Island, Illinois)
• College: , Indian Hills CC (1996–1998), Cincinnati (1998–2000)
• NBA draft 2000 / Round: 2 / Pick: 58th overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 2000–2017
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 33
• 2000–2001: Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs
• 2001–2002: Kansas City Knights
• 2002: Talk 'N Text Phone Pals
• 2003–2004: Peristeri
• 2004: Dynamo Moscow
• 2004–2005: Makedonikos
• 2005–2006: Breogán
• 2006–2007: Daegu Orions
• 2007–2009: Saski Baskonia
• 2009–2013: Barcelona
• 2014: Murcia
• 2014: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 2015: Bucaneros de La Guaira
• 2015–2017: Atenas de Córdoba
• EuroLeague champion (2010), ABA Finals MVP (2002), ABA MVP (2002), ABA All Star-Game (2002), 3× Spanish League champion (2008, 2011, 2012), Spanish League Finals MVP (2008), Spanish King's Cup MVP (2013), Greek League Best Five (2005), 2x Greek All-Star Game (2004, 2005), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1999, 2000)
• Medals, , Men’s Basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 1999 Palma: National Team
• Men’s Basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 1999 Palma: National Team

Pete Mickeal is a former NBA scout who currently works as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Mickeal played college basketball at Indian Hills CC before being drafted by the New York Knicks in 2000.

After playing three seasons with the Knicks, he was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2004 and then spent four years with that team before signing with the Detroit Pistons in 2008. 

In 2013, he joined the Minnesota Timberwolves as an assistant coach and has since been involved in their development process both on and off court.

Pete Mickeal played for the Tampa Bay ThunderDawgs, Kansas City Knights, and Peristeri during his career. He was drafted by Barcelona in 2009 and spent two seasons with the team before moving to Murcia in 2014. 

In 2015, he joined Atenas de Córdoba where he led the team in scoring for three consecutive seasons. Pete is a four-time All Star and has won several awards including Spanish League MVP twice (2013 & 2017).

23. Eric Hicks

Career

• College: Cincinnati
• Position: PF/C
• Undrafted: 2010
• Cincinnati Commandos (2012)

Eric Hicks is an American football linebacker who played for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft.

Hicks has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns. In 2010, he signed with the Buffalo Bills but was released before playing a game for them. He rejoined Cincinnati in 2011.

Where he finished his career with two more seasons before retiring at age 34 in 2013 due to injury sustained during a preseason game against Pittsburgh Steelers on August 10th, 2012 Eric Hicks now works as a linebackers coach for UCF Knights football team Eric Hicks is a versatile player who can play both center and PF/C.

He was undrafted in 2010 but has since made a name for himself with the Cincinnati Commandos of the NBA D-League. Hicks has been playing mainly at C this season, averaging 12 points and 10 rebounds per game for Cincinnati. 

Hicks is a hard worker who takes pride in his defensive abilities, which have helped him earn call-ups to several teams throughout his career including the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League and Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

Eric Hicks will continue to work hard on his skills and hope that he can one day make an impact in either the NBA or overseas leagues such as Europe's Euroleague.

24. Wes Miller

Career

• 2002–2003: James Madison
• 2004–2007: North Carolina
• 2007–2008: London Capital
• Position(s): Point guard
• 2008–2009: Elon (assistant)
• 2009–2010: High Point (assistant)
• 2010–2011: UNC Greensboro (assistant)
• 2011–2021: UNC Greensboro
• 2021–present: Cincinnati

Wes Miller is the current head coach of Cincinnati, and he has a record of 33-23 in his two seasons at the helm. Wes Miller played point guard for James Madison from 2002 to 2003 and North Carolina from 2004 to 2007.

After playing professionally in Europe for four years, Wes Miller joined Elon as an assistant coach in 2008. He was promoted to head coach following the departure of Roy Williams in 2009. 

As a player, Wes Miller was known for his efficient play with high shooting percentages throughout his career; as a coach, he has continued this trend by emphasizing ball movement and offensive efficiency on behalf of Cincinnati.

The AAC is currently one win away from reaching their first conference tournament final since 2013, which would be remarkable given that they were predicted to finish last in the conference preseason polls prior to the season starting. 

Wes Miller's success at Cincinnati may not have been immediate or unanimous but it appears that he is building something special down south - thanks for your time.

25. Sean Kilpatrick

Guard

Career

• High school: , White Plains, (White Plains, New York), Notre Dame Prep, (Fitchburg, Massachusetts)
• College: Cincinnati (2010–2014)
• NBA draft: 2014 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2015: Santa Cruz Warriors
• 2015: Delaware 87ers
• 2015: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2015–2016: Delaware 87ers
• 2016: Denver Nuggets
• 2016–2017: Brooklyn Nets
• 2017–2018: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2018: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2018: Chicago Bulls
• 2019: Panathinaikos
• 2019–2020: Budućnost
• 2020: Tofaş
• 2020–2021: Gran Canaria
• 2021–2022: Hapoel Jerusalem
• 2022–present: Fujian Sturgeons
• Greek Basket League champion (2019), Greek Basketball Cup winner (2019), All-NBA D-League Third Team (2016), NBA D-League All-Star (2016), Consensus second-team All-American (2014), First-team All-AAC (2014), 2× Second-team All-Big East (2012, 2013)

Kilpatrick played college basketball at Cincinnati where he averaged 10.5 points and 3.8 assists per game in his three years there. He was undrafted but signed with the Boston Celtics as a free agent in 2014, playing for them during their championship run that year.

Kilpatrick joined the Dallas Mavericks later that year and has been with them ever since, helping the team make it to the playoffs each season he's been there (except for 2018 when they missed out). 

In 2019, Kilpatrick moved to Fujian Sturgeons of China and is now one of their key players on offense (despite being unable to speak any Chinese).

Sean Kilpatrick still plays in Europe occasionally – most notably for Montepaschi Siena Fusee Bologna last season – but mainly focuses on finishing off his career with Fujian Sturgeons this upcoming CBA season.

26. Roger McClendon

Career

• High school: Centennial (Champaign, Illinois)
• College: Cincinnati (1984–1988)
• Position: Guard
• Number: 21
• 2x All-Metro Conference First Team (1986, 1987), Metro Conference Freshman Team (1985), McDonald's All-American (1984)

McClendon played college basketball at Cincinnati. After graduating from college, he spent several years playing in the NBA before retiring in 2003. McClendon has since worked as a coach and scout for various teams around the league.

In 2006, he was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Rick Majerus and Joe Dumars Jr.. McClendon is married with two children and resides in Illinois McClendon was a two-time All-Metro Conference First Team selection and McDonald's All-American.

McClendon helped lead the Cardinals to back-to-back Metro Conference championships in 1986 and 1987. He also played for the Detroit Pistons during the 1988 season where he averaged 2 points and 1 rebound per game. McClendon ended his career with the Wichita Wings of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).

27. Jarron Cumberland

Career

• High school: Wilmington (Wilmington, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (2016–2020)
• NBA draft: 2020 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2021–present
• 2021: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2021: Raptors 905
• 2021–2022: Delaware Blue Coats
• 2021–2022: Portland Trail Blazers
• AAC Player of the Year (2019), AAC Co-Sixth Man of the Year (2017), 2× First-team All-AAC (2019, 2020), AAC tournament MVP (2019)

Jarron Cumberland is an American shooting guard who was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the 2020 NBA draft but has not yet played in the league. He attended high school at Wilmington (Wilmington, Ohio) and played college basketball for Cincinnati.

In 2021, he joined the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League where he averaged 21 points and 5 rebounds per game over his rookie season. He signed with the Memphis Grizzlies as a free agent in July 2022, but was waived less than two months later without playing a single game for them.

He then signed with the Milwaukee Bucks ahead of their inaugural season in Europe, averaging 10 points and 3 rebounds per game over 16 appearances before returning to America at the end of August 2024 due to concerns about his long-term health after sustaining a knee injury.

While playing for Ukraine during FIBA World Cup qualification play that year which required surgery on both knees Jarron Cumberland has since continued his career overseas with clubs such as Valencia Basket Spain and Besiktas Istanbul Turkey before joining Iberostar Tenerife of Liga ACB Spain this past summer.

28. Jim Holstein

Career

• High school: Hamilton Catholic (Hamilton, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (1949–1952)
• NBA draft 1952 / Round: 6 / Pick: 59th overall
• Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers
• Playing career: 1952–1956
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 13, 12, 10
• 2× NBA champion (1953, 1954), 3× First-team All-MAC (1950–1952)

Holstein was born on September 24, 1930 in Hamilton, Ohio. He attended high school at Hamilton Catholic and played college basketball for Cincinnati. Holstein was drafted by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1952 NBA draft and began his playing career with them that year.

He spent six seasons with the Lakers before moving to Philadelphia in 1956 where he continued to play until 1963. In 1967, Holstein returned to Minnesota where he retired from playing basketball after finishing his final season with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1968-69 season.

Jim Holstein died on December 16, 2007 at the age of 77 after a long illness Holstein was a key player for the Minneapolis Lakers during their championship seasons in 1952 and 1954. He later coached Ball State to back-to-back MAC titles in 1977 and 1978, before becoming head coach of Saint Francis in 1998.

Holstein retired from coaching following the 1999–2000 season with an overall record of 468–286 (.611). Jim Holstein is a member of both the Basketball Hall of Fame (1978) and University of Minnesota Athletics Hall Of Fame (1984). He passed away at age 79 on July 9th, 2016 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

29. Yancy Gates

Forward

Career

• High school: Withrow (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (2008–2012)
• NBA draft: 2012 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2013: Pieno žvaigždės
• 2013: Brujos de Guayama
• 2013–2014: Hapoel Eilat
• 2014–2015: Hapoel Tel Aviv
• 2015: Shanxi Zhongyu
• 2016: Telekom Baskets Bonn
• 2016–2017: Ironi Nahariya
• 2017–2018: Cholet Basket
• 2018–2019: Abejas de León
• 2019: Pieno žvaigždės
• 2019–2020: Stal Ostrów Wielkopolski
• 2020–2021: Abejas de León
• 2021: Semt77 Yalovaspor

Yancy Gates played college basketball at Cincinnati. He went undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft but has since found success in the pros with various clubs overseas.

In 2016, Gates signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel for the remainder of the season after spending time playing in Puerto Rico and Italy during that year. The 33-year-old Gates is a versatile player who can play either forward or center positions on offense, while also providing veteran leadership to his team on defense.

With over 600 career games under his belt, Gates is likely nearing the end of his professional basketball career though he could still have many years left in him if he continues to perform at a high level Gates is a 6'9″ forward who has played in Europe for the past two seasons. 

Gates was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 34th overall pick in 2013 and spent one season there before joining Hapoel Eilat for three years.

Gates started his professional career with Shandong Luneng of China, where he averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game over 36 contests before moving to Israel last year. 

The 26-year-old Gates should be an interesting addition to any team as he possesses a high ceiling offensively due to his size and shooting ability from beyond the arc (40 percent from 3-point range). 

Expect him to spend time playing alongside fellow 2017 draftee Allonzo Trier at Pieno žvaigždės this upcoming season.

30. James White

Career

• High school: Hargrave Military Academy, (Chatham, Virginia)
• College: , Florida (2001–2002), Cincinnati (2003–2006)
• NBA draft 2006 / Round: 2 / Pick: 31st overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2006–2020
• Position: Small forward / Power forward
• Number: 33, 8, 4
• Coaching career: 2021–present
• NBA champion (2007), EuroChallenge champion (2014), BSL champion (2008), Croatian League champion (2016), Croatian Cup winner (2016), BSL Slam Dunk Contest champion (2008), NBA D-League All-Star (2009), All-NBA D-League Second Team (2009), PBL All-Star (2010), 3× Italian League All-Star (2011, 2012, 2014), Italian League Top Scorer (2011), Second-team Parade All-American (2001)

James White was born in 1982 and played college basketball in Florida. After being drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers, he spent four seasons with them before joining the New York Knicks in 2013.

James White is currently an assistant coach for the TBL's Sugarland Imperials team. In his career, White has averaged 10 points and 5 rebounds per game while playing for several teams including Portland, Cincinnati, and New York.

White is a versatile small forward who has played both powers forward and shooting guard positions in his career. He was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2006 and spent three seasons there before being traded to the Austin Toros.

White then joined the Houston Rockets for two seasons, playing a major role in their back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he signed with Spartak Saint Petersburg and helped them win Russia's Premier League title that year as well as EuroLeague silver medalist honors.

After leaving Spartak, White went on to play for Dinamo Basket Sassari (2011–2012), Scavolini Pesaro (2012–2013), and New York Knicks (2013–2014). 

He returned to Europe for two more years with Cedevita Zagreb (2015–2016) before signing with Petrochimi Bandar Imam of Iran last season where he averaged 10 points per game over 36 contests. 

White is expected to return to the NBA next season with either the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics.

31. John Newman III

Career

• High school: Greensboro Day School, (Greensboro, North Carolina)
• College: , Clemson (2018–2021), Cincinnati (2021–present)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 2019 Italy: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 2019 Italy: Team

Newman played high school basketball for Greensboro Day School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was a three-time All-American and two-time National Player of the Year while playing for Clemson University.

Newman is currently a shooting guard with the Cincinnati Bearcats in the American Athletic Conference. As a junior at Clemson, he led his team to an ACC championship and NCAA Tournament appearance as well as being named First Team All-ACC and ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Newman was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 10th overall pick in 2019 but opted to sign with Cincinnati instead, where he has since started every game for them (except one due to injury). 

In 2020, Newman will be eligible for entry into the NBA draft where he is projected to be a top ten selection John Newman III is a basketball player for Clemson and Cincinnati.

He was named National Player of the Year in 2018. John was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on February 25th, 1997. John played high school ball at Oak Hill Academy before going to college at Clemson.

Where he averaged 15 points per game as a freshman and 16 points per game as a sophomore during his two seasons there before declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft where he was picked by the Phoenix Suns with the 10th overall pick.

After being drafted into the NBA, John spent time playing with both the Suns and their G-League affiliate, Northern Arizona Suns before signing with Spanish team Valencia Basket this past summer.

Where he has been averaging 14 minutes per game off the bench so far this season while also shooting 46% from three point range (second best percentage among all players in Spain).

32. Bob Wiesenhahn

Career

• High school: Archbishop McNicholas, (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (1958–1961)
• NBA draft 1961 / Round: 2 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1961–1963
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 71
• 1961–1962: Cincinnati Royals
• 1962–1963: Pittsburgh Rens
• NCAA champion (1961)
• Points: 119 (2.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 112 (1.9 rpg)
• Assists: 33 (0.4 apg)

Bob Wiesenhahn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 22, 1938. He played high school basketball at Archbishop McNicholas and attended college at Cincinnati before being drafted by the NBA's Cincinnati Royals in 1961.

In his three seasons with the Royals, Wiesenhahn averaged 10 points per game and helped them to two playoff appearances (1962-63). After his playing career ended, he became a coach with various teams including the Kings (1985–1988), Trail Blazers (1989–1990) and Nets (1991).

Bob Wiesenhahn passed away on March 24th 2018 after a long battle with cancer aged 84 years old Bob Wiesenhahn was a professional basketball player for the Cincinnati Royals and Pittsburgh Rens. He won an NCAA Championship with the Cincinnati Royals in 1961, and he played in two NBA Finals with the Philadelphia 76ers (1967-68).

In total, he played nine seasons in the NBA and averaged 2.0 points per game over that time span. After his playing career ended, Wiesenhahn worked as a coach with various teams before retiring from coaching at the end of the 2007 season. 

He is currently retired from basketball but still involved in officiating clinics around North America annually.

Bob Wiesenhahn is generally considered to be one of the better players never to win an NBA championship due to his lack of playoff success throughout his career - only making it past elimination rounds twice out of nine attempts.

33. Tony Bobbitt

Career

• High school: Mainland (Daytona Beach, Florida)
• College: , College of Southern Idaho (2000–2002), Cincinnati (2002–2004)
• NBA draft: 2004 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2004–2012
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 15
• 2005: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2005–2006: Air Avellino
• 2006–2007: Bakersfield Jam
• 2007: Colorado 14ers
• 2007: Oklahoma Storm
• 2008: Eisbären Bremerhaven
• 2008: Colorado 14ers
• 2009–2010: Maine Red Claws
• 2010: Springfield Armor
• 2010: AEK Larnaca
• 2010–2011: Huracanes de Tampico
• 2011: Springfield Armor
• 2011–2012: Idaho Stampede
• Third-team All-C-USA (2004)

Tony Bobbitt was born on October 22, 1979 in Daytona Beach, Florida. After high school, Tony attended the College of Southern Idaho and played for the Bengals from 2002-2004.

He then went undrafted but landed a contract with the Lakers in 2005 where he spent 4 seasons playing guard before being traded to Philadelphia in 2009 and ending his career there a year later.

In total, Tony has played 17 professional seasons (starting all but one). Throughout his career he has averaged 7 points per game while shooting 37% from three-point range and 85% from the free throw line.

Since retiring as a player, Tony has worked extensively as an analyst for both college basketball broadcasts and NBA games on national television networks such as TNT/TBS and ESPN/ABC respectively Tony Bobbitt was a standout player at the University of South Carolina and was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1998.

He spent time with the Jazz, Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns before signing with Air Avellino of Italy's Serie A league in 2005. 

In 2007, he joined Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League where he averaged 14 points per game over two seasons before retiring from professional basketball in 2009.

Bobbitt now works as an assistant coach for his former team, Air Avellino, alongside head coach Francesco Pianeta. Tony is married to Brooke Adams, who played college ball at Louisiana State University. The couple has three children - daughter Trinity (born 2012), son Maverick (born 2014) and daughter Harper (born 2017).

34. Rick Roberson

Career

• High school: Mitchell (Memphis, Tennessee)
• College: Cincinnati (1966–1969)
• NBA draft 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1969–1976
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 35, 30, 50
• 1969–1971: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1971–1973: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1973–1974: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1974–1975: New Orleans Jazz
• 1975–1976: Kansas City Kings
• Points: 3,826 (9.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,522 (8.3 rpg)
• Assists: 591 (1.4 apg)

Rick Roberson was a standout high school basketball player and was drafted in the first round of the 1969 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played for four seasons with the Lakers, averaging 11 points per game during his rookie season before being traded to Philadelphia in 1971.

Rick Roberson spent two more years with the 76ers before signing with San Diego as a free agent in 1973. He remained with San Diego until 1978 when he signed with Detroit where he won three straight championships between 1976-1978. 

Rick Roberson retired from playing professional basketball after winning his final championship ring with Detroit in 1978, at age 28 years old.

After retirement, Rick Roberson worked as an assistant coach for various teams including Sacramento (2003–2005), Milwaukee (2007–2009) and Cleveland (2013-2015). 

On May 3rd 2020, Rick Roberson passed away due to complications from cancer at age 72 years old.

35. Art Long

Career

• High school: East (Rochester, New York)
• College: , Dodge City CC (1992–1993), Southeastern CC (1993–1994), Cincinnati (1994–1996)
• NBA draft: 1996 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1996–2010
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 00, 35, 42
• 1996–1997: Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez
• 1997–1998: Jacksonville Barracudas
• 1998–1998: Quilmes de Mar del Plata
• 1998–1999: Idaho Stampede
• 1999–2000: Yakama Sun Kings
• 2000: Trotamundos de Carabobo
• 2000–2001: ASVEL Villeurbanne
• 2001: Sacramento Kings
• 2001: Brujos de Guayama
• 2001–2002: Seattle SuperSonics
• 2002: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2002–2003: Toronto Raptors
• 2003: Hunstville Flight
• 2003–2004: Ilisiakos Athens
• 2004: San Miguel Beermen
• 2005–2006: Mariupol Azovmash
• 2006–2007: Banvitspor
• 2007–2008: Mahram
• 2008: Petrochimi
• 2009–2010: Indios
• 2009–2010: Unión Alética
• Ukrainian League champion (2006), Ukrainian Cup champion (2006), French Cup champion (2001), CBA blocks leader (2000)

Art Long was a 6'9" power forward who played in the NBA from 1996-2010. He attended East (Rochester, New York) High School and then Dodge City CC before playing collegiately at Southeastern CC and Cincinnati.

In 1996, he was drafted by Élan Béarnais Pau-Orthez but never made an appearance for them during his professional career. 

He went on to play for various clubs in Europe including Barcelona (1996–1999), Valencia BC (1999–2001), Le Mans UCAM Lille OSC (2002–2003), Maccabi Tel Aviv FC (2004), Panathinaikos Athens BC(2005) and Anadolu Efes Istanbul BB (2006).

His last club spell came with the Miami Heat where he retired after the 2010 season due to injury complications caused by diabetes mellitus type 2 diagnosis which forced him into early retirement aged 36 years old. 

Art is currently an assistant coach of Playaz Indoor Basketball Club located in Jacksonville, Florida under head coach Eric Musselman.

36. Jim Ard

Career

• High school: Thornton Township (Harvey, Illinois)
• College: Cincinnati (1967–1970)
• NBA draft 1970 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 1970–1978
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 12, 11, 33, 34
• 1970–1973: New York Nets
• 1973–1974: Memphis Tams
• 1974–1977: Boston Celtics
• 1977–1978: Chicago Bulls
• NBA champion (1976), MVC Player of the Year (1970), 3× First-team All-MVC (1968–1970)
• Points: 1,909 (4.4 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,832 (4.3 rpg)
• Assists: 278 (0.6 apg)

Ard was born in Seattle, Washington on September 19th, 1948. Ard played college basketball at Cincinnati before being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1970 NBA draft.

Ard spent his entire professional career with the Sonics and retired after playing with them for six seasons. Ard is a three time All-Star and holds numerous franchise records including most points scored (15,089) and rebounds (10,591).

After retirement from playing professionally, Ard remained involved in basketball coaching and became an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Bucks organization in 2003-2004 season. In 2010, Ard was inducted into the Seattle Sports Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class along with former teammate Gary Payton .

Ard currently resides near his hometown of Seattle and is married to Jeanine who has two children Jim Jr., a sportscaster for KIRO 7 News/FoxSportsWest; Jenna who plays volleyball for UC Davis; and Zachary who is also a sportscaster for KIRO 7 News/FoxSportsWest.

37. Ralph Davis

Career

• High school: Lewis County (Vanceburg, Kentucky)
• College: Cincinnati (1957–1960)
• NBA draft 1960 / Round: 3 / Pick: 17th overall
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1960–1962
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 10, 25
• 1960–1961: Cincinnati Royals
• 1961–1962: Chicago Packers
• First-team All-MVC (1959)
• Points: 1,195 (8.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 248 (1.7 rpg)
• Assists: 424 (2.8 apg)

Ralph Davis was born on September 7, 1938 in Vanceburg, Kentucky. Davis attended high school at Lewis County and played college basketball for Cincinnati.

After playing in the NBA for two seasons with the Cincinnati Royals, he retired from professional play in 1962. Ralph Davis passed away on May 30, 2021 after a long career as a player and coach in the NBA Ralph Davis was a ten-time All-MVC selection and an NBA All-Star.

He was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in 1960 but only played for them for one season before being traded to the Chicago Packers. 

In 1961, he became a key player on the Chicago team that reached the 1961 NBA Finals where they lost to the Boston Celtics 4 games to 2. After three more seasons with Chicago, Davis was traded again, this time to the Milwaukee Bucks where he spent his final four seasons of his career (1963–1966).

Ralph Davis finished his career with 1,195 points and 248 rebounds in 884 games played across all leagues including NCAA basketball at Cincinnati and Illinois respectively.

38. Roland West

Career

• High school: Withrow (Cincinnati, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (1964–1967)
• NBA draft 1967 / Round: 20 / Pick: 162nd overall
• Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
• Playing career: 1967–1968
• Position: Guard
• Number: 15
• 1967–1968: Baltimore Bullets
• First-team All-MVC (1966)

Roland West was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 6th, 1944. He played high school basketball at Withrow and college ball at Cincinnati. He was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1967 but never played in the NBA due to a knee injury he sustained during his senior year of college.

Roland later had a long career as an assistant coach with several teams including the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns before retiring from coaching in 2007. 

In 2009, he was inducted into the Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame and currently resides near Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Carolann and their two children Johnathan and Lauren Roland West was a guard for the Baltimore Bullets during their 1967-68 season.

He averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 assists per game that year. Roland West also won First-team All-MVC honors in 1966, which helped him earn an NBA contract with the Boston Celtics in 1968 where he played one season before retiring from professional basketball.

39. Wayne Stevens

Career

• High school: Chillicothe (Chillicothe, Ohio)
• College: Cincinnati (1955–1958)
• NBA draft 1958 / Round: 7 / Pick: 49th overall
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 20
• 1959: Cincinnati Royals

Wayne Stevens was born on June 19, 1936 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Stevens began his career as a linebacker for the Cleveland Browns in 1957 and played until 1968.

He then spent several years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before finishing his playing days with the Miami Dolphins in 1972. After retiring from football, Stevens became an assistant coach with the Dolphins and New York Jets before becoming head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1983.

He held that position for two seasons before leaving to become the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame University. Stevens returned to coaching after leaving Notre Dame and served as defensive coordinator for teams.

Including UCLA, Oklahoma State University and Florida International University from 1990 to 2000 before being named head coach of FAU Panthers where he remained until his death on January 23, 2021 at 84 years old.

40. Jacob Evans

Guard

Career

• High school: St. Michael the Archangel, (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
• College: Cincinnati (2015–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 28th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2020: Golden State Warriors
• 2018–2020: →Santa Cruz Warriors
• 2020: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2020: →Iowa Wolves
• 2021–2022: Santa Cruz Warriors
• First-team All-AAC (2018)

Jacob Evans is a shooting guard who played collegiately at Cincinnati. He was selected by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft and signed with them shortly after.

Jacob Evans has excellent range on his shots, which makes him an asset on offense. He also possesses good ball handling skills and can create space for himself or teammates with his dribbling.

Jacob Evans will need to work on his defense if he wants to make it as a pro player; however, he has shown flashes of potential in this area during his time in the NCAA tournament. 

Overall, Jacob Evans is a talented scorer with great potential that should develop further over time Jacob Evans was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Jacob Evans played for both the Golden State Warriors and Santa Cruz Warriors during his rookie season, averaging 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1 assists per game playing 23 minutes per game off the bench on a team that finished with a 42-40 record. 

In 2019, Jacob Evans averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game as he started all 34 games for Minnesota Timberwolves finishing with a 24-58 record before being traded to Iowa.

 Wolves at the trade deadline where he averaged 16 points per game over 18 games helping them make it to the playoffs where they lost in 5th place against Oklahoma City Thunder (the eventual champions).

In 2020, Jacob Evans was traded back to Golden State Warriors who had just won their second championship in three years and he has continued his good form averaging 15 points per game while also grabbing 4 rebounds making him an important player off of bench for one of basketball's best teams.

41. Landers Nolley II

Career

• High school: , Curie, (Chicago, Illinois), Langston Hughes, (Fairburn, Georgia)
• College: , Virginia Tech (2019–2020), Memphis (2020–2022), Cincinnati (2022–present)
• NIT MVP (2021), NIT champion (2021), First-team All-AAC (2021), ACC All-Freshman Team (2020)

Nolley is a senior shooting guard and small forward for Cincinnati Bearcats. Nolley was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 5, 2000. Nolley attended Curie High School in Chicago, Illinois and averaged 21 points per game as a senior.

In his freshman year at Virginia Tech, he played mostly off the bench but started 12 games during his sophomore year before missing all of his junior season due to injury. 

In 2019-20 Nolley started all 33 games for Cincinnati averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from three-point range.

Nolley, a versatile forward from Fairburn, Georgia was one of the most highly touted prospects in the 2019 class. He averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game for his high school team this year. Nolley is averaging 4 assists per game as a freshman at Cincinnati and has shown flashes of brilliance on both ends of the floor.

Nolley will need to continue to develop his scoring ability if he wants to become an elite player in college basketball but he should be able to do plenty of damage off the bench for either Memphis or Virginia Tech next season. 

The sophomore may not have many years left in Division I but he's already making an impact on the court with his athleticism and shooting touch.

Final Words

The Cincinnati Bearcats Men’s Basketball team is a powerhouse in college basketball. Founded in 1896, the Bearcats have had many great players over the years.

Some of the best include Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, and Sean Kilpatrick.