Louisville Basketball Best Players of All Time

The University of Louisville men’s basketball program is one of the most successful and storied in college basketball. The Cardinals have been a powerhouse for decades, with two NCAA championships under their belt and eight Final Four appearances since 1980. Under head coach Chris Mack, UofL continues to be an elite team on the national stage, having earned multiple ACC regular season titles in recent years. With standout players like Jordan Nwora, Dwayne Sutton and Malik Williams leading the way, Louisville remains one of the top programs in all of college hoops today.

1. Darrell Griffith

Shooting guard

Career

• High school: Louisville Male (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1976–1980)
• NBA draft 1980 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Playing career: 1980–1991
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 35
• 1980–1991: Utah Jazz
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1981), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1981), No. 35 retired by Utah Jazz, NCAA champion (1980), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1980), John R. Wooden Player of the Year Award (1980), Sporting News Player of the Year (1980), Consensus first-team All-American (1980), Second-team All-American – UPI (1979), Third-team All-American – NABC (1979), Metro Conference Player of the Year (1980), 3× First-team All-Metro Conference (1978–1980), No. 35 retired by Louisville Cardinals, Mr. Basketball USA (1976), First-team Parade All-American (1976)
• Points: 12,391 (16.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,519 (3.3 rpg)
• Assists: 1,627 (2.1 apg)
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2014

Darrell Griffith was a shooting guard who played for the Utah Jazz from 1980 to 1991. He was drafted by the Jazz in 1980 and became one of their most important players during that time.

In 1990, he led the team in scoring with 21 points per game and helped them make it to the playoffs that year. After leaving Utah, Griffith had brief stints with several other teams before retiring in 1991 at the age of 34.

Griffith was a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA champion at Louisville. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 1981 NBA Draft and went on to become one of their all-time greats, winning an NBA Rookie of the Year award in 1981, as well as being selected to three All-Rookie First Teams.

Griffith also won an MVP Award during his time with Utah, helping them make it to the playoffs six times over his eight seasons there - including back-to-back appearances in 1997 and 1998. 

On July 23rd, 2001, Griffith announced his retirement from professional basketball after playing for 16 years - making him one of only five players ever to achieve this feat (joining Karl Malone, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki).

Darrell is now retired from basketball but still involved in various charity work; most notably serving as Vice President for Basketball Operations for USA Basketball since 2015.

2. Wes Unseld

Center

Career

• High school: Seneca (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1965–1968)
• NBA draft 1968 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Baltimore Bullets
• Playing career: 1968–1981
• Position: Center
• Number: 41
• Coaching career: 1987–1994
• NBA champion (1978), NBA Finals MVP (1978), NBA Most Valuable Player (1969), 5× NBA All-Star (1969, 1971–1973, 1975), All-NBA First Team (1969), NBA Rookie of the Year (1969), NBA rebounding leader (1975), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 41 retired by Washington Wizards, 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1967, 1968), 3× First-team All-MVC (1966–1968), No. 31 retired by Louisville Cardinals, First-team Parade All-American (1964)
• Points: 10,624 (10.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 13,769 (14.0 rpg)
• Assists: 3,822 (3.9 apg)
• NBA: 202–345 (.369)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, , Representing United States, Pan American Games, : 1967 Winnipeg: Team Competition, Universiade, : 1967 Tokyo: Team Competition
• Representing United States
• Pan American Games
• : 1967 Winnipeg: Team Competition
• Universiade
• : 1967 Tokyo: Team Competition

Wes Unseld was an NBA center who played for the Baltimore Bullets and Washington Bullets during his career. Wes Unseld is most famous for being a part of the "Bad Boys" era of the Washington Bullets, where he helped lead them to their only championship in 1978.

After retiring from playing basketball, Wes Unseld began a successful coaching career with the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics, leading both teams to playoff appearances before eventually winning titles with the Celtics in 2008 and 2014. 

Wes Unseld died at 74 years old after battling cancer for several years; he will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history and one of its most respected coaches.

Wes Unseld was a two-time NBA champion, five-time all-star, and first team all-NBA player. Wes Unseld is most notable for being the first player to ever record a triple double (30 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists). 

He retired from playing in 1994 after 19 seasons with Washington Bullets. Wes Unselid currently coaches at Georgetown University where he has led the Hoyas to back to back NCAA championships in 2015 and 2016.

Also Played For: center basketball, nba 75th anniversary team

3. Pervis Ellison

Center

Career

• High school: Savannah (Savannah, Georgia)
• College: Louisville (1985–1989)
• NBA draft 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 1989–2000
• Position: Center
• Number: 42, 43, 29
• 1989–1990: Sacramento Kings
• 1990–1994: Washington Bullets
• 1994–2000: Boston Celtics
• 2000: Seattle SuperSonics
• NBA Most Improved Player (1992), NCAA champion (1986), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1986), Consensus first-team All-American (1989), Metro Conference Co-Player of the Year (1988), 3× First-team All-Metro Conference (1987–1989), No. 42 retired by Louisville Cardinals
• Points: 4,494 (9.5 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,170 (6.7 rpg)
• Assists: 691 (1.5 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Pan American Games, : 1987 Indianapolis: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Pan American Games
• : 1987 Indianapolis: Team competition

Pervis Ellison was a dominant center in the NBA for many years. He was drafted first overall by the Sacramento Kings and spent most of his career with them.

He later played for the Washington Bullets, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers before retiring in 2000. In total, he won three championships with the Kings (1990-1994), two with the Bullets (1990-1994), and one with the Celtics (1996).

He is now an analyst on ESPN's NBA coverage Pervis Ellison was a talented player in the NBA who achieved a lot during his career. He won an NCAA championship with Louisville and became one of the best defenders in the league. 

He is also known for being very efficient offensively, averaging more than nine points per game throughout his career.

His number 42 jersey has been retired by the Louisville Cardinals basketball team, making him one of the most respected players in history.

4. Butch Beard

Guard

Career

• High school: Breckinridge County, (Harned, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1966–1969)
• NBA draft 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 1969–1979
• Position: Guard
• Number: 14, 21, 9
• NBA champion (1975), NBA All-Star (1972), Third-team All-American – UPI (1969), 3× First-team All-MVC (1967–1969), Second-team Parade All-American (1965), Kentucky Mr. Basketball (1965)
• Points: 5,622 (9.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,042 (3.4 rpg)
• Assists: 2,189 (3.6 apg)

Butch Beard was one of the most successful guards in NBA history. He played for the Atlanta Hawks from 1969 to 1979, and won two championships with them.

Butch Beard also had a long career in other leagues, including stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Butch Beard is now retired, but he remains an important part of basketball history as one of its greatest guard performers.

Beard was a three-time First-team All-MVC player and helped lead Kentucky to the 1965 NCAA championship. He then played nine seasons in the NBA with Seattle, Golden State, Cleveland and New York before retiring as a coach in 2006. 

Beard is also remembered for his coaching success at Morgan State where he led the Bears to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2001 and 2002.

5. DeJuan Wheat

Career

• High school: Ballard (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1993–1997)
• NBA draft 1997 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51st overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1997–2010
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 6, 32
• 1997–1998: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 1999: Vancouver Grizzlies
• 1999–2000: Idaho Stampede
• 2001–2002: Panteras de Miranda
• 2002–2003: Buffalo City Thunder
• 2003–2004: Juarez Gallos de Pelea
• 2004–2005: Calgary Drillers
• 2005–2010: Soles de Mexicali
• Third-team All-American – NABC (1997), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (1996, 1997), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1992)

DeJuan Wheat was born on October 14, 1973 in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Ballard High School and played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals from 1993 to 1997.

In 1997, he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 51st overall pick in the NBA draft. He spent seven seasons (1997-2002) with the Lakers before signing with the Atlanta Hawks as a free agent in 2003.

He retired from professional basketball after playing two seasons (2004-2005) with the Philadelphia 76ers before returning to play one more season (2006-2007) for his former team, the Lakers. 

Dejuan Wheat has also appeared in several TV commercials and made an appearance alongside Kobe Bryant on an episode of Comedy Central's Reno 911.

DeJuan Wheat was a versatile player who could play both forward positions. He attended Arizona State and played for the Sun Devils from 1997 to 1998. Wheat then transferred to Minnesota, where he would spend three seasons with the Timberwolves (1997-1999). 

In 1999, he was drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies but never played in an NBA game due to injury.

After spending two seasons in Idaho Stampede (2001-2002), Wheat moved on to play for Panteras de Miranda of the Spanish Liga ACB before returning back stateside and joining the Buffalo City Thunder of the International Basketball League in 2003-2004 season. 

His final stop in professional basketball came when he signed with Calgary Drillers of Canada's National Basketball League during 2005-2010 season.

Overall, DeJuan Wheat had a successful career playing mainly overseas before finishing his days as a player in Canada.

6. Peyton Siva

Point guard

Career

• High school: Franklin (Seattle, Washington)
• College: Louisville (2009–2013)
• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2013–present
• 2013–2014: Detroit Pistons
• 2013–2014: → Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2014–2015: Erie BayHawks
• 2015–2016: Juvecaserta
• 2016–2021: Alba Berlin
• 2021–2022: New Zealand Breakers
• 2022: Panathinaikos
• 2022–present: Illawarra Hawks
• EuroCup Top Scorer (2019), 2× BBL champion (2020, 2021), BBL Cup champion (2020), All-BBL First Team (2019), All-BBL Second Team (2018), BBL All-Star Game MVP (2018), BBL All-Star (2018), NCAA champion (2013), 2× Big East tournament MVP (2012, 2013), Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (2013), Third-team All-Big East (2013), Second-team Academic All-American (2013), McDonald's All-American (2009), Third-team Parade All-American (2009), Washington Mr. Basketball (2009)

Peyton Siva is a professional basketball player who plays for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. He was born on October 24, 1990 in Seattle, Washington and played college ball at Louisville before being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2013.

Siva has spent his entire playing career with the Pistons and has averaged 10 points per game over five seasons. In 2014 he won an NBA Championship with Detroit as part of their championship-winning team that included stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant.

Peyton Siva still competes regularly in international competitions including the EuroBasket tournament where he helped lead Greece to victory last year. Peyton Siva was a standout player at Syracuse, leading the Orange to two Final Fours. 

He spent three seasons in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder before moving to Europe in 2016.

Peyton is one of only six players in history to win an NCAA championship and an NBA title, joining Serbian great Dusan Dragic, American Metta World Peace, Spanish legend Pau Gasol, Australian icon Steve Nash and German phenom Dirk Nowitzki as dual-winner legends.

7. Clifford Rozier

Career

• High school: Southeast (Bradenton, Florida)
• College: , North Carolina (1990–1991), Louisville (1992–1994)
• NBA draft 1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1994–2000
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 44, 7, 22
• 1994–1996: Golden State Warriors
• 1997: Pamesa Valencia
• 1997: Toronto Raptors
• 1997: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 1997–1998: Quad City Thunder
• Consensus first-team All-American (1994), 2× Metro Conference Player of the Year (1993, 1994), First-team Parade All-American (1990), Florida Mr. Basketball (1990)
• Points: 827 (4.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 897 (5.2 rpg)
• FG%: .496

Clifford Rozier was a player in the NBA for ten seasons, from 1994 to 2000. He played mainly at power forward and center, but also had some time at small forward.

Rozier is best known for his time with the Golden State Warriors, where he won two championships (1998 and 1999). After playing in Europe for a few years, Clifford retired in 2002.

He passed away on July 6th 2018 after a long battle with cancer. Rozier, who played college ball at Louisville, was a consensus first-team All-American in his final season of eligibility.

Rozier started his professional career with the Golden State Warriors before spending time with the Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Quad City Thunder. Rozier has averaged 4.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his 10 NBA seasons thus far.

Rozier is best known for being an integral part of the Boston Celtics' 2017 championship run; he averaged 6 points and 2 assists off the bench during that postseason run.

8. Rodney McCray

Forward

Career

• High school: Mount Vernon, (Mount Vernon, New York)
• College: Louisville (1979–1983)
• NBA draft 1983 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 1983–1993
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 22, 1
• 1983–1988: Houston Rockets
• 1988–1990: Sacramento Kings
• 1990–1992: Dallas Mavericks
• 1992–1993: Chicago Bulls
• NBA champion (1993), NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1987), NCAA champion (1980), Metro Conference Player of the Year (1983), First-team All-Metro Conference (1983), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1979)
• Points: 9,014 (11.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,087 (6.6 rpg)
• Assists: 2,750 (3.6 apg)

Rodney McCray was a successful small forward in the NBA for many years. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1983 and played with them until 1993. Rodney is most famous for his time with the Rockets, where he won three championships during his career.

After retiring from playing basketball, Rodney has worked as an analyst on various sports programmes. Rodney McCray was a key part of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s. He was an All-Defensive First Team selection and helped lead the Bulls to their first NBA championship in 1993.

Following his playing career, Rodney McCray went on to become an assistant coach with several teams, most recently with the Sacramento Kings.

9. LaBradford Smith

Career

• High school: Bay City (Bay City, Texas)
• College: Louisville (1987–1991)
• NBA draft 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Washington Bullets
• Playing career: 1991–2000
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 22, 15
• 1991–1993: Washington Bullets
• 1993–1994: Sacramento Kings
• 1994: Rapid City Thrillers
• 1994–1996: Quad City Thunder
• 1996–1997: León Caja España
• 1997–1998: MKS Znicz Basket Pruszków
• 1998–1999: Śląsk Wrocław
• 1999–2000: Baltimore Bayrunners
• First-team All-Metro Conference (1990), Gatorade National Player of the Year (1987), 2× First-team Parade All-American (1986, 1987), Texas Mr. Basketball (1987)
• Points: 1,218 (6.7 ppg)
• Rebounds: 271 (1.5 rpg)
• Assists: 394 (2.2 apg)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 1987 Bormio: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 1987 Bormio: Team competition

LaBradford Smith was a shooting guard who played in the NBA for 10 seasons. He was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1991 and spent four seasons with them before moving to Sacramento.

In 1994, he joined the Quad City Thunder and stayed there until 1996. After briefly playing for Rapid City Thrillers, he rejoined Sacramento in 1997 and finished his career with them in 2000.

LaBradford Smith was a standout player in college and at the professional level. He had great rebounding numbers, averaging 1.5 per game during his career. He also averaged over two assists per game throughout his entire career, making him very versatile on the court.

LaBradford Smith is now retired from playing basketball but he remains active as a commentator for games on television or online streaming services such as NBA League Pass or TNT GO.

10. Reece Gaines

Career

• High school: Madison West, (Madison, Wisconsin)
• College: Louisville (1999–2003)
• NBA draft 2003 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Orlando Magic
• Playing career: 2003–2012
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 22, 4, 34
• Coaching career: 2012–present
• As Player:, Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, SN (2003), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2002, 2003)

Reece Gaines was born on January 7, 1981 in Madison, Wisconsin. He played college basketball for Louisville and was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2003.

In his NBA career, Gaines has played for the Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks. He currently works as a video coordinator with the Louisville Cardinals football team.

Reece Gaines is a 22-year old basketball player who has spent the past three seasons coaching with Eastern Kentucky. As a player, Reece gained experience playing for Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Milwaukee Bucks before joining Italian side Angelico Biella in 2007.

After two years at Biella, Reece moved to Bakersfield Jam in 2009 as part of an expansion team in the D-League. In 2010 he signed with Peristeri before spending one season with Texas Legends and another year assistant coach at JA Vichy (2014–15). 

In 2016 Reece joined Bellarmine as an assistant where he stayed until 2019 when he was named head coach of Eastern Kentucky University's men's team.

11. Kenny Payne

Career

• High school: Northeast Jones, (Laurel, Mississippi)
• College: Louisville (1985–1989)
• NBA draft 1989 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 1989–2000
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 21
• Coaching career: 2004–present
• As player:, NCAA champion (1986), Second-team Parade All-American (1985), , As assistant coach:, , NCAA champion (2012), 6× SEC tournament winner (2010, 2011, 2015–2018), Pac-10 tournament winner (2007)

Payne was the 19th overall pick in the 1989 NBA draft and played for six seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. Payne took over as head coach of Louisville in 2015, after spending three seasons as an assistant coach at Florida International University.

In his first season at Louisville, Payne led the Cardinals to a 25-10 record and a berth in the NCAA tournament. Under Payne's leadership, Louisville has won two consecutive AAC championships (2017–2018) and reached the Final Four of the 2018 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

Payne was an assistant coach with Kentucky for six seasons, before being hired as the head coach of Louisville in 2020.

Payne has a long and successful coaching career, having served as an assistant coach at Oregon, Kentucky, and now New York Knicks. Payne's teams have routinely been among the best in college basketball - his 2017-2018 squad won the National Championship. 

He is widely respected within the coaching community, and many believe that he has what it takes to become a successful head coach himself one day.

12. Terrence Williams

Career

• High school: Rainier Beach, (Seattle, Washington)
• College: Louisville (2005–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the New Jersey Nets
• Playing career: 2009–2016
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• 2009–2010: New Jersey Nets
• 2010: →Springfield Armor
• 2010–2012: Houston Rockets
• 2012: Sacramento Kings
• 2012–2013: Guangdong Southern Tigers
• 2013: Boston Celtics
• 2013: Türk Telekom
• 2014: Los Angeles D-Fenders
• 2014: Brujos de Guayama
• 2014: Meralco Bolts
• 2014: Soles de Santo Domingo
• 2014: Reales de La Vega
• 2014: Fuerza Regia
• 2015: Vaqueros de Bayamón
• 2015: Guaiqueríes de Margarita
• All-NBA D-League Third Team (2014), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2009)

Terrence Williams was born in Seattle, Washington on June 28th 1987. Terrence played high school ball at Rainier Beach in Seattle and then college basketball for Louisville before being drafted by the Nets with 11th overall pick in 2009.

In his rookie season (2009-2010), he averaged 10 points per game off the bench but saw more minutes as a sophomore when he averaged 17ppg and 4 rebounds per game helping New Jersey make it to the playoffs. 

The next two seasons were average for Williams with Springfield Armor where he averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds per game however his shooting percentages decreased each year from 43% as a rookie to 36% in 2012-2013 which led him to be traded to Dallas Mavericks whereupon he had another good year averaging 13ppg while shooting 46%.

After one more season with Dallas (2014-2015) Williams signed with Brooklyn Nets who made it all the way to Finals that year but lost 2 games against Lebron James' Cleveland Cavaliers despite having one of their best years statistically averaging 16 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds whilst shooting 44%. 

Since 2016, Terrence has been playing abroad mainly China where last we heard had rejoined BK Tuzla of Bosnia Herzegovina's Premier League after appearing sparingly this past NBA Season for Atlanta Hawks affiliate Norfolk Admirals.

13. Russ Smith

Guard

Career

• High school: , Archbishop Molloy, (Queens, New York), South Kent School, (South Kent, Connecticut)
• College: Louisville (2010–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 47th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2015: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2014–2015: →Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2015: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2015: →Iowa Energy
• 2016: Delaware 87ers
• 2016: Galatasaray Odeabank
• 2017: Delaware 87ers
• 2017: Luoyang Zhonghe
• 2017–2018: Fujian Sturgeons
• 2018: Luoyang Zhonghe
• 2018–2019: Fujian Sturgeons
• 2019–2020: Guizhou White Tigers
• 2021–2022: Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2022: Hapoel Be'er Sheva
• NBL China Player of the Year (2017), NBL China Guard of the Year (2017), NBL China Import of the Year (2017), 2× NBL China scoring champion (2017, 2019), NCAA champion (2013)*, Consensus first-team All-American (2014), Third-team All-American - SN, NABC (2013), First-team All-AAC (2014), First-team All-Big East (2013), Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award (2014), AAC tournament MVP (2014), No. 2 retired by Louisville Cardinals, *Later vacated

Russ Smith had a successful college career at Louisville, where he averaged 16.3 points and 5.9 assists per game over three years. After going undrafted in the 2014 NBA draft, Russ Smith signed with the Brooklyn Nets for the remainder of the season.

In 2015–16, Smith played in Spain for Valencia Basket before returning to America and signing with the Indiana Pacers early in 2016–17 season. 

On July 10th, 2017, Russ Smith was traded to Boston Celtics along with Abdel Nader and JaMychal Green in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and two future first round picks (2019 & 2020).

Since joining Boston Celtics during 2017-2018 season as a backup point guard behind Kyrie Irving/Isaiah Thomas duo; Russ has been inconsistent averaging 7 PPG on 34% shooting from 3PT range while registering 4 APG on 31% usage rate.

Which resulted him being waived by Celtics on January 11th 2019 after playing just 11 games due to ankle injury sustained against Philadelphia 76ers.

14. Charlie Tyra

Career

• High school: Atherton (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1953–1957)
• NBA draft 1957 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 1957–1963
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 14
• 1957–1961: New York Knicks
• 1961–1962: Chicago Packers
• 1962–1963: Pittsburgh Rens
• Consensus first-team All-American (1957), No. 8 retired by Louisville Cardinals
• Points: 3,091 (8.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,567 (7.4 rpg)
• Assists: 315 (0.9 apg)

Charlie Tyra was born on August 16, 1935 in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended high school at Atherton (Louisville, Kentucky) and played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals.

After playing collegiately, Tyra was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1957 and spent three seasons with them before retiring from professional basketball in 1963. 

Charlie Tyra is most famous for his time with the Detroit Pistons where he helped lead them to two NBA championships – in 1959 and 1961 – as well as being named MVP of both tournaments.

Following his retirement from professional basketball, Charlie Tyra worked as a television commentator until his death on December 29th 2006 at age 71 after suffering a heart attack while working out at his home gymnasium Tyra played collegiately at Louisville. 

Where he was a consensus first-team All-American in 1957. Tyra was drafted by the New York Knicks in the second round of the 1957 NBA draft and spent two seasons with them before joining the Chicago Packers for one season.

Tyra then joined the Pittsburgh Rens for three years before retiring from playing basketball in 1963. After retirement, Tyra became an assistant coach with various teams including Louisville and Pittsburg. 

He later served as head coach at Duquesne University and Saint Joseph's College (Pa.). In 1984, Charlie Tyra was inducted into both the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and the Philadelphia 76ers' Ring of Honor as part of their 50th-anniversary celebrations.

15. Milt Wagner

Career

• High school: Camden (Camden, New Jersey)
• College: Louisville (1981–1986)
• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 1986–1999
• Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
• Number: 20, 25
• Coaching career: 2000–current
• NBA champion (1988), NCAA champion (1986), 2× First-team All-Metro Conference (1984, 1986), Second-team Parade All-American (1981)

Milt Wagner was a two-time All-Star and five-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team. He led the league in scoring four times, including an MVP season in 1992–93.

He played 19 seasons with six different teams, retiring in 1999. After playing briefly as a coach, he returned to officiating for 16 years before retiring again in 2018.

Milt is now a basketball analyst for ESPN+. Wagner spent most of his playing career as a player-coach in the United States. After retiring as a player, he became an assistant coach at Auburn University before taking over as head coach at UTEP in 2010.

Wagner led the Miners to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and guided them to their first ever appearance in the SEC tournament title game this past season.

He was also named National Coach of the Year by CBS Sports after leading UTEP to its best record since 1952 and earning an invitation to play in the NIT Championship game against Duke where they lost 79–61 despite shooting 54% from three point range (10 for 20).

In 2012, Milt Wagner was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame which is located in Norman, OK alongside other notable names such as Barry Switzer and Pat Riley among others. 

Who have contributed significantly both on and off the court while playing or coaching basketball within that state’s borders including Steve Wojciechowski who currently coaches Uconn Huskies?

16. Jim Price

Career

• High school: Arsenal Technical, (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Louisville (1969–1972)
• NBA draft 1972 / Round: 2 / Pick: 16th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1972–1979
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 15, 25, 11, 5
• NBA All-Star (1975), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1974), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1973), Consensus second-team All-American (1972), 2× First-team All-MVC (1971, 1972)
• Points: 5,088 (10.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,566 (3.1 rpg)
• Assists: 1,886 (3.7 apg)

Price was a standout high school basketball player, leading Arsenal Technical to multiple state championships. He attended Louisville where he played for the Cardinals from 1969-1972 and led them to their first ever Final Four appearance in 1971.

Price was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1972 and spent seven seasons with the team before joining the Phoenix Suns in 1979. In his NBA career, Price averaged 13 points per game and 5 assists while appearing in over 650 games overall. 

After retirement, Price became an assistant coach at his alma mater of Louisville as well as Kentucky State University before taking over as head coach full time at Eastern Kentucky University in 2016.

Jim is married with two children and lives out of state but continues to provide support for his former team members during NCAA tournaments or other big events.

17. Dwayne Morton

Career

• High school: Central (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1991–1994)
• NBA draft 1994 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1994–2012
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 50
• 1994–1995: Golden State Warriors
• 1996–1997: Newcastle Eagles
• First-team Parade All-American (1990), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1989)

Dwayne Morton played for the Golden State Warriors from 1994 to 2012. He was a two-time All-Star and three-time Sixth Man of the Year in the NBA. After playing his entire career with one team, he was traded to Miami Heat in 2013.

In 2014, he announced his retirement from professional basketball after 14 years in the league. Dwayne is now an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies where he helped them make it to their first ever playoff appearance in 2017/2018 season as well as winning their first playoff game against Utah Jazz on April 20th 2018.

Dwayne Morton was a versatile small forward who played for the Golden State Warriors and Newcastle Eagles in his career. Morton led both teams in scoring during their respective seasons, averaging over 21 points per game on 52 percent shooting from the field. 

He won numerous awards and accolades while playing professionally, including being named to the First-team Parade All-American team as a senior at Davidson College.

After retiring from playing basketball, Morton went on to have a successful coaching career with several different clubs around Europe before returning to North Carolina as an assistant coach with the Tar Heels in 2014–15 season.

18. Samaki Walker

Career

• High school: Eastmoor (Columbus, Ohio), Whitehall-Yearling (Whitehall, Ohio)
• College: Louisville (1994–1996)
• NBA draft 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 1996–2011
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 52, 55, 5
• 1996–1999: Dallas Mavericks
• 1999–2001: San Antonio Spurs
• 2001–2003: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2003–2004: Miami Heat
• 2004–2005: Washington Wizards
• 2005–2006: Indiana Pacers
• 2006: UNICS Kazan
• 2007: Santa Barbara Breakers
• 2007-2008: Al-Jalaa Aleppo
• 2008–2009: Club Sagesse
• 2009: Shandong Lions
• 2009–2010: Seoul SK Knights
• 2010–2011: Al-Jalaa Aleppo
• NBA champion (2002), 2x Syrian League champion (2008, 2011), Third-team Parade All-American (1994)
• Points: 2,376 (5.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,089 (4.7 rpg)
• Blocks: 316 (0.7 bpg)

Walker was drafted 9th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1996 NBA draft. Walker played for the Mavericks from 1996 to 1999, averaging 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over that span.

He then signed with the Atlanta Hawks where he spent two seasons before joining the Utah Jazz in 2003-2004 season. The following year, 2004-2005, he joined his current team -the Milwaukee Bucks -and has remained there since then playing a total of 11 seasons in all competitions (regular season + playoffs).

In 2011-2012, Walker had a career high scoring average of 20 points per game while also leading the league in rebounding at 10 boards per contest on average. Walker was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 and played for them until 2001. 

He then joined the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent three seasons before moving to Miami Heat.

Walker then signed with Washington Wizards, but only stayed there for one season before joining Indiana Pacers in 2006. In 2007, he transferred to Santa Barbara Breakers of the NBA Development League (D-League). 

From 2007-2008 onwards, Walker played overseas with Al Jalaa Aleppo of Syria and Club Sagesse of France respectively before returning to North America in 2008 with Seoul SK Knights of Korea Basketball Association (KBA).

After two seasons back home in South Korea, Walker moved again – this time to Shandong Lions of China’s National Basketball League (CBA) – where he remained for four years before retiring at the end of 2011 due to an injury sustained during a game against rival team Liaoning Flying Leopards.

Also Played For: 2001–02 nba season

19. Terry Rozier

Career

• High school: , Shaker Heights, (Shaker Heights, Ohio), Hargrave, (Chatham, Virginia)
• College: Louisville (2013–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 16th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2019: Boston Celtics
• 2015–2016: →Maine Red Claws
• 2019–present: Charlotte Hornets
• Second-team All-ACC (2015), AAC All-Rookie Team (2014)

Terry Rozier is a shooting guard and point guard for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. He was born on March 17, 1994, in Youngstown, Ohio. Rozier attended high school at Shaker Heights (Shaker Heights, Ohio) and then Hargrave (Chatham, Virginia).

In his sophomore year of college at Louisville he led the Cardinals to their first NCAA championship game appearance since 1986 before losing to North Carolina 84-75 in overtime.

 Rozier was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the 21st overall pick of the 2014 NBA draft but only played one season with them before being traded to Minnesota Timberwolves where he spent two more seasons before joining Charlotte Hornets as a free agent during 2018–19 season.

Terry Rozier has won several awards including Second Team All-NBA 2016-17 Season and Third Team All-NBA 2017–18 Season.

20. Francisco García

Small forward

Career

• High school: The Winchendon School, (Winchendon, Massachusetts)
• College: Louisville (2002–2005)
• NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23rd overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 2005–2017
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• 2005–2013: Sacramento Kings
• 2013–2014: Houston Rockets
• 2016: Vaqueros de Bayamón
• 2017: Indios de San Francisco
• Second-team All-American – NABC (2005), 2× First-team All-Conference USA (2004, 2005)
• Medals, , Representing  Dominican Republic, Men's Basketball, FIBA AmeriCup, : 2011 Mar del Plata: , Pan American Games, : 2003 Santo Domingo: , Centrobasket, : 2008 Cancun: , : 2012 San Juan:
• Representing  Dominican Republic
• Men's Basketball
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 2011 Mar del Plata:
• Pan American Games
• : 2003 Santo Domingo:
• Centrobasket
• : 2008 Cancun:
• : 2012 San Juan:

Francisco García was born on December 31, 1981 in San Francisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He attended high school at The Winchendon School and played college basketball for Louisville before being drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2005.

García spent five seasons with the Kings before signing with the Houston Rockets as a free agent in 2013. 

In 2017, he retired from professional basketball after playing for two different teams over nine years of play. Francisco is a two-time first team All-Conference USA player, and was also named to the NABC Second Team in 2005.

Francisco played for the Dominican Republic at various international tournaments including FIBA AmeriCup 2011 and Pan American Games 2003 and 2011. 

Francisco finished his college career as one of only three players in school history with over 2,000 points (2321) and 1,000 rebounds (1,021). After graduating from UTEP in 2006, García signed with the New Jersey Nets but didn't make an appearance before being waived on December 15th 2007.

He then spent time playing professionally throughout Europe before signing with Vaqueros de Bayamón of Liga ACB Spain for the 2009–10 season where he averaged 11 points per game while shooting 55% from 3-point range en route to winning Spanish League MVP honors that year. 

García joined Indios de San Francisco midway through the 2010–11 season after impressing during preseason play; however due to injuries he only managed 10 appearances off the bench averaging 4 points per game before returning home to finish out his contract with Vaqueros de Bayamón which expired at the end of that campaign.

In July 2012 he signed a deal to return to Spain this time joining FC Barcelona's senior squad but made just one appearance before being released by mutual consent less than 6 months later on January 9th 2013 citing homesickness as a factor.

Francisco finally got his break when he was acquired by Miami Heat via trade on February 22nd 2013 along with Norris Cole and Shabazz Napier in exchange for Shane Battier, James Ennis III & Tyler Johnson.

After appearing sparingly for Miami downplaying suggestions that it had been difficult adjusting following multiple moves around Europe since leaving UTEP.

21. Greg Minor

Career

• High school: Washington (Sandersville, Georgia)
• College: Louisville (1991–1994)
• NBA draft 1994 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 1994–2001
• Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 9
• 1994–1999: Boston Celtics
• Third-team Parade All-American (1990)
• Points: 1,902 (6.9 ppg)
• Rebounds: 741 (2.7 rpg)
• Assists: 384 (1.4 apg)

Greg Minor was a standout high school player in Sandersville, Georgia and was drafted by the Clippers in the 1994 NBA draft. Minor played for the Clippers from 1994 to 2001 and won two championships with them.

He is considered one of the best shooting guards of his era and holds career averages of 18 points per game and 4 rebounds per game. Greg Minor was a third-team Parade All-American at Boston College and was drafted by the Celtics in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft.

Minor played with the Celtics from 1994 to 1999 and had notable career stats including 1,902 points (6.9 ppg), 741 rebounds (2.7 rpg) and 384 assists (1.4 apg). 

In 2001, Minor signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Clippers but only appeared in two games before being waived later that year due to injury problems.

After recovering from his injuries, Minor retired from basketball in 2003 after playing for various teams overseas such as Russian club Khimki Moscow Region and Greek team Panathinaikos Athens BC. Greg Minor currently resides in Houston, Texas where he works as an athletic trainer.

22. Felton Spencer

Career

• High school: Eastern (Middletown, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1986–1990)
• NBA draft 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 1990–2002
• Position: Center
• Number: 50, 16
• 1990–1993: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 1993–1996: Utah Jazz
• 1996: Orlando Magic
• 1996–1999: Golden State Warriors
• 1999–2000: San Antonio Spurs
• 2000–2002: New York Knicks
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1991), First-team All-Metro Conference (1990), Second-team Parade All-American (1986)
• Points: 3,354 (5.2 ppg)
• Rebounds: 3,436 (5.4 rpg)
• Blocks: 534 (0.8 bpg)

Felton Spencer was born on January 5, 1968 in Louisville, Kentucky. He played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals from 1986 to 1990 and was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft.

Spencer spent his entire playing career with the Timberwolves and retired in 2002. Felton is known for being one of the most efficient big men in NBA history and averaged 16 points per game during his 14-year career. 

After retiring from professional basketball, Felton became a television analyst for TNT's coverage of major tournaments such as The Olympics and The World Cup.

Felton Spencer was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 1993 and played for them until 1996. He then signed with the Orlando Magic, where he spent two seasons before joining the Golden State Warriors in 1999. 

Spencer won two championships with the Warriors (2000-2002) and is now a member of the San Antonio Spurs. Felton has averaged over 5 points per game throughout his NBA career and ranks third all-time in rebounds behind only Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard.

23. Jordan Nwora

Forward

Career

• High school: , Amherst Central, (Amherst, New York), The Park School of Buffalo, (Snyder, New York), Vermont Academy, (Saxtons River, Vermont)
• College: Louisville (2017–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• 2021: →Salt Lake City Stars
• 2021–2022: →Wisconsin Herd
• NBA champion (2021), Third-team All-American – AP, SN, USBWA, NABC (2020), First-team All-ACC (2020), Third-team All-ACC (2019), ACC Most Improved Player (2019)

Jordan Nwora was born on September 9, 1998 in Buffalo, New York. He attended Amherst Central High School and then The Park School of Buffalo before playing for Vermont Academy.

In 2018, Jordan Nwora entered the draft but did not sign with an NBA team. On October 26th, 2019 he signed with the Milwaukee Bucks as a free agent. Jordan is a small forward who can play both inside and out on the floor; his abilities to shoot from downtown and pass make him extremely valuable to any team in the league.

We are excited to see what Jordan will do next in his career after joining such a prestigious organization like the Milwaukee Bucks. Jordan Nwora was born in Louisville, Kentucky and attended college at the University of Louisville. 

Jordan excelled as a freshman for the Cardinals averaging 14 points per game and earning second-team All-American honors from various organizations including AP, SN, USBWA and NABC.

In his sophomore season he upped his scoring average to 20 points per game while also leading the team in assists with 5.5 dimes per contest. He continued this success during his junior year by averaging 23 points on 47% shooting from three-point range along.

With 8 rebounds and 7 assists over 38 games played which earned him third-team All-ACC honors once again. His senior year saw him earn first-team ACC accolades again as well as being named Most Improved Player after posting averages of 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists across 36 starts for UofL.

24. Montrezl Harrell

Forward

Career

• High school: , North Edgecombe, (Tarboro, North Carolina), Hargrave Military Academy, (Chatham, Virginia)
• College: Louisville (2012–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32nd overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2017: Houston Rockets
• 2015–2016: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2017–2020: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2020–2021: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2021–2022: Washington Wizards
• 2022: Charlotte Hornets
• 2022–present: Philadelphia 76ers
• NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2020), NCAA champion (2013)*, Karl Malone Award (2015), Second-team All-ACC (2015), First-team All-AAC (2014), AAC Most Improved Player (2014), *Later vacated
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA World U19 Championship, : 2013 Czech Republic: National team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2012 Brazil: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA World U19 Championship
• : 2013 Czech Republic: National team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2012 Brazil: National team

Montrezl Harrell was born in Tarboro, North Carolina and he played high school basketball at North Edgecombe. He then attended Hargrave Military Academy where he starred for two seasons before entering the NBA draft.

Selected with the 32nd overall pick by the Philadelphia 76er's in 2015, Montrezl Harrell made his debut that same year and has since become a regular starter for them. A powerful center/power forward who can shoot from outside as well as score inside, Montrezl Harrell is an important part of Philadelphia's rebuilding process.

Montrezl Harrell is a 6'7" forward who played collegiately at Louisville. He was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 36th pick of the 2015 NBA draft and has since appeared in over 200 games for them, averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds per game. 

In 2019, he was named to represent Team USA at the World Cup of Basketball where he averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds in six games.

Montrezl Harrell is set to join Philadelphia 76ers in 2020 after spending two seasons with Los Angeles Clippers.

25. Gorgui Dieng

Center

Career

• High school: , SEEDS Academy (Thiès, Senegal), Huntington Prep, (Huntington, West Virginia)
• College: Louisville (2010–2013)
• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21st overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Playing career: 2013–present
• 2013–2020: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2020–2021: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2021: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–2022: Atlanta Hawks
• 2022–present: San Antonio Spurs
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014), NCAA champion (2013)*, Big East Defensive Player of the Year (2013), First-team All-Big East (2013), *Later vacated
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Senegal, AfroBasket, : 2017 Tunisia/Senegal: , : 2021 Rwanda:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Senegal
• AfroBasket
• : 2017 Tunisia/Senegal:
• : 2021 Rwanda:

Dieng is a promising center who has carved out a solid career in the NBA. Selected 21st overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2013 NBA draft, Dieng has spent his entire professional career with them.

A skilled scorer and defender, Dieng was one of Louisville's most valuable players during his time there. In 2017-2018, he led Minnesota to their first-ever playoff appearance after averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds per game over 60 contests played.

An All-Star selection in 2018, Dieng is looking to continue his successful play for the remainder of his contract with San Antonio Dieng is a big man who can score in the post and on the block.

He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team after averaging 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in his first season with Minnesota Timberwolves.

Dieng has appeared in all 82 games of his career, including playoffs, which equals a total of 1,602 minutes played over 54 contests (averaging 36 minutes). 

In 2013–14 he led Division I college basketball players with 14 double-doubles while also being selected as an NCAA champion by consensus vote from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

The 27-year old Senegal native holds several other accolades at various levels: First team All-Big East Conference twice (2013, 2015), Big East Defensive Player of Year (2013) and Academic All-Big East honoree three times (2011–13).

Also Played For: san antonio spurs, minnesota timberwolves

26. Scooter McCray

Career

• High school: Mount Vernon, (Mount Vernon, New York)
• College: Louisville (1978–1983)
• NBA draft 1983 / Round: 2 / Pick: 36th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 1983–1988
• Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 21, 20
• 1983–1984: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1985–1986: Caen Basket Calvados
• 1986–1987: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 1987–1988: Charleston Gunners
• NCAA champion (1980), Fourth-team Parade All-American (1978)

Scooter McCray was born on February 8, 1960 in Mount Vernon, New York. He attended high school at Mount Vernon and played college basketball for Louisville before being selected 36th overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1983 NBA draft.

Scooter spent three seasons with the Sonics before joining the Denver Nuggets in 1988. He retired from playing following that season. 

In his twelve-year career, Scooter averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game while making nearly 300 3-pointers out of concern for his health after suffering a number of leg injuries early on in his career.

After retiring from playing, Scooter worked as an assistant coach with several teams including Atlanta Hawks (2009–2012), Memphis Grizzlies (2013) and Miami Heat (2015). 

In 2017 he took up coaching full time with IMG Academy where he currently coaches their boys' varsity team to multiple state championships each year.

27. Junior Bridgeman

Career

• High school: Washington (East Chicago, Indiana)
• College: Louisville (1972–1975)
• NBA draft 1975 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 1975–1987
• Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
• Number: 2
• 1975–1984: Milwaukee Bucks
• 1984–1986: Los Angeles Clippers
• 1986–1987: Milwaukee Bucks
• No. 2 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, Second-team All-American – USBWA (1975), Third-team All-American – UPI (1975), 2× MVC Player of the Year (1974, 1975), Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award (2001)
• Points: 11,517 (13.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 2,995 (3.5 rpg)
• Assists: 2,066 (2.4 apg)

Junior Bridgeman was born on September 17, 1953 in East Chicago, Indiana. He attended high school at Washington (East Chicago, Indiana) and played college basketball for Louisville.

He was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1975 and spent his entire professional career with them until 1987. In 1984, he joined the Milwaukee Bucks and helped them to win two championships during that time period.

Junior Bridgeman retired from playing basketball in 1987 but continued to work as a commentator for NBA games from that point onward. Junior Bridgeman played college ball at the University of Utah, where he was a two-time All-American and led the Utes to their first NCAA Championship in 1976.

He was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1984 and went on to play with them for six seasons before joining the Milwaukee Bucks in 1987. 

In his career, Bridgeman averaged 13.6 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per contest while shooting over 50 percent from the floor both as a starter and off the bench.

After retiring from playing professionally, Junior became an assistant coach with his former team, the Milwaukee Bucks, where he currently resides as an assistant coach under head coach Jason Kidd.

28. Derek Smith

Career

• High school: Hogansville (Hogansville, Georgia)
• College: Louisville (1978–1982)
• NBA draft 1982 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1982–1991
• Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
• Number: 41, 18, 21, 43
• Coaching career: 1994–1996
• NCAA champion (1980), Metro Conference Co-Player of the Year (1981), 2x First-team All-Metro Conference (1980, 1981)
• Points: 5,232 (12.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,300 (3.2 rpg)
• Assists: 866 (2.1 apg)

Derek Smith was an American shooting guard and small forward who played 12 seasons in the NBA. Derek Smith attended high school at Hogan'sville (Hogansville, Georgia) before playing college basketball for Louisville.

After being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1982, Derek spent most of his career with them before joining the Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks. 

In 1994, Derek became head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics but he died two years later after a car accident on board MS Norwegian Dream while travelling to Sweden to watch his son play in a preseason game.

Derek Smith was a player in the NBA for many years, most notably with the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. He was also an assistant coach with the Washington Bullets during his playing career. 

Derek Smith is best known for his time at Duke University where he won two NCAA championships (1980 and 1981). He played alongside future Hall of Famer Michael Jordan on the Blue Devils team that claimed back-to-back titles.

After graduating from Duke, Derek Smith went onto play professionally in both the NBA and Continental Basketball Association (CBA). In total, he scored 5,232 points over 12 seasons as a pro athlete. 

As a coach, Derek Smith has had success at various levels including working as an assistant coach with Washington Wizards during his playing days and then later taking charge of the Georgetown Hoyas men's basketball program from 2006 to 2009 before being hired by NC State Wolfpack in 2010.

Nowadays, Derek Smith is currently head coach at Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia where he has led them to six consecutive postseason appearances since 2014.

29. Ray Spalding

Forward

Career

• High school: Trinity (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (2015–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 2 / Pick: 56th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: Dallas Mavericks
• 2018–2019: →Texas Legends
• 2019: Phoenix Suns
• 2019–2020: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2020: Charlotte Hornets
• 2020: →Greensboro Swarm
• 2021: Houston Rockets
• 2021: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2022–present: Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Ray Spalding is a power forward who played college basketball for Louisville. He was drafted by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the 2018 NBA draft, and made his debut in December of that year.

In 34 games played during the 2018-19 season, Ray averaged 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block per game. His contract with RGV expired at the end of the 2019-20 season and he has yet to sign with another team as of this writing; it's unclear if he will play again in an NBA uniform or not.

Ray Spalding is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA D-League. Ray was drafted in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018 but did not see any playing time with them that season. 

He then spent two seasons with their affiliate, the Texas Legends, before being traded to Phoenix Suns on draft night 2019.

In his first full year with Phoenix, he played in 59 games and averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from three-point range.

30. Billy Thompson

Career

• High school: Camden (Camden, New Jersey)
• College: Louisville (1982–1986)
• NBA draft 1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 19th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 1986–1998
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 55
• 1986–1988: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1988–1991: Miami Heat
• 1992: Golden State Warriors
• 1993–1994: Rapid City Thrillers
• 1994: San Miguel Beermen
• 1994: Fenerbahçe
• 1994–1997: Hapoel Jerusalem
• 1997–1998: Peñarol de Mar del Plata
• 2× NBA champion (1987, 1988), NCAA champion (1986), 2× First-team All-Metro Conference (1985, 1986), First-team Parade All-American (1982), Third-team Parade All-American (1981)
• Points: 2,566 (8.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,615 (5.4 rpg)
• 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

Thompson was a successful small forward in the NBA. He played for the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors over his career. Thompson is best remembered for his time with the Miami Heat where he won two championships.

After ending his playing career, Thompson has since worked as an analyst on NBA TV and ESPN Radio networks.. He was a two-time NBA champion and an NCAA Champion. Thompson played for the San Miguel Beermen, Fenerbahçe and Peñarol de Mar del Plata during his professional career.

He is best known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers where he won a championship in 1987 and 1988. After playing professionally for over 15 years, Thompson retired from basketball in 1997.

31. Earl Clark

Career

• High school: Rahway (Rahway, New Jersey)
• College: Louisville (2006–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2010: Phoenix Suns
• 2010–2012: Orlando Magic
• 2012–2013: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2013–2014: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2014: New York Knicks
• 2014: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2014–2015: Shandong Golden Stars
• 2015: Brooklyn Nets
• 2015–2016: Bakersfield Jam
• 2016: Delaware 87ers
• 2016: Henan Roaring Elephants
• 2016–2018: Beşiktaş
• 2018–2019: Budućnost VOLI
• 2019–2020: Burgos
• 2020–2021: Gran Canaria
• 2021: Al-Manama
• 2021: Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus
• 2022: Cariduros de Fajardo
• 2022: NLEX Road Warriors
• Montenegrin League champion (2019), Montenegrin Cup winner (2019), Turkish League All-Star (2017), McDonald's All-American (2006), Fourth-team Parade All-American (2006)

Earl Clark was drafted 14th overall by the Phoenix Suns in 2009. He played for the Orlando Magic from 2010 to 2012 and then moved on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2013 onwards.

Earl is a powerful forward who can score at will, making him an important part of any team he plays for. His impressive playing record means that he is definitely one of the most talented players currently active in the NBA.

Earl Clark is a professional basketball player who has played for multiple teams in Europe and the NBA. In his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he averaged 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. 

He was traded to the New York Knicks in 2014, where he improved his averages to 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game over 57 games played that year- an impressive feat considering how many minutes he actually logged on defense.

Clark then spent two seasons playing in China before joining Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League (D-League) as a free agent in 2016–2017; there, again averaged double digits both offensively (15ppg) and defensively (8spg). 

In 2018–2019 Earl joined Beşiktaş of Turkey's top division league but due to injury only managed 10 appearances across all competitions – although 8 of which were starts – scoring 4 points whilst grabbing 7 boards per contest.

After returning from injury however, Clark shone brightly once more scoring 21pts on 62% shooting along with 11rebs en route to being named TurkishBasketbol Liga MVP for that season.

Earl had arguably his best individual campaign yet this past season at Budućnost VOLI taking home MVP honors as well as leading his team into their first-ever. 

Eurocup Finals appearance- albeit narrowly losing out against FC Barcelona Lassa 84-81 after coming back from 0 down at halftime due to excellent play by Barça’s All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo. 

At just 25 years old Earl looks like having plenty of potentials left - especially given that injuries have been limiting him somewhat recently - so fans can look forward to seeing even greater things from him moving forward whether it be domestically or internationally.

32. Herbert Crook

Career

• High school: Eastern, (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1984–1988)
• NBA draft 1988 / Round: 3 / Pick: 61st overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Position: Small forward
• 1988: Quad City Thunder
• 1988–1989: La Crosse Catbirds
• 1989: Grand Rapids Hoops
• 1990: Tulsa Fast Breakers
• 1991–1992: HNMKY
• 1994–1995: HoNsU
• 1996: HNMKY
• 1996: HoNsU
• Korisliiga champion (1992), Korisliiga scoring leader (1992), Korisliiga rebounding leader (1992), NCAA champion (1986), Metro Conference Player of the Year (1987), First-team All-Metro Conference (1987), Second-team All-Metro Conference (1988)

Herbert Crook was born on July 26, 1965 in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Eastern High School and played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals from 1984-1988.

After playing two years of pro ball with the Quad City Thunder and La Crosse Catbirds, Crook was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1988 3rd round (61st overall). His NBA career consisted of stints with the Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Sacramento Kings before retiring in 2001 at age 36 due to injury.

Herbert is now a commentator for Fox Sports Midwest broadcasts as well as an occasional guest analyst on NBA games airing on ESPN or TNT.. Herbert Crook was a two-time NCAA champion and Metro Conference Player of the Year. Crook played for the Grand Rapids Hoops, Tulsa Fast Breakers, and HNMKY before retiring in 1996.

In retirement, he worked as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Northeastern State University (NESU). Crook is currently an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA.

33. Jerry Smith

Career

• High school: Wauwatosa East, (Wauwatosa, Wisconsin)
• College: Louisville (2006–2010)
• NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2011: Springfield Armor
• 2011: Waikato Pistons
• 2011–2012: Springfield Armor
• 2012: New Jersey Nets
• 2012: Springfield Armor
• 2012–2013: Mapooro Cantù
• 2013–2014: Tezenis Verona
• 2014–2015: Maccabi Rishon LeZion
• 2015–2016: Eisbären Bremerhaven
• 2016–2017: Samsunspor
• 2017: Champagne Châlons-Reims
• 2017–2018: Karesi Spor
• 2018–2020: Ifaistos Limnou
• 2020–2021: Larisa
• 2021–2022: Lavrio
• 2022–present: Final Spor
• Fourth-team Parade All-American (2006)

Jerry Smith is a point guard and shooting guard who currently plays in the Turkish Basketball First League. He played college basketball at Louisville from 2006-2010.

Jerry Smith was undrafted out of Louisville but spent time with the Springfield Armor, Waikato Pistons, and now Istanbulspor. Jerry Smith is known for his leadership skills on the court as well as his ability to score points both inside and outside of the arc.

Jerry Smith has been involved in several charity events over the years including benefiting Children's Hospital Colorado (CHC) where he raised over $10,000 for pediatric cancer research last year alone. Smith averaged 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1 block per game in his 10-year career with four different teams.

Smith was drafted by the Nets in 2002 but did not play for them until 2006 due to an ankle injury he suffered in training camp with their then-teammate Stephon Marbury playing instead. 

He helped lead New Jersey to the playoffs six times during his tenure before being traded to the Springfield Armor midway through the 2012–13 season where he won a championship that year as part of a core of players who would be moved on at the end of that season (Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Devin Harris).

Smith spent three seasons with Maccabi Rishon LeZion before joining Tezenis Verona midway through 2014–15; there too he had success winning another title after leading his team into Europe's top competition while still only 34 years old (the oldest player on either side). 

In January 2016, it was announced that Jerry Smith would join Eisbären Bremerhaven for one final campaign before retiring from professional basketball following 63 games played averaging 11 minutes and 2 points per contest en route to helping guide them clear.

First place in their league standings at season's end - becoming just one of two players ever (alongside Zeljko Rebraca) to achieve this feat whilst also recording over 1000 rebounds and 500 blocks during their career.

Both Milovan Rajevac are currently ahead of him on these lists having achieved this accolade whilst playing in more than 1700 contests combined.

On July 26th 2017 Jerry Smith made an emotional return to Châlons-Reims alongside fellow Final Four participant Karesi Spor where they faced. Champagne Châlons-Reims once again; needless to say it ended up being a much-anticipated reunion between former teammates. 

Which culminated in victory courtesy of Karesi scoring 31 points off the bench including 15 fourth-quarter markers as they emerged victorious 105–102 thus securing themselves promotion back up into France's top tier LNB Pro A league.

34. Phil Bond

Career

• High school: duPont Manual, (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1973–1977)
• NBA draft 1977 / Round: 3 / Pick: 62nd overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 30
• 1977: Houston Rockets
• Medals, , Representing  United States, Men's basketball, Pan American Games, : 1975 Mexico City: Team competition
• Representing  United States
• Men's basketball
• Pan American Games
• : 1975 Mexico City: Team competition

Phil Bond was born in Paducah, Kentucky on July 27th 1954. He attended high school at duPont Manual and played college ball for Louisville. In 1977, he was selected by the Houston Rockets with their third round pick and went on to play in the NBA for six seasons.

Phil is now a successful businessman and has dedicated his life to philanthropy work through his foundation, The Phil Bond Family Foundation. He is married to Linda and they have two children together: daughter Mandi (born 1988) and son Reid (born 1990). 

Bond was a 30-year old point guard for the Houston Rockets when he participated in the 1977 Pan American Games.

Bond averaged 10 points per game and 3 assists during his time at the games. He later played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 1996. 

Bond is currently an assistant coach for Iowa State University's men's basketball team where he has been since 1999. 5. Bond was inducted into both the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (1998) and Ames High School Athletic Hall of Fame (1999).

35. Lancaster Gordon

Career

• High school: Jim Hill (Jackson, Mississippi)
• College: Louisville (1980–1984)
• NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8th overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 1984–1991
• Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
• Number: 4
• 1984–1988: Los Angeles Clippers
• 1988–1989: Pensacola Tornados
• 1989–1990: La Crosse Catbirds
• 1990–1991: Sioux Falls Skyforce

Lancaster Gordon was born on June 24, 1962 in Jackson, Mississippi. He played college basketball at Louisville and was drafted by the NBA in 1984. Gordon has had a successful career with stints with the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers.

In 2000 he became head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies but resigned after one season due to health concerns related to his heart condition. 

Lancaster Gordon is currently an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies and lives in Memphis with his wife and two children. Lancaster Gordon was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1984 NBA Draft.

Lancaster played point guard and shooting guard during his career, accumulating 4,000 points and 1,500 assists over 10 seasons. He retired from playing in 1991 after a season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. 

After retiring from basketball, he moved to Las Vegas where he worked as a sports talk show host for KFI-AM radio until his death in 2016 at age 60 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

36. Alvin Sims

Career

• High school: Paris (Paris, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1993–1997)
• NBA draft: 1997 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 1997–2007
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 19
• 1997–1998: Quad City Thunder
• 1999: Phoenix Suns
• 1999–2000: Quad City Thunder
• 2003–2004: Coop Nordest Trieste
• 2004–2005: Pallacanestro Reggiana
• 2005–2006: ÉB Pau-Orthez
• CBA Rookie of the Year (1998), CBA All-Rookie Team (1998)

Alvin Sims was a shooting guard who played in the NBA from 1997-2007. He averaged 6.4 points per game and 2.5 assists during his career. Sims attended high school at Paris (Paris, Kentucky) before going to Louisville for college where he starred for the Cardinals basketball team.

After playing two seasons with the Louisville Cardinals, Sims was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1997 NBA draft but did not play any games with them due to an injury sustained while still in college. 

In 2003, Sims signed with the Philadelphia 76ers and spent three years there before being traded to Portland Trail Blazers midway through 2006 season where he ended up spending most of his time as a member of that team until 2007 when he retired due to injuries.

37. Mike Grosso

Career

• High school: Bridgewater-Raritan, (Raritan, New Jersey)
• College: Louisville (1967–1970)
• NBA draft 1970 / Round: 5 / Pick: 84th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Position: Center
• Number: 10
• 1971–1972: Pittsburgh Condors

Mike Grosso is an American actor and musician. He was born in Raritan, New Jersey, on September 7, 1947. Mike has appeared in many movies and television shows throughout his career.

His most notable roles include Detective Sergeant Joe Friday on the TV show " Police Squad." and Driscoll in the movie "The Devil's Rejects". In 2006, he released a solo album called "Riding Shotgun".

Mike currently lives in California with his wife Sandy and their two children Daniela and Giovanni.
7. Mike is a member of several music groups including The Outlaws (of which he was once lead guitarist) as well as Sadie & the Hot Rods.

He enjoys surfing, golfing, fishing and skiing Grosso was a center for Louisville and played in the NBA for Milwaukee. Grosso had a successful career, averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game in his time in the league. After playing with various teams throughout his career, Grosso retired from professional basketball in 1992.

Grosso has since worked as a coach and administrator at several colleges around the country, most notably Western Kentucky University where he currently serves as an assistant coach under Rick Majerus. 

Mike Grosso is an important part of college basketball history; he helped lead Louisville to two Final Four appearances during his tenure there, which speaks volumes about his talent on the court.

38. Jack Coleman

Career

• High school: Burgin (Burgin, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1946–1949)
• BAA draft 1949 / Round: 2
• Selected by the Rochester Royals
• Playing career: 1949–1958
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 10, 15, 12, 11
• 1949–1956: Rochester Royals
• 1956–1958: St. Louis Hawks
• NBA, 2× NBA champion (1951, 1958), NBA All-Star (1955), College football, Third-team Little All-American (1946)
• Points: 6,721 (10.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,186 (9.2 rpg)
• Assists: 1,749 (2.8 apg)

Coleman was a powerful forward and center in his playing days. Coleman played for the Rochester Royals, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Baltimore Bullets during his career.

He averaged 10 points and 11 rebounds per game over his career. Coleman retired after the 1958 season due to knee injuries sustained in a car accident. Coleman was a versatile player who excelled at both scoring and rebounding.

He was a two-time champion with the Rochester Royals, as well as an All-Star and Third-team Little All American while playing college football. Coleman retired in 1958 after spending his entire career with the St Louis Hawks, where he won another championship.

39. Bud Olsen

Career

• High school: Belmont (Dayton, Ohio)
• College: Louisville (1959–1962)
• NBA draft 1962 / Round: 2 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Cincinnati Royals
• Playing career: 1962–1970
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 16, 34, 13, 24, 29, 10
• 1962–1965: Cincinnati Royals
• 1965–1967: San Francisco Warriors
• 1967–1968: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1968: Boston Celtics
• 1968–1969: Detroit Pistons
• 1969–1970: Kentucky Colonels
• Points: 1,935 (4.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,485 (3.3 rpg)
• Assists: 542 (1.2 apg)

Bud Olsen was born on July 25, 1940 in Hobart, Indiana. He attended high school at Belmont (Dayton, Ohio) and played college basketball for Louisville from 1959-1962.

Olsen was selected by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1962 NBA draft and spent his entire playing career with them from 1962-1970. Bud averaged 14 points per game over his 10 seasons in the NBA and is considered one of the best small forwards of all time.

Bud retired from professional basketball following the 1970 season and later moved to Kentucky where he lived until his death in 2018 at age 77 Olsen was a power forward/center in the NBA for 16 seasons and played with six different teams. 

Olsen averaged 4.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game in his career, earning him four All-Star selections along the way.

Bud retired from playing basketball after the 1987 season and went on to coach several teams over the next two decades before passing away at age 80 in 2016.

40. Jerry Eaves

Career

• High school: Ballard (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1978–1982)
• NBA draft 1982 / Round: 3 / Pick: 55th overall
• Selected by the Utah Jazz
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 31, 5, 22
• Coaching career: 1990–present
• As player:, NCAA champion (1980), First-team All-Metro Conference (1981), Second-team All-Metro Conference (1982), McDonald's All-American (1978), Second-team Parade All-American (1978)

Jerry Eaves was a prolific scorer in the NBA for many years, playing for Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks. After retiring from the NBA, he has been coaching players since 1990.

He is currently head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Eaves was a player and assistant coach for several NBA teams in the 1990s. Eaves is most known for his time as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings, where he helped lead them to their only playoff appearance during that period.

After leaving the Kings, Eaves had stints as an assistant coach with the Nets, Hornets and Cavaliers before landing at A&T in 2003. In 2012, he was named head coach of North Carolina A&T's Division I team but left after one season to take a similar position at Simmons College in South Carolina.

41. Damion Lee

Career

• High school: , Calvert Hall (Towson, Maryland), St. Thomas More, (Oakdale, Connecticut)
• College: , Drexel (2011–2015), Louisville (2015–2016)
• NBA draft: 2016 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2017: Maine Red Claws
• 2017–2018: Santa Cruz Warriors
• 2018: Atlanta Hawks
• 2018–2020: →Santa Cruz Warriors
• 2018–2022: Golden State Warriors
• 2022–present: Phoenix Suns
• NBA champion (2022), Second-team All-ACC (2016), First-team All-CAA (2015), Second-team All-CAA (2013), CAA All-Defensive Team (2015), CAA Rookie of the Year (2012)

Damion Lee was born on October 21, 1992 in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended high school at Calvert Hall and St. Thomas More before attending Drexel for two years from 2011 to 2015.

In March of 2016, Damion signed with Louisville as a junior college transfer and played there for one year before being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 2017 NBA Draft. 

Damion has appeared in 139 career games (starting 111) over four seasons with the Suns and averaged 11 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assists per game while shooting 43% from three-point range.

Damion Lee has been playing in the NBA since 2018 and currently plays for the Phoenix Suns. Damion Lee is a rookie and was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2022, but did not play that season. He then played for Santa Cruz Warriors before being traded to Atlanta Hawks where he won his first championship in 2022.

Damion Lee is known for his defensive abilities, which have led him to be an All-CAA player multiple times throughout his career so far.

42. Ron Thomas

Career

• High school: Thomas Jefferson, (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: , Trinity Valley CC (1968–1970), Louisville (1970–1972)
• NBA draft 1972 / Round: 6 / Pick: 90th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 1972–1976
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 8, 42
• 1972–1976: Kentucky Colonels
• ABA champion (1975)

Ron Thomas was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 19, 1950. He attended high school at Thomas Jefferson in Louisville and played college basketball there before turning to professional wrestling.

His first appearance came as a referee for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) on September 21, 1971 and he made his professional wrestling debut later that year with Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF).

In 1976, Thomas began managing wrestlers including Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair which led him to become one of the most successful managers in history. On July 14th 2018 Ron Thomas passed away at 67 years old after a long battle with cancer Thomas played power forward for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1972-1976.

He was an ABA champion in 1975 and averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists per game during his career. 

Thomas also won a championship with Kentucky Colonels in 1974. After playing his final season with the Utah Stars in 1978-1979, he retired as one of only three players to play all nine years of the original ABA league (1971-1978).

43. Chinanu Onuaku

Career

• High school: Riverdale Baptist, (Upper Marlboro, Maryland)
• College: Louisville (2014–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 2 / Pick: 37th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2018: Houston Rockets
• 2016–2018: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2018–2019: Greensboro Swarm
• 2019–2020: Wonju DB Promy
• 2020–2021: Zadar
• 2021–2022: Bnei Herzliya
• 2022: Dinamo Sassari
• 2022–present: Hapoel Tel Aviv
• Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP (2022), Israeli Basketball State Cup winner (2022), Israeli Basketball State Cup MVP (2022), Croatian League champion (2021), All-Croatian League First Team (2021), All-Croatian League All-Defensive Team (2021), Croatian Cup winner (2021), Croatian Cup MVP (2021), All-Korean League First Team (2020), Korean League All-Imports Team (2020)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 2015 Greece: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 2015 Greece: Team

Chinanu Onuaku was born on November 1, 1996 in Lanham, Maryland. He played college basketball for Louisville where he averaged 11.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a freshman before declaring for the 2016 NBA Draft.

Onuaku was selected by the Houston Rockets with the 37th overall pick in the 2016 draft and has since signed a two-year deal with them appeared in 49 games (all starts) this season averaging 9.6 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game while shooting 52% from 3 point range .

Chinanu Onuaku is a 6-foot-10 center who has spent the last four seasons playing in Israel, where he's been a key part of two Israeli Basketball Premier League title teams and one Israeli Basketball State Cup championship. 

In 2020, Onuaku helped lead the Croatian League champions to their first ever international title by averaging 15.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game while shooting 57 percent from the field en route to being named MVP of both the Croatian Cup and All-Croatian League finals.

Born in Nigeria but raised in Italy, Chinanu Onuaku has played professionally for five different clubs across Europe over his six years as a pro basketball player - an experience that should come in handy. 

Team USA this summer at the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament after averaging 8 points and 4 rebounds on 54 percent shooting from the floor during qualifying games against Guam, Antigua & Barbuda, and Ireland earlier this year.

44. Chuck Noble

Career

• High school: South (Akron, Ohio)
• College: Louisville (1950–1954)
• NBA draft 1954 / Round: 4 / Pick: 30th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
• Playing career: 1954–1962
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 5, 14
• 1954–1955: Akron Goodyear Wingfoots
• 1955–1962: Fort Wayne / Detroit Pistons
• NBA All-Star (1960)
• Points: 3,276 (8.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 1,075 (2.6 rpg)
• Assists: 1,344 (3.3 apg)

Chuck Noble was born in 1931 and played professional basketball for the Philadelphia Warriors from 1954 to 1962. He averaged 13.5 points per game during his career, which included a championship with the Warriors in 1957.

Noble also played for the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Detroit Pistons over the course of his 10-year NBA career. In 1961 he won an NCAA Championship with Louisville before retiring from playing professionally that same year.

Chuck Noble passed away at 79 years old on March 7th, 2011 after a long illness.* Noble played in the NBA for 14 seasons from 1954 to 1962. He was a key player on two championship teams and is best known for his defense, which helped him win three consecutive All-Star games.

Noble retired after the 1962 season with 3,276 points and 1,075 rebounds in 988 games. After retirement, he worked as an assistant coach with several different teams before retiring again in 1988. Chuck Noble passed away at the age of 73 on May 30th, 2017.

45. Deng Adel

Small forward

Career

• High school: , Keilor Downs College, (Melbourne, Victoria), Xavier College (Melbourne, Victoria), Victory Rock Prep, (Bradenton, Florida)
• College: Louisville (2015–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: Raptors 905
• 2019: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2019: →Canton Charge
• 2019–2020: Long Island Nets
• 2020–2021: Illawarra Hawks
• 2021–2022: Maine Celtics
• 2022: Ottawa BlackJacks
• 2022–present: Bakken Bears

Deng Adel is a small forward who played college basketball in Australia. He was drafted by the Bakken Bears of the Basketligaen, and had an impressive rookie season, averaging 23 points per game.

In 2018, he signed with the Louisville Cardinals of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. Deng Adel averaged 14 points and 5 rebounds per game for Louisville during their run to the Final Four where they lost to Michigan State University.

As a result of his performances at college level, Deng has been labelled as one of Australia's best young players, and is currently being tipped as a future star in international basketball circles Deng Adel is a 6'10" forward who played college basketball at Louisville.

Deng Adel was drafted in the 2018 NBA draft but has yet to make an appearance in the league. In his rookie season, Deng Adel spent time with both the Raptors 905 and Cleveland Cavaliers before joining Canton Charge for their 2019–2020 season. 

In 2020-21, he joined the Long Island Nets where he averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game over 28 appearances.

In 2021-22, Deng moved to Maine Celtics where he started all 38 games and led the team with 18 triple doubles (tied for third most in NBA history). 

The Bakken Bears signed him ahead of their 2022-23 campaign and so far this year he's averaging 21 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists per game while shooting 50% from three point range.

Also Played For: raptors 905

46. Wesley Cox

Career

• High school: Male (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Louisville (1973–1977)
• NBA draft 1977 / Round: 1 / Pick: 18th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 1977–1979
• Position: Small forward
• Number: 41
• 1977–1979: Golden State Warriors
• First-team All-Metro Conference (1977), Second-team Parade All-American (1973)

Wesley Cox was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 27th, 1955. Wesley Cox attended high school at Male and played college basketball for the Louisville Cardinals from 1973 to 1977.

In 1977, Wesley Cox was drafted by the Golden State Warriors with 18th overall pick in the NBA draft. After playing one season for the Warriors, Wesley Cox signed with the Philadelphia 76ers where he spent three seasons before retiring from professional basketball in 1981.

Following his retirement from professional basketball, Wes began a successful career as an assistant coach for various colleges including LSU and Texas Tech until taking over as head coach of Louisiana-Lafayette in 2006 where he remains today Wesley Cox was a versatile forward for the Golden State Warriors during their 1977-79 NBA seasons.

He played small forward and also averaged 4.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 33 games played that season. Cox starred at Southern Utah University before playing professionally in Europe for two years prior to joining the Warriors. 

Wesley Cox went on to play eight more seasons in the NBA with three different teams before retiring in 1987 due to knee injuries sustained while playing with the Los Angeles Clippers.

47. Taqwa Pinero

Career

• High school: Neptune, (Neptune Township, New Jersey)
• College: Louisville (2002–2006)
• NBA draft: 2006 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2006–present
• 2006–2007: Pallacanestro Biella
• 2007: Dynamo Moscow
• 2007–2008: Junior Casale Monferrato
• 2008–2009: Murcia
• 2009–2010: Unicaja Málaga
• 2010: Baskonia
• 2010: Kavala
• 2010–2012: Scandone Avellino
• 2012: Valencia
• 2012: Aliağa Petkim
• 2012–2014: Scandone Avellino
• 2014–2015: San Sebastián Gipuzkoa
• 2015: Mahram Tehran
• 2015–2016: Socar Petkim
• 2016: San Sebastián Gipuzkoa
• 2016: Hoops Club
• 2016–2017: Iberostar Tenerife
• 2017–2019: Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez
• Conference USA tournament MVP (2005)

Taqwa Pinero was born on August 6, 1983 in Red Bank, New Jersey. He played college basketball for Louisville from 2002 to 2006. Taqwa Pinero was undrafted but signed with Pallacanestro Biella of the Italian Serie A in 2006.

He then joined Dynamo Moscow of the Russian Superleague before signing with Murcia of Spain's Liga ACB in 2009. In 2011 he moved to Bulgaria where he played for Levski Sofia until his retirement in 2014 at age 33 due to injury/illness-related issues..

Taqwa Pinero was born on October 15, 1984 in Philadelphia, PA. Taqwa played for the Junior Casale Monferrato team from 2007-2008 and then moved to Murcia for two years before heading off to Spain with Baskonia. 

After a year with Kavala in Greece, Taqwa signed with Valencia where he spent two seasons before joining Aliağa Petkim of Turkey in 2012.

In 2014, Taqwa joined Scandone Avellino of Italy where he remained until 2015 when he made the move to Mahram Tehran of Iran as a free agent. 

Taqva rejoined his former club Scandone Avellino midway through the 2016-2017 season and has since led them back into Europe’s top division after finishing runner up last season behind Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez.

48. Édgar Sosa

Career

• High school: Rice (New York City, New York)
• College: Louisville (2006–2010)
• NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2011: Angelico Biella
• 2012: Reales de La Vega
• 2013: Blancos de Rueda Valladolid
• 2013: Cangrejeros de Santurce
• 2013: Leones de Santo Domingo
• 2013–2014: ratiopharm Ulm
• 2014–2015: Dinamo Sassari
• 2015–2016: Petrochimi Bandar Imam
• 2016: Hapoel Jerusalem
• 2016–2017: Juvecaserta
• 2017: Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
• 2017–2018: New Zealand Breakers
• 2018: Reyer Venezia
• 2018–2019: BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque
• 2019–2020: Hapoel Gilboa Galil
• 2020–2021: Boulazac
• 2021: Rasta Vechta
• 2021–2022: Zamalek
• 2022–present: Al-Naft SC
• All-BAL First Team (2022), FIBA Europe Cup champion (2018), Italian Serie A champion (2015), Italian Cup winner (2015), Italian Supercup winner (2014), Italian Serie A All-Star (2011), Iranian League champion (2016), Lebanese League champion (2017), All-NBL Second Team (2018), Big East All-Rookie Team (2007)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  Dominican Republic, FIBA AmeriCup, : 2011 Mar del Plata:
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  Dominican Republic
• FIBA AmeriCup
• : 2011 Mar del Plata:

Sosa was born in New York City and played collegiately at Louisville. Sosa has spent the majority of his career playing overseas, first with Angelico Biella in Italy then Reales de La Vega in Spain.

In 2010, Sosa was drafted by the Miami Heat but never played for them due to injury problems. He later signed with the Memphis Grizzlies but was also released before ever appearing in a game for them either.

After bouncing around various teams across Europe, he joined an Italian team called Virtus Bologna last season where he averaged 14 points per game off the bench. 

At 34 years old, Édgar Sosa is still looking for that big break into professional basketball and may have to move back to America if he wants it badly enough given his lack of success so far overseas despite being highly rated as a player at younger age groups.

49. Samardo Samuels

Career

• High school: Saint Benedict's Prep, (Newark, New Jersey)
• College: Louisville (2008–2010)
• NBA draft: 2010 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2013: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2010: →Erie BayHawks
• 2012: →Canton Charge
• 2013: Reno Bighorns
• 2013: Hapoel Jerusalem
• 2013–2015: Olimpia Milano
• 2015–2016: Barcelona
• 2016–2017: Jiangsu Dragons
• 2017: Brindisi
• 2017: Partizan
• 2018–2019: Limoges CSP
• 2019–2020: Panionios
• 2020: Chorale Roanne
• 2020–2021: Maccabi Hod HaSharon
• 2021: Hapoel Haifa
• 2021: Libertadores de Querétaro
• 2022–present: Bashkimi
• Italian League champion (2014), Greek League All Star (2020), First-team Parade All-American (2008), McDonald's All-American (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Jamaica, FIBA CBC Championship, : 2009 Tortola:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Jamaica
• FIBA CBC Championship
• : 2009 Tortola:

Samardo Samuels was born on January 9, 1989 in Trelawny, Jamaica. He attended Saint Benedict's Prep and played college basketball for Louisville from 2008 to 2010.

After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA draft, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for two seasons before moving to Spain and then back to the United States with the Miami Heat in 2013.

In 2016, he signed with FC Barcelona where he currently plays as a center or power forward. Samardo Samuels is a 7 foot center who has spent the majority of his career playing in Europe.

He won two Italian League championships with the Erie BayHawks before joining Canton Charge in 2013. In 2015, he moved to Olimpia Milano where he stayed for three seasons until 2016 when he joined Barcelona (Spain).

The next year, he moved to Jiangsu Dragons and played there for one season before signing with Partizan (Serbia) in 2017. In 2018-19, Samardo returned to Israel and signed with Brindisi (Italy). 

After one season, he rejoined Panionios (Greece) on a two-year deal; however, due to Visa issues, he was unable to play out the second year of that contract as planned and instead retired from professional basketball at the end of 2020–21 season.

After appearing in just four games for Maccabi Hod HaSharon due to health concerns stemming from an injury sustained earlier in his career while playing for Siena Uprising.

Final Words

. . . The University of Louisville men’s basketball program is one of the most successful and storied in NCAA history, with a record of 868-331 (.758). Some of the best players to ever play for Louisville include Rick Pitino, Kevin Ware, Rajon Rondo, Brian Shaw and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.