March Madness Best Players of All Time

March Madness is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States, bringing together college basketball teams from across Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to compete for a national championship. Created by Ohio State coach Harold Olsen and first played in 1939, NCAA March Madness has become an iconic event watched by millions around the world each year. With its single-elimination tournament format and thrilling games that can come down to last second shots, it’s easy to see why this competition captures so much attention.

1. Paolo Banchero

Orlando Magic

Career

• High school: O'Dea (Seattle, Washington)
• College: Duke (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Orlando Magic
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Orlando Magic
• Consensus second-team All-American (2022), ACC Rookie of the Year (2022), First-team All-ACC (2022), ACC All-Rookie Team (2022), McDonald's All-American (2021), Jordan Brand Classic (2021), Nike Hoop Summit (2021)

He is a power forward for the Orlando Magic and was drafted first overall in the 2022 NBA draft. Paolo started his college career at Duke, but transferred to O'Dea after one year.

He averaged 22 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game during his two seasons at O'Dea. The Orlando Magic selected him with their 1st pick in the 2022 NBA draft and he has since made an impact on the team as a rookie player.

Paolo Banchero was selected by the Orlando Magic in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He played college basketball at Duke University, where he was a consensus second-team All-American and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2022. In his four seasons with Duke, Paolo averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assists per game.

After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Paolo signed with Orlando as an free agent on July 2nd 2019. 

His first season with Orlando saw him make appearances off the bench but start 11 games during the regular season - averaging 5 minutes per game overall - including 4 starts in their playoff run to reach The Finals for just their third appearance ever.

In 2020-21 he became a starter full time and continued to play key minutes throughout all 82 games (averaging 29 MPG) as they made it all way to The Finals again only to lose 3-1 against Milwaukee Bucks who were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo & Khris Middleton respectively In 2021-22 Paolo increased.

His averages slightly (24 MPG; 10 PPG; 7 RPG) while leading Duke to another ACC Championship before being named First Team All-ACC and earning Consensus Second Team All-American honors from both ESPN & USA TODAY Sports that year 8.

On June 25th 2022 at age 20 years old Paolo Banchero achieved arguably one of greatest moments of his young career when he scored 23 points off a career best 16 shots – shooting 69% from 3 point range en route setting an NCAA record for most field goals attempted without making any turnovers.

This performance helped lead Duke past #1 North Carolina 87–79 which would eventually give them their first national championship since 1991. 

2. Jabari Smith Jr.

Houston Rockets

Career

• High school: Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Georgia)
• College: Auburn (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Houston Rockets
• Consensus second-team All-American (2022), Wayman Tisdale Award (2022), NABC Freshman of the Year (2022), First-team All-SEC (2022), SEC Freshman of the Year (2022), SEC All-Freshman Team (2022), McDonald's All-American (2021), Jordan Brand Classic (2021), Nike Hoop Summit (2021), Mr. Georgia Basketball (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship, : 2019 Brazil: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas Under-16 Championship
• : 2019 Brazil: Team

Jabari Smith Jr. was born in 2003 and is 19 years old at the time of this writing. He attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia before playing college basketball for Auburn from 2021-22 season.

Jabari was selected 3rd overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2022 NBA draft, making him one of their most highly touted players to date. 

As a rookie with the Rockets, he has averaged 10 points and 4 rebounds per game over his first two seasons combined while establishing himself as an important player on their team throughout that time frame.

In 2023-24 season, Jabari had an excellent year statistically averaging 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game – earning him All-NBA Third Team recognition along the way. 

Recently signed a 5 year $170 million contract extension with Houston which shows just how much faith they have in him as a cornerstone player for their franchise moving forward into future years.

3. Carmelo Anthony

United States national basketball team

Career

• 10× NBA All-Star (2007, 2008, 2010–2017)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2010, 2013)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012)
• NBA scoring champion (2013)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2004)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• NBA Social Justice Champion Award (2021)
• NCAA champion (2003)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2003)
• Consensus second-team All-American (2003)
• USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2003)
• No. 15 retired by Syracuse Orange
• 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2006, 2016)
• First-team Parade All-American (2002)
• McDonald's All-American (2002)

Carmelo Anthony is a two-time NBA MVP and six-time all-star. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2003, and has played for them, the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors.

In 2017 he joined the Houston Rockets as a free agent. Anthony is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one daughter together named Kiara. 

Carmelo's hometown is Baltimore Maryland where he attended Towson Catholic High School before going on to play college basketball at Syracuse University from 2002 until 2003.

Winning an NCAA Championship in 2004 alongside fellow Syracuse alum Dwayne Wade Carmelo Anthony is an American professional basketball player who has played his entire career with the New York Knicks.

He was drafted by Denver Nuggets in 2003 and spent six seasons there before being traded to the Knicks in 2011. In 2017, he signed with Oklahoma City Thunder where he won a championship that year. 

Anthony then moved on to Houston Rockets for two seasons before returning to Oklahoma City for another title run in 2018-19 season. Melo is considered one of the best players in league history and will likely retire as a Hall of Famer when his playing days are over.

4. Oscar Tshiebwe

Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball

Career

• High school: , Mountain Mission School, (Grundy, Virginia), Kennedy Catholic, (Hermitage, Pennsylvania)
• College: , West Virginia (2019–2021), Kentucky (2022–present)
• National college player of the year (2022), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (2022), Pete Newell Big Man Award (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2022), NCAA season rebounds leader (2022), SEC Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-SEC (2022), Second-team All-Big 12 (2020), SEC All-Defensive Team (2022), Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2020), McDonald's All-American (2019), Nike Hoop Summit (2019)

Oscar Tshiebwe is a young center from DR Congo who will be playing for the Kentucky Wildcats in 2022. He was born on 27 November 1999 in Lubumbashi, DR Congo and he has yet to play any college basketball.

At 6' 9" (2.06 m) and 260 pounds (118 kg), Oscar is an imposing figure at the center position or power forward spot for the Wildcats team. 

Oscar's high school career included playing for Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia as well as Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, Pennsylvania where he helped lead his teams to state championships both times he played there.

With all of his experience leading elite-level high school teams, it is no surprise that Oscar has been dubbed one of the top recruits available for next season by many analysts and recruiting services alike.

Also Played For: kentucky basketball, west virginia basketball

5. Ochai Agbaji

Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball

Career

• High school: Oak Park, (Kansas City, Missouri)
• College: Kansas (2018–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Utah Jazz
• 2022–present: →Salt Lake City Stars
• NCAA champion (2022), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2022), Big 12 Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-Big 12 (2022)

Ochai Agbaji was born on April 20, 2000, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He played college basketball for Kansas from 2018-2022 and was drafted 14th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2022 NBA draft.

Ochai is a shooting guard and has been described as having "unbelievable athleticism" which he uses to create shots off the dribble or pull up from mid-range. In his rookie season with Utah in 2020-21, he averaged 7 points per game while making 43% of his three-point attempts.

Ochai is a young player with limitless potential who will only continue to improve as he gains more experience at the professional level Ochai Agbaji was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2020 NBA Draft. 

Ochai Agbaji is a 20-year-old forward from Nigeria who played college basketball for Utah and then Salt Lake City Stars.

In 2021, he won NCAA National Championship with Utah Jazz as Most Outstanding Player. He also earned consensus First Team All-American status that year and the Big 12 Player of the Year award. 

Ochai has appeared in 125 games (all starts) over two seasons with Utah and Salt Lake City Stars averaging 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal per game while shooting 43% from 3-point range (.595 TS%).

6. Chet Holmgren

Oklahoma City Thunder

Career

• High school: Minnehaha Academy, (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• College: Gonzaga (2021–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Oklahoma City Thunder
• Consensus second-team All-American (2022), WCC Defensive Player of the Year (2022), WCC Newcomer of the Year (2022), First-team All-WCC (2022), WCC All-Freshman Team (2022), National high school player of the year (2021), McDonald's All-American (2021), Jordan Brand Classic (2021), Nike Hoop Summit (2021), Minnesota Mr. Basketball (2021), FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team

Chet Holmgren is a 20-year old center/power forward who was drafted 2nd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2022 NBA draft. At Gonzaga, he won two WCC titles and helped lead his team to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in both of his seasons there.

He has appeared in 220 games (all starts) for Oklahoma City averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds per game over that time period. Chet's younger brother Tanner also plays professionally.

Overseas, most recently with Hapoel Jerusalem of Israel’s top division Liga Leumit Chet Holmgren was a consensus second-team All-American in 2022 and won numerous awards during his career at the collegiate level.

He played for the Washington State Cougars from 2020 to 2024, making him one of the most decorated players in WCC history. 

In 2021, he was named McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand Classic MVP while playing for Team USA at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup that year. Chet is now an analyst with ESPN who will provide commentary on college basketball games throughout the season.

Also Played For: nba summer league, gonzaga bulldogs men's basketball

7. Armando Bacot

Career

• High school: , Trinity Episcopal, (Richmond, Virginia), IMG Academy, (Bradenton, Florida)
• College: North Carolina (2019–present)
• First-team All-ACC (2022), Third-team All-ACC (2021), McDonald's All-American (2019), Jordan Brand Classic (2019)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2018 Canada: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2018 Canada: Team

Armando Bacot is a 22-year-old American center and power forward who played for Trinity Episcopal in Richmond, Virginia before transferring to IMG Academy.

At 6'11" and 235 pounds, Bacot has the size and strength required of a modern center or power forward in the ACC. Bacot averaged 12 points, nine rebounds, and one block per game at IMG Academy this season while shooting 61% from the field and 54% from three-point range.

Bacot will have two years of eligibility remaining when he joins North Carolina next season as a senior eligible player. 

Armando Bacot is an intriguing prospect with immense potential who should develop into an important player for North Carolina over the next few seasons Armando Bacot was a McDonald's All-American and third team all-ACC player in 2021.

Bacot verbally committed to play for North Carolina on January 16th, 2019. He averaged 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists per game as a sophomore at College of North Carolina Wilmington this season. 

Armando Bacot is the son of Haitian immigrants who moved to Bradenton when he was two years old. He will have two years of eligibility remaining at UNC starting next season.

Also Played For: atlantic coast conference, ncaa men's division

8. Jalen Brunson

New York Knicks

Career

• 2× NCAA champion (2016, 2018)
• National college player of the year (2018)
• Consensus first-team All-American (2018)
• Bob Cousy Award (2018)
• Second-team Academic All-American (2018)
• Big East Player of the Year (2018)
• 2× First-team All-Big East (2017, 2018)
• Big East All-Freshman Team (2016)
• Robert V. Geasey Trophy winner (2018)
• McDonald's All-American (2015)
• First-team Parade All-American (2015)
• Illinois Mr. Basketball (2015)
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2015)
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup MVP (2015)

Jalen Brunson was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. He played for the Mavericks from 2018 to 2022 before joining the New York Knicks in 2022. Brunson has averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game during his career date.

Jalen is a great point guard who can distribute the ball efficiently and create shots for teammates. Jalen Brunson was a standout player at Villanova, winning two NCAA championships and being named National College Player of the Year in 2018. He was drafted by Dallas as the 23rd overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

In his rookie season, Brunson averaged 10 points per game and 4 rebounds per game for the Mavericks. He has also played for Turkey's national team, where he won silver medals at both EuroBasket 2017 and World Cup 2019.

9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• High school: Power Memorial, (New York City, New York)
• College: UCLA (1966–1969)
• NBA draft 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1969–1989
• Position: Center
• Number: 33
• Coaching career: 1998–2011
• 6× NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), 2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985), 6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980), 19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989), 10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986), 5× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1985), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974, 1975, 1979–1981), 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1970, 1971, 1976–1978, 1984), NBA Rookie of the Year (1970), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970), 2× NBA scoring champion (1971, 1972), NBA rebounding champion (1976), 4× NBA blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980), NBA anniversary teams (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, No. 33 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, 3× NCAA champion (1967–1969), 3× NCAA final Four Most Outstanding Player (1967–1969), 3× National college player of the year (1967–1969), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1967–1969), No. 33 retired by UCLA Bruins, 2× Mr. Basketball USA (1964, 1965), 3× First-team Parade All-American (1963–1965), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), , As head coach:, , USBL champion (2002), , As assistant coach:, , 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
• Points: 38,387 (24.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 17,440 (11.2 rpg)
• Assists: 5,660 (3.6 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant center in the NBA for more than two decades and is considered one of the greatest players in league history. He led Milwaukee to five championships between 1969 and 1982, earning him the nickname "The Black Mamba".

After retiring as a player, he went on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers for six seasons before moving onto other coaching roles. In 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree from UCLA after being recognized as one of its most distinguished alumni. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one of the most dominant players in NBA history, winning six championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and two more with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was an All-Star for 19 consecutive seasons, and won five MVP Awards. Kareem is also a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and twice led the league in scoring average. 

In 2002, he became head coach of the Oklahoma Storm, but resigned after just one season due to health concerns related to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis.

10. Hunter Dickinson

Career

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

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

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

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

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

11. Jaden Ivey

Detroit Pistons

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also Played For: la lumiere school

12. Kemba Walker

New York Knicks

Career

• 2011–2019: Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets
• 2019–2021: Boston Celtics
• 2021–2022: New York Knicks
• 2022–2023: Dallas Mavericks

Kemba Walker is a point guard for the Charlotte Hornets and has been in the NBA since 2011. Kemba was drafted 9th overall by the Bobcats in 2011, who traded him to the Hornets just two years later.

Kemba has had three different teams over his six-year career - Charlotte, Boston and New York - but he's still managed to be one of the most consistent players in the league. 

In 2019, Walker led Charlotte to their first playoff appearance in eight seasons; they eventually lost 4-0 to LeBron James and The Golden State Warriors (who went on to win the championship).

Kemba is married with two young children and enjoys spending time with family as much as possible - especially when they're able to travel together. Kemba Walker is a talented basketball player who has been successful both in the NBA and internationally. 

He was drafted first overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2011 and has since played for several teams, including the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Portland Trail Blazers.

Kemba Walker is known for his explosiveness on offense as well as his defensive abilities; he has twice won an All-NBA Third Team honor. In 2018 he led the Charlotte Hornets to their first playoff appearance in over 20 years.

An impressive achievement given that they were one of the worst teams in the league at that time. Kemba Walker currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks and is still young enough to continue making waves on court.

13. Christian Laettner

Duke Blue Devils men's basketball

Career

• High school: Nichols School (Buffalo, New York)
• College: Duke (1988–1992)
• NBA draft 1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 1992–2005
• Position: Power forward / Center
• Number: 32, 44
• NBA All-Star (1997), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993), 2× NCAA champion (1991, 1992), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1991), National college player of the year (1992), Consensus first-team All-American (1992), Consensus second-team All-American (1991), ACC Player of the Year (1992), 2× ACC Athlete of the Year (1991, 1992), 2× First-team All-ACC (1991, 1992), Second-team All-ACC (1990), No. 32 retired by Duke Blue Devils, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1991), McDonald's All-American (1988), Second-team Parade All-American (1988), Third-team Parade All-American (1987)
• Points: 11,121 (12.8 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,806 (6.7 rpg)
• Assists: 2,224 (2.6 apg)
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2010
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Team competition, World Championship, : 1990 Argentina: Team competition, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1989 Mexico City: Team competition, : 1992 Portland[1]: Men's basketball, Pan American Games, : 1991 Havana: Team competition, Goodwill Games, : 1990 Seattle: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1992 Barcelona: Team competition
• World Championship
• : 1990 Argentina: Team competition
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 1989 Mexico City: Team competition
• : 1992 Portland[1]: Men's basketball
• Pan American Games
• : 1991 Havana: Team competition
• Goodwill Games
• : 1990 Seattle: Team competition

Laettner was a dominant power forward and center during his career in the NBA. He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves with the third overall pick in 1992, and he played for them until 2005.

Laettner is best known for his time with the Atlanta Hawks, where he won three championships (1996, 1998, 2001). Laettner also had a successful international career playing for the United States national team at various tournaments.

In 2015, Laettner announced that he has terminal cancer and would not be returning to play professional basketball again after that year's playoffs; however, he later decided against surgery and instead began undergoing chemotherapy treatments as well as radiation therapy to fight the disease.

Laettner was a dominant player at Duke and helped lead the Blue Devils to two NCAA championships. Laettner also won an NBA title with the Detroit Pistons in 2000, and he later coached with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. 

Laettner is perhaps best known for his infamous "three-pointer" against Kentucky in 1992 that led to one of the greatest college basketball games ever played.

Also Played For: duke university, minnesota timberwolves

14. Bill Walton

Portland Trail Blazers

Career

• High school: Helix (La Mesa, California)
• College: UCLA (1971–1974)
• NBA draft 1974 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 1974–1988
• Position: Center
• Number: 32, 5
• 1974–1979: Portland Trail Blazers
• 1979–1985: San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers
• 1985–1988: Boston Celtics
• 2× NBA champion (1977, 1986), NBA Finals MVP (1977), NBA Most Valuable Player (1978), 2× NBA All-Star (1977, 1978), All-NBA First Team (1978), All-NBA Second Team (1977), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1977, 1978), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986), NBA rebounding leader (1977), NBA blocks leader (1977), No. 32 retired by Portland Trail Blazers, NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), 2× NCAA champion (1972, 1973), 2× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1972, 1973), 3× National college player of the year (1972–1974), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1972–1974), No. 32 retired by UCLA Bruins
• Points: 6,215 (13.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,923 (10.5 rpg)
• Assists: 1,590 (3.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Walton was a dominant center in the NBA for over 20 years. He won three MVP Awards and two championships with the Boston Celtics. Walton is also known for his philanthropy, donating millions of dollars to charity throughout his career.

In 2015, he announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and would retire from professional basketball at the end of that season. Despite retiring from basketball, Walton remains an influential figure in American sports and continues to give back to charities through his work as a ambassador.

At 70 years old, Bill Walton remains one of the oldest players ever to compete in an NBA game and has set many records along the way including most rebounds (22,924) and assists (13,360).

q Bill Walton is a two-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star who was also an NCAA champion and three-time National college player of the year.

He ranks among the all-time greats in terms of scoring, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals. Walton's legacy will be remembered most for his philanthropy work with various charities throughout his career.

15. Shane Battier

Memphis Grizzlies

Career

• 2001–2006: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2006–2011: Houston Rockets
• 2011: Memphis Grizzlies
• 2011–2014: Miami Heat

Battier spent nine seasons in the NBA, playing for the Miami Heat. Battier was a key player on several playoff teams during his career, and he helped the Heat win two championships in 2012 and 2013.

Battier is currently a consultant with the Miami Heat organization. Battier was born in Birmingham, Michigan, and attended Detroit Country Day School before going to Duke University. 

After being drafted sixth overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies in 2001, Battier played small forward for Memphis Grizzlies (2002–2004), San Antonio Spurs (2005–2007), Boston Celtics (2008–2009), and finally Miami Heat (2010-2014).

Shane Battier holds numerous records as an NBA player; these include the most 3-pointers made during a season (246), most games started without fouling out (1,049), the highest free throw percentage (.848). 

Among players who have taken at least 1,000 shots from beyond half court since 2003/04 season onwards and second all-time behind Kobe Bryant's .868%.

16. Keegan Murray

Sacramento Kings

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Patrick Ewing

New York Knicks

Career

• 11× NBA All-Star (1986, 1988–1997)
• All-NBA First Team (1990)
• 6× All-NBA Second Team (1988, 1989, 1991–1993, 1997)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1988, 1989, 1992)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1986)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1986)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• No. 33 retired by New York Knicks
• NCAA champion (1984)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1984)
• National college player of the year (1985)
• 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1983–1985)
• 2× Big East Player of the Year (1984, 1985)
• 4× Big East Defensive Player of the Year (1982–1985)
• 3× First-team All-Big East (1983–1985)
• Second-team All-Big East (1982)
• National high school player of the year (1981)
• McDonald's All-American (1981)
• 2× First-team Parade All-American (1980, 1981)

Patrick Ewing was one of the most decorated players in NBA history, winning numerous awards and accolades including five MVP Awards, three scoring titles, two Rookie of the Year Awards and two All-Star Games.

He played for the New York Knicks from 1985 to 2002 before joining the Houston Rockets following his retirement as a player. 

After coaching at Georgetown University (2005–2007), he returned to coach with the Knicks in 2008 but left again after just one season due to differences with team management.

In May 2018, he was appointed head coach of Georgetown Hoyas, his alma mater and current conference rivals who play in Big East Conference USA Division I. 

Patrick Ewing is married to Donna Smith and they have four children – daughters Kiari Kendrell Ewing (born 1996) and Aneka Elizabeth Ewing (born 2000), son Kiari Mitchell Jr., born 2004) and son Mychelle Gabrielle Faye Ewing (born 2006).

Patrick Ewing is one of the most successful and decorated players in NBA history. He was an 11-time All-Star, 6-time All-NBA First Team selection, 3x NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree and Rookie of the Year winner. 

A 7' 1" center, Patrick Ewing made his debut with the New York Knicks in 1985 and spent 15 seasons with them before joining Seattle SuperSonics for the 2000–2001 season. 

After spending two years with Orlando Magic, Ewing joined Houston Rockets as an assistant coach under Rick Adelman from 2003 to 2007 before becoming head coach of Georgetown Hoyas from 2012 to 2017.

In 2017–2018 he led Georgetown to their first ever NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship appearance while also being named 2018 Naismith College Coach of the Year recipient after leading a squad that averaged 80 points per game en route to capturing 34 victories overall (an unprecedented feat). 

Now entering his 20th year coaching career, Patrick Ewing continues to make a significant impact on both individual players and collegiate programs alike - proving himself as one of basketball's all-time greats.

18. Oscar Robertson

Sacramento Kings

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.

19. Bill Russell

Boston Celtics

Career

• 1956–1969: Boston Celtics
• As coach:
• 1966–1969: Boston Celtics
• 1973–1977: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1987–1988: Sacramento Kings

Bill Russell was one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning 12 championships with the Boston Celtics. 

He was also a successful coach, leading the Boston Celtics to more titles than any other team he coached.

In 1966, he became head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and led them to two consecutive Finals appearances before retiring in 1988. Bill Russell has been inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Football League Hall of Fame.

Bill Russell is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics and was also a five-time MVP and 12-time All-Star.

Bill Russell became an icon for civil rights when he led the Boston Celtics to victory in their historic 1966–67 season, which included a victory over segregationist Philadelphia 76ers.

After retiring as a player, Bill Russell served as head coach of both the Celtics and Seattle SuperSonics before eventually returning to coaching his alma mater, UCLA Bruins, where he remains currently coaching team today.

Also Played For: boston celtics, center basketball

20. Magic Johnson

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• 1979–1991, 1996: Los Angeles Lakers
• 1999–2000: Magic M7 Borås
• 2000: Magic Great Danes
• 1994: Los Angeles Lakers

Magic Johnson was one of the most successful basketball players in history. He was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers and played for them from 1979 to 1991.

Magic then spent two seasons with the Magic M7 Borås before returning to the NBA with the Lakers again. In 1996, he became head coach of the LA Clippers and led them to their only playoff appearance during his tenure as coach.

After leaving coaching, Magic returned to play for one final season with the Lakers in 2018-19 before retiring at age 70 years old later that year. Magic Johnson was an iconic figure in the world of basketball and is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

He won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as three MVP awards and twelve All-Star appearances. After retiring from playing basketball, Magic took on a number of roles within the league - most notably being head coach for both the Lakers and then later, the LA Clippers.

He also served as president of Basketball Operations for both teams. In 2019, Magic was named NBA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and his No 32 jersey was retired by his former team, the LA Lakers.

Also Played For: los angeles lakers, nba 75th anniversary team

21. Jonathan Davis

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also Played For: wisconsin high school basketball, university of wisconsin-madison basketball

22. Bennedict Mathurin

Indiana Pacers

Career

• College: Arizona (2020–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Indiana Pacers
• Consensus Second-Team All-American (2022), Pac-12 Player of the Year (2022), First-team All-Pac-12 (2022), Pac-12 Tournament MOP (2022), Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2021)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2021 Latvia: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2021 Latvia: Team

Bennedict Mathurin was born on June 19, 2002 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. At 6'5" and 210 pounds he is a power forward or shooting guard prospect who played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats from 2020-2022.

He was selected by the Indiana Pacers with their sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and has since started playing professional basketball for them. 

Bennedict Mathurin has had a successful career so far, averaging 14 points per game over his five seasons of play with Indiana as well as winning an NBA Championship in 2018.

Bennedict Mathurin was a consensus Second-Team All-American in 2022. He won the Pac-12 Player of the Year award in 2022 and was also First Team All-Pac-12 that year. 

In 2020, he led Canada to a gold medal at the FIBA Under 19 World Cup and was named Tournament MOP. Bennedict Mathurin is a two time NCAA Champion with Oregon (2017) and Arizona (2021).

His NBA career began with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 where he played for three seasons before being traded to Atlanta Hawks late in his fourth season.

Also Played For: arizona wildcats men's basketball, nba best young players

23. Drew Timme

Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball

Career

• High school: J. J. Pearce, (Richardson, Texas)
• College: Gonzaga (2019–present)
• 2× Consensus second-team All-American (2021, 2022), Karl Malone Award (2021), WCC Player of the Year (2022), 2× First-team All-WCC (2021, 2022), WCC All-Freshman Team (2020)

Drew Timme is a college basketball player who will be playing for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in 2021. He was born on September 9, 2000 and is 22 years old at the time of this writing.

Drew has played power forward and center throughout his career so far, but he could also play small forward or shooting guard if need be. At 6'10" and 235 pounds, Drew is an imposing figure on the court and can do plenty of damage when he's scoring goals or blocking shots.

As a junior in 2020-21, Drew averaged 14 points per game while shooting 55% from the field and grabbing 7 rebounds per game as well as 2 assists for good measure. 

With such promising stats already under his belt, we can only imagine what kind of performances Drew will give in his senior year with Gonzaga - watch out world.

Drew Timme is a high school junior from Richardson, Texas and is currently attending Gonzaga. He was a 2x consensus All-American and Karl Malone Award winner while at Gonzaga. Drew has also been first team all-WCC in both of his seasons with the Bulldogs. 

In addition to being an excellent player on the court, Timme is also known for his community outreach work through his involvement with The Drew Timme Foundation which helps kids in need across North America.

Look for him to continue making an impact on and off the court as he continues his collegiate career at Gonzaga.

24. Carsen Edwards

Fenerbahçe Basketball

Career

• High school: Atascocita (Atascocita, Texas)
• College: Purdue (2016–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 2 / Pick: 33rd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–2021: Boston Celtics
• 2019–2020: → Maine Red Claws
• 2021–2022: Salt Lake City Stars
• 2022: Detroit Pistons
• 2022–present: Fenerbahçe Beko
• NBA G League scoring champion (2022), Consensus second-team All-American (2019), Second-team All-American – NABC (2018), Third-team All-American – AP, SN (2018), Jerry West Award (2018), 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2018, 2019)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA U19 World Cup, : 2017 Egypt: , Summer Universiade, : 2017 Taipei: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA U19 World Cup
• : 2017 Egypt:
• Summer Universiade
• : 2017 Taipei: Team competition

Edwards was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 and he has since played for Boston Celtics. Edwards is a point guard who can also shoot from outside.

He was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team as a sophomore at Purdue before being drafted by the Sixers. In his first season with Philly, Edwards helped lead them to an appearance in the NBA playoffs where they were knocked out by Golden State Warriors in five games.

Edwards signed with Fenerbahçe Beko of Turkey for the 2022–23 season and is looking to improve on his rookie campaign where he averaged 12 points per game and 4 assists Edwards was a highly touted recruit out of high school, and he has lived up to the hype so far in his NBA career.

Edwards is averaging 18 points per game this season for the Memphis Grizzlies, starting all 33 games they've played. He was recently named to the All-Star team as a reserve, and he will be joining some big names on the court when it comes to stats (Kawhi Leonard being one). 

Edwards has shown an ability to shoot from deep as well as score inside, making him very versatile offensively.

His style of play should mesh well with fellow All-Star Marc Gasol on the Grizzles squad - both players are physical defenders who can also put up points when needed.

25. Wilt Chamberlain

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• College: Kansas (1956–1958)
• NBA draft 1959 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
• Playing career: 1958–1973
• Position: Center
• Number: 13
• Coaching career: 1973–1974
• 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972), NBA Finals MVP (1972), 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968), 13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960), 7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1963, 1965, 1972), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972, 1973), NBA Rookie of the Year (1960), 7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966), 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973), NBA assist leader (1968), Most Points in One Game (100), Most Rebounds in One Game (55), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 13 retired by Harlem Globetrotters, No. 13 retired by Golden State Warriors, No. 13 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, No. 13 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1957), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1957, 1958), First-team All-Big 7 (1957), No. 13 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, Mr. Basketball USA (1955)
• Points: 31,419 (30.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 23,924 (22.9 rpg)
• Assists: 4,643 (4.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history, and he is also known for his dominant play in the center position.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959 and went on to become one of their all-time greats, winning multiple MVP awards and scoring more than 30,000 points during his career.

After retiring from playing professional basketball, Chamberlain embarked on a successful coaching career which saw him lead teams to playoff appearances and win championships. Wilt Chamberlain died at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won multiple championships and MVP awards during his career, and was also an all-star for 13 consecutive seasons. 

Chamberlain's size and strength were legendary, as he routinely dominated opponents on both the court and in dunk contests.

Chamberlain's impact on the basketball cannot be overstated - he helped pave the way for future stars such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

26. Bill Bradley

New York Knicks

Career

• 2× NBA champion (1970, 1973)
• NBA All-Star (1973)
• No. 24 retired by New York Knicks
• EuroLeague champion (1966)
• NCAA Final Four MOP (1965)
• USBWA College Player of the Year (1965)
• AP College Player of the Year (1965)
• Helms Foundation College Player of the Year (1965)
• 2× Sporting News Player of the Year (1964, 1965)
• UPI College Player of the Year (1965)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1964, 1965)
• BUSF British University champion (1966)
• ABBA English National champion (1966)
• Mr. Basketball USA (1961)
• First-team Parade All-American (1961)
• Second-team Parade All-American (1960)

Bill Bradley was a United States Senator from New Jersey, who served from 1979 to 1997. He is best known for his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for President in 1988, and his defeat by George H.

W. Bush that year. Bradley later became an advocate on issues such as education reform and global warming awareness. In 2003, he published My Life: A Memoir of Politics and Purpose which topped The New York Times Best Seller list shortly after its release.

Bill Bradley was born in Crystal City, Missouri on February 18, 1951. He attended Princeton University and played basketball for the Tigers before being drafted by the New York Knicks in the 1965 NBA draft. 

After playing for several teams throughout his career, including the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, he retired from professional basketball in 1988.

In 1993 Bill Bradley ran for president of the United States as a Democrat but narrowly lost to incumbent George H W Bush. 

Since then he has continued to work in politics and served as Secretary of State under President Barack Obama from 2009-2013 before retiring again at the end of 2016 due to poor health status. 

Nowadays Bradley is an advocate for human rights and environmentalism and regularly gives speeches around the country.

27. Jerry Lucas

Sacramento Kings

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

28. Larry Bird

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Springs Valley, (French Lick, Indiana)
• College: Indiana State (1976–1979)
• NBA draft 1978 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 1979–1992
• Position: Small forward / Power forward
• Number: 33
• Coaching career: 1997–2000
• As player:, 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), 2× NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986), 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984–1986), 12× NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982), 9× All-NBA First Team (1980–1988), All-NBA Second Team (1990), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982–1984), NBA Rookie of the Year (1980), NBA All-Rookie Team (1980), 3× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986–1988), 2× 50–40–90 club (1987, 1988), AP Athlete of the Year (1986), NBA Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), No. 33 retired by Boston Celtics, National college player of the year (1979), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1978, 1979), Third-team All-American – NABC, UPI (1977), 2× MVC Player of the Year (1978, 1979), No. 33 retired by Indiana State Sycamores, No. 33 retired by Springs Valley High Blackhawks, , As coach:, , NBA Coach of the Year (1998), NBA All-Star Game head coach (1998), , As executive:, , NBA Executive of the Year (2012)
• Points: 21,791 (24.3 ppg)
• Rebounds: 8,974 (10.0 rpg)
• Assists: 5,695 (6.3 apg)
• NBA: 147–67 (.687)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, World University Games, : 1977 Sofia: Men's Basketball, FIBA Americas Championship, : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball, Olympic Games, : 1992 Barcelona: Men's Basketball
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• World University Games
• : 1977 Sofia: Men's Basketball
• FIBA Americas Championship
• : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball
• Olympic Games
• : 1992 Barcelona: Men's Basketball

Larry Bird is one of the most decorated players in NBA history. He was a six-time All Star, three-time MVP, and two-time champion. Bird led the Celtics to eight championships during his playing career and is still considered one of the greatest players in league history.

After retiring from playing basketball, Bird went on to coach with Boston for two seasons before moving onto Indiana Pacers where he coached until 1997. 

In 2000, Bird became head coach at UCLA where he stayed for four years before returning to coaching with Boston again in 2006–07 season Larry Bird was one of the most beloved and successful players in NBA history.

He led the Boston Celtics to three championship titles, won multiple MVP awards, and was a 10-time All-Star. Bird's skills as an all-around player were unrivaled, as he could shoot threes well, play defense well, handle the ball well and score inside or outside.

His style of play earned him nicknames such as "The Legend" and "The Hick from French Lick." After retiring from playing in 1992, Bird served two stints as head coach with Indiana Pacers before being named president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018.

Also Played For: small forward, nba playoffs best player

29. Mike Daum

Career

• High school: Kimball (Kimball, Nebraska)
• College: South Dakota State (2015–2019)
• NBA draft: 2019 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–2021: Obradoiro
• 2021–present: Derthona Basket
• Third-team All-American – NABC, USBWA (2019), 3× AP honorable mention All-American (2017–2019), 3× Summit League Player of the Year (2017–2019), 4× First-team All-Summit League (2016–2019), Summit League Sixth Man of the Year (2016), Summit League Freshman of the Year (2016), Summit League All-Freshman Team (2016), 3× Summit League tournament MVP (2016–2018)

Derthona Basket's Mike Daum is a powerful power forward who spent four years at South Dakota State. He was undrafted in the 2019 NBA draft, but he has been playing in Italy since then and is averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds per game this season.

Derthona are currently second in Serie A, just one point behind leaders Virtus Roma. Daum will be hoping to help his team secure their first ever Italian League title this year. 

Mike Daum is a three-time AP honorable mention All-American who led his Summit League team to four straight regular season titles and one tournament championship.

Mike Daum was named the Summit League Player of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He has also been awarded conference Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2016 and summit league tournament MVP accolades in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

30. Pervis Ellison

Louisville Cardinals men's basketball

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.

31. Brady Manek

Career

• High school: Harrah (Harrah, Oklahoma)
• College: , Oklahoma (2017–2021), North Carolina (2021–2022)
• NBA draft: 2022 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Perth Wildcats
• Riley Wallace Award (2022), Third-team All-Big 12 (2020)

Brady Manek was born in Edmond, Oklahoma on September 4th 1998. He played collegiately for the Harrah Wildcats and made an immediate impact as a freshman averaging 19 points and 6 rebounds per game.

In his sophomore season he averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists per game to help lead the Wildcats to their first ever NBL championship. 

Brady Manek entered the draft but decided against going professional and signed with Perth Wildcats ahead of the 2022 season where he has continued his impressive play averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds per game in 24 games so far this year.

Brady Manek was a standout player for the Oklahoma Sooners during his time there. He played college basketball at North Carolina and is considered one of the top prospects in this year's draft class. 

Brady Manek has already started playing in the NBA, appearing in five games with the Perth Wildcats this season so far. He is an excellent shooter who can score from anywhere on the court, making him a dangerous threat to defenses no matter where he is located.

Brady Manek will be looking to continue impressing scouts and make an impactful career in both the NBA and international leagues after graduation next year.

Also Played For: oklahoma basketball, perth wildcats

32. Joel Berry II

Greensboro Swarm

Career

• High school: Lake Highland Preparatory, (Orlando, Florida)
• College: North Carolina (2014–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–2021
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 2, 18, 21
• 2018–2019: South Bay Lakers
• 2019–2020: Greensboro Swarm
• 2020–2021: Beşiktaş
• NCAA champion (2017), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2017), Third-team All-American – NABC (2018), First-team All-ACC (2018), Second-team All-ACC (2017), ACC tournament MVP (2016), No. 2 honored by North Carolina Tar Heels, McDonald's All-American (2014), First-team Parade All-American (2014), 3× Florida Mr. Basketball (2012–2014)
• Medals, , Representing the  United States, FIBA World U17 Championship, : 2012 Lithuania: National team
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA World U17 Championship
• : 2012 Lithuania: National team

Berry was a standout player at Lake Highland Preparatory in Orlando, Florida. He played two seasons for the North Carolina Tar Heels before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018.

Berry spent most of his rookie season with the Sixers' G League affiliate, the Delaware 87ers, but made an appearance in six games for Philadelphia during the 2019 playoffs. 

In 2020 he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and appeared in 33 games as a starter before joining South Bay Lakers of China's NBL earlier this year.

Berry is considered one of the top point guards prospect available in next year's draft and could be selected anywhere from No 2 to 10th overall depending on team needs and preferences at that position. 

Berry was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and raised by his mother. Berry played high school basketball at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia before enrolling at the University of North Carolina as a freshman in 2012-2013 season.

Berry led UNC to back-to-back NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championships in 2017 and 2018, becoming just the second player ever to achieve this feat (joining Kentucky's John Wall).

 Following his college career, Berry entered into the 2019 NBA Draft where he was selected with the No. 8 pick by the Atlanta Hawks. 

In his rookie year, he averaged 10 points and 5 assists per game for Atlanta during their playoff run which ended with an Eastern Conference Finals loss against Cleveland Cavaliers.

Also Played For: unc basketball

33. Kofi Cockburn

Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

34. Trevon Bluiett

Xavier Musketeers men's basketball

Career

• High school: Park Tudor (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Xavier (2014–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018: Westchester Knicks
• 2019–2021: Salt Lake City Stars
• 2021–2022: Beşiktaş Icrypex
• 2022: Hamburg Towers
• 2022–present: MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza
• Consensus second-team All-American (2018), AP Honorable Mention All-American (2016), 3× First-team All-Big East (2016–2018), First-team Parade All-American (2014)

Trevon Bluiett is an American small forward who played college basketball for Xavier. He was undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft, but has since signed with MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza of the Polish Basketball League.

Trevon Bluiett is known for his shooting ability and playmaking abilities off the dribble. In 2017, he helped lead Xavier to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history. 

Trevon Bluiett will be a key player for MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza this season as they look to make it back to the playoffs Trevon Bluiett is a promising forward who has taken his game to another level this season for MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza.

The consensus second-team All-American finished the year averaging 17.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, making him one of the most versatile players in Europe. Trevon Bluiett was born on January 30th, 1997 in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended high school at IMG Academy.

Where he averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds as a senior before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 39th overall pick in 2016 NBA Draft.

He signed with MKS Dąbrowa Górnicza ahead of the 2018–19 season and has since emerged as one of Division I basketball’s best forwards; leading team averages in both scoring (17ppg) and rebounding (5rbpg). 

His standout performances have seen him earn First Team Parade All-American honours from multiple outlets including ESPN, CBS Sportsline & Yahoo. Sports earlier this season - an impressive feat for such depth throughout Europe’s top leagues.

Also Played For: xavier musketeers

35. Miles Bridges

Charlotte Hornets

Career

• 2018–2022: Charlotte Hornets

Miles Bridges was a high school standout at Flint Southwestern and Huntington Prep before playing his college ball at Michigan State. 

After two years with the Spartans, Bridges declared himself eligible for the 2018 NBA Draft where he was selected 13th overall by Charlotte Hornets.

As a rookie with the Hornets in 2018–19, Bridges averaged 11 points and 5 rebounds per game while appearing in all 82 games of the season. 

In 2019–20, Bridges started all 78 games he appeared in for Charlotte averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds per game as they secured their first playoff berth since 2004.

Miles Bridges was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of this year's draft. The 19-year-old forward is a consensus second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten player from 2018. 

He scored 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting with eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block in his collegiate debut against Temple University on November 12th.

Bridges has been impressive both at Michigan State and during summer league play for the LA Clippers so far this season; scoring 20 points on 11/14 shooting (5of 8 from three) with six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 33 minutes against Philadelphia 76ers last week.

36. Ethan Happ

Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball

Career

• High school: Rockridge (Taylor Ridge, Illinois)
• College: Wisconsin (2015–2019)
• NBA draft: 2019 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–2020: Olympiacos
• 2019–2020: →Vanoli Cremona
• 2020–2021: Fortitudo Bologna
• 2021: Dinamo Sassari
• 2022: Riesen Ludwigsburg
• 2022–present: Río Breogán
• Consensus second-team All-American (2019), Third-team All-American – AP, NABC, SN (2017), Pete Newell Big Man Award (2019), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (2019), 3× First-team All-Big Ten (2017–2019), Third-team All-Big Ten – Media (2016), Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2016), Big Ten All-Freshman team (2016), 2× Big Ten All-Defensive team (2016, 2017), Albert Schweitzer Tournament MVP (2014)

Ethan Happ was born on May 7, 1996 in Milan, Illinois. He attended high school at Rockridge (Taylor Ridge, Illinois) and played college basketball for the Wisconsin Badgers.

He was drafted by the Olympiacos Basket Club of Greece in 2019 but did not sign with them and instead joined the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2020–21 NBA season. Ethan Happ has been a key player for the Bucks this season and is averaging 15 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

Ethan Happ is a senior forward for Vanoli Cremona in the Italian Serie A. He was named consensus second-team All-American and third-team All-American by both the Associated Press (AP) and National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). 

Ethan Happ won the Pete Newell Big Man Award, which goes to the best big man in Italy’s top professional league, as well as Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award, given annually to Europe’s top center.

Ethan Happ has twice been selected first team all Big Ten Conference while also earning honorable mention accolades from media members on three occasions each over his four years at Purdue University. 

The Chicago native started every game he played during his freshman campaign before breaking out as one of college basketball’s most dominant frontcourt players with unanimous.

First Team All American honors as a sophomore followed by becoming just the sixth player ever to earn Third Team AP and NABC recognition unanimously following his junior season.

Michigan State defeated #1 Kansas 73–68 in overtime on February 25th 2019 in what would be Happs final collegiate game (#15 PENN STATE 85 – WISCONSIN 67) In 35 games played (34 starts), he averaged 18 points (7th nationally), 10 rebounds per game, 1 block shot per contest.

While shooting 53% from field and 38% from 3 point range en route to being voted 2nd Team Final Four MVP after leading Penn State straight back into NCAA Tournament contention following their 8 year absence prior to his Senior season.

Also Played For: liga acb

37. Zach Edey

Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

38. Danny Manning

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: , Page (Greensboro, North Carolina), Lawrence (Lawrence, Kansas)
• College: Kansas (1984–1988)
• NBA draft 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers
• Playing career: 1988–2003
• Position: Power forward
• Number: 25, 5, 15, 6
• Coaching career: 2006–present
• As player:, 2× NBA All-Star (1993, 1994), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1998), NCAA champion (1988), NCAA final Four Most Outstanding Player (1988), National college player of the year (1988), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1987, 1988), Consensus second-team All-American (1986), 3× Big Eight Player of the Year (1986–1988), No. 25 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1987), First-team Parade All-American (1984), McDonalds All American (1984), , As head coach:, , C-USA regular season champion (2014), C-USA tournament champion (2014), C-USA Coach of the Year (2014), Skip Prosser Award (2017), , As assistant coach:, , NCAA champion (2008), 5× Big 12 regular season champion (2006–2010), 4× Big 12 tournament champion (2006–2008, 2010)
• Points: 12,367 (14.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 4,615 (5.2 rpg)
• Assists: 2,063 (2.3 apg)
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2008
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Pan American Games, : 1987 Indianapolis: National team, Olympic Games, : 1988 Seoul: National team, Assistant coach for  United States, United States Under-18 National Team, FIBA U18 Championship, : 2018 Canada: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Pan American Games
• : 1987 Indianapolis: National team
• Olympic Games
• : 1988 Seoul: National team
• Assistant coach for  United States
• United States Under-18 National Team
• FIBA U18 Championship
• : 2018 Canada: Team competition

Danny Manning was born on May 17, 1966 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He attended high school at Page (Greensboro, North Carolina) and Lawrence (Lawrence, Kansas).

Manning played college basketball for the University of Kansas where he was a two-time All-American and led the Jayhawks to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 27 years.

After graduating from KU, Manning was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 1st overall pick in the 1988 NBA Draft. In his 10 seasons playing professional ball with the Clippers , Jazzq, Mavericks and Warriors, he averaged 19 points per game and won three Championships with Dallas.

In 2003 Danny retired fromplaying after suffering a career-ending knee injury during Game 6 ofthe Western Conference Finals against Utah. 

Since retiring as a player, Danny has served as an assistant coach for several teams including most recently stints at UCLA and Kentucky before joining Louisville's staff this season.

Also Played For: los angeles clippers

39. Jerry West

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• High school: East Bank, (East Bank, West Virginia)
• College: West Virginia (1957–1960)
• NBA draft 1960 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Minneapolis Lakers
• Playing career: 1960–1974
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 44
• Coaching career: 1976–1979
• As player:, NBA champion (1972), NBA Finals MVP (1969), 14× NBA All-Star (1961–1974), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1972), 10× All-NBA First Team (1962–1967, 1970–1973), 2× All-NBA Second Team (1968, 1969), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1970–1973), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1969), NBA scoring champion (1970), NBA assists leader (1972), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 44 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1959), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1959, 1960), Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1958), 2× SoCon Player of the Year (1959, 1960), No. 44 retired by West Virginia Mountaineers, Presidential Medal of Freedom (2019), , As executive:, , 8× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2015, 2017), 2× NBA Executive of the Year (1995, 2004)
• Points: 25,192 (27.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 5,366 (5.8 rpg)
• Assists: 6,238 (6.7 apg)
• NBA: 145–101 (.589)
• Basketball 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: Team competition, Pan American Games, : 1959 Chicago: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1960 Rome: Team competition
• Pan American Games
• : 1959 Chicago: Team competition

Jerry West was a professional basketball player who is most famous for playing point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. He retired from playing in 1974 and has since served as an executive board member of the Clippers.

Jerry West was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, United States. At 6' 3" tall and 175 pounds (79 kilograms), he had a lengthy career as a pro basketball player and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players ever to play the game.

He led his team to multiple championships during his time with the Lakers and also won an NBA championship with the Utah Jazz in 1978-79 season at just 34 years old.

Making him one of only two players (the other being LeBron James) to win titles in both the American and National Basketball Associations/Leagues systems respectively.

After retiring from playing professional basketball, Jerry went on to have successful careers as a sports commentator and president of Nike Inc., where he helped revive their business after it had suffered during several downturns over the past few decades.

Also Played For: point guard, shooting guard

40. EJ Liddell

Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball

Career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

41. Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• High school: Perspectives Charter, (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Kentucky (2011–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Hornets
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2019: New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Lakers
• NBA champion (2020), 8× NBA All-Star (2014–2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2017), 4× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2018, 2020), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2015, 2017), 3× NBA blocks leader (2014, 2015, 2018), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, NCAA champion (2012), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012), National college player of the year (2012), Consensus first-team All-American (2012), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2012), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2012), SEC Player of the Year (2012), NCAA blocks leader (2012), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2012), SEC Rookie of the Year (2012), First-team Parade All-American (2011), McDonald's All-American (2011)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2012 London: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team

Anthony Davis is a superstar power forward and center for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was drafted first overall in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets, and has since played with them as well as the Pelicans.

Davis is one of the most dominant players in league history, averaging 27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists per game over his career. He has been named to multiple All-Star teams and won two MVP awards during his time in the NBA.

In 2019 he signed an extension with the Lakers that will keep him with them through 2024/25 season at an estimated value of $228 million dollars. Anthony Davis is a 6'10" power forward who played professionally in the NBA for 13 seasons. 

He was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013 and won two championships with them before moving to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.

Davis is considered one of the best players in basketball, winning multiple awards including an NBA title and All-Star Game MVP. His defensive skills are also highly regarded, making him a key player on any team he plays for.

42. Juan Dixon

Washington Wizards

Career

• High school: Calvert Hall (Towson, Maryland)
• College: Maryland (1998–2002)
• NBA draft 2002 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17th overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 2002–2011
• Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
• Number: 3, 8, 12
• Coaching career: 2016–present
• As player:, NCAA champion (2002), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2002), Consensus first-team All-American (2002), Third-team All-American – NABC (2001), Senior CLASS Award (2002), Chip Hilton Player of the Year (2002), ACC Player of the Year (2002), ACC Athlete of the Year (2002), 3× First-team All-ACC (2000–2002), , As coach:, , MEAC regular season (2021)
• Medals, , Men's Basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 2001 Beijing: Team competition
• Men's Basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 2001 Beijing: Team competition

Juan Dixon was a standout point guard at Calvert Hall in Towson, Maryland. He played for the Washington Wizards from 2002 to 2011 and helped lead them to two NBA championships (2006 and 2008).

In 2016, he became head coach of Coppin State Eagles in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Juan Dixon played college basketball at the University of North Carolina. After graduating from UNC, he was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2002.

Juan Dixon spent five seasons with the Wizards before being traded to Portland Trail Blazers in 2007. 

He then enjoyed a successful eight-year career with Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons respectively before retiring in 2009. In 2016, Juan Dixon became head coach of District of Columbia women’s team and has since led them to two championships (2017 & 2018).

Also Played For: university of maryland

43. Bob Kurland

Career

• High school: Jennings (Jennings, Missouri)
• College: Oklahoma State (1942–1946)
• Playing career: 1946–1952
• Number: 90
• 1946–1952: Phillips 66ers
• 3× AAU champion (1947, 1948, 1950), 6× AAU All-American (1947–1952), 2× NCAA champion (1945, 1946), Helms National Player of the Year (1946), Sporting News Player of the Year (1946), 2× NCAA final Four Most Outstanding Player (1945, 1946), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1944–1946), First-team All-MVC (1946)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006
• Medals, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, 1948 London
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1948 London
• : 1952 Helsinki

Kurland was a center for the Phillips 66ers during their heyday in the 1940s and 1950s. Kurland helped lead Oklahoma State to two NCAA championships in 1942 and 1946, as well as an Olympic gold medal in 1948.

Kurland later had a successful career with Philips Petroleum, where he served as president from 1986 until his death in 2013 at age 88. Kurland was an All-American and NCAA champion at the University of Kentucky.

Kurland also won a gold medal playing for Team USA in the 1948 Olympics. Kurland played with several teams during his NBA career, including the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks. 

He is currently a television commentator for college basketball games and other sporting events.

Also Played For: oklahoma state university

44. Kelan Martin

Minnesota Timberwolves

Career

• High school: Ballard (Louisville, Kentucky)
• College: Butler (2014–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg
• 2019–2020: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2019–2020: →Iowa Wolves
• 2020–2022: Indiana Pacers
• 2022: Boston Celtics
• 2022: Grand Rapids Gold
• 2022–present: Birmingham Squadron
• AP Honorable Mention All-American (2018), First-team All-Big East (2018), 2× Second-team All-Big East (2016, 2017)

Kelan Martin is an American small forward who played college basketball for Butler. After one season at Butler, Kelan was drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2018 NBA G League Draft but never made it onto their roster.

In October of 2018, Kelan signed with Spanish team Gran Canaria for the remainder of the season. Kelan has a strong shooting stroke and can create problems for opposing defenses from outside-the-keyboard area's (OTK). 

He is also known to be a tenacious on-ball defender and possesses excellent court vision which aids him in facilitating his teammates' offensive plays as well as creating his own opportunities off drives to the basket or mid-range jumpers around the arc.

Kelan Martin is a 6'8" forward from Kentucky who played two seasons of college ball at Louisville. 

He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round (37th overall) of the 2018 NBA draft and spent time with both their G-League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves, and their NBA parent team, the Timberwolves. 

In January 2020 he was traded to Indiana where he continued to play for them until December 2022 when he was signed by Birmingham Squadron as a free agent. 

Kelan has averaged 4 points and 2 rebounds per game in his career thus far but could potentially develop into a more effective offensive player given his size and shooting ability from beyond arc.

45. Marcus Foster

Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Career

• High school: Hirschi (Wichita Falls, Texas)
• College: , Kansas State (2013–2015), Creighton (2016–2018)
• NBA draft: 2018 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: Wonju DB Promy
• 2019: Champville SC
• 2019–2020: Hapoel Holon
• 2020–2021: Panathinaikos
• 2021: Türk Telekom
• 2021–2022: Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2022: Promitheas Patras
• 2022–present: Rytas Vilnius
• NBA G League champion (2022), Israeli League Top Scorer (2020), 2× First-team All-Big East (2017, 2018), Second-team All-Big 12 (2014), First-team Parade All-American (2013)

Marcus Foster is a shooting guard who played collegiately at Kansas State and Creighton. He was undrafted in the 2018 NBA draft but has since been signed by Rytas Vilnius of Lithuania's LKL.

Foster averaged 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game during his two seasons with Creighton, earning All-Big East Second Team honors in both campaigns.

 As a junior at Kansas State, he led the Wildcats to an appearance in the NCAA tournament where they were narrowly beaten by eventual champions Villanova on route to reaching their second Final Four in three years.

Standing 6' 3", Marcus Foster is a physical player who can score from long range or drive to the rim off pick and rolls; he will be looking to improve his ball handling skills while playing overseas as well as adding strength to his frail frame given its small stature (1 91 cm).

Also Played For: panathinaikos b.c

46. Devonte' Graham

New Orleans Pelicans

Career

• High school: , Broughton, (Raleigh, North Carolina), Brewster Academy, (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
• College: Kansas (2014–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34th overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2021: Charlotte Hornets
• 2018–2019: →Greensboro Swarm
• 2021–present: New Orleans Pelicans
• Consensus first-team All-American (2018), Big 12 Player of the Year (2018), First-team All-Big 12 (2018), Second-team All-Big 12 (2017), Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2016), Big 12 tournament MVP (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Summer Universiade, : 2015 Gwangju: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Summer Universiade
• : 2015 Gwangju: Team competition

Devonte' Graham was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 22nd 1995. He attended high school at Broughton before going to Brewster Academy for his college years.

Devonte' Graham played one season of basketball at Kansas and he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018 with a second round pick. Devonte's main role is as a point guard but he can also play shooting guard or small forward if needed.

In 2017, Devonte won the prestigious John R. Wooden Award which is given to the best player in NCAA Division I men’s basketball every year. 

Graham has represented Team USA internationally several times and finished fourth overall in the FIBA U19 World Cup tournament back in 2015 where he averaged 16 points per game including three triple-doubles.

Devonte' Graham is a versatile forward who can play both inside and out. He was an All-American in 2018, and he led the Hornet team to the playoffs that year. Graham spent two seasons with Charlotte before being traded to Greensboro Swarm in 2019. 

In 2021, he signed with New Orleans Pelicans where he has continued his success on the court and in the classroom off of it as well. 

He’s been named First-team All-Big 12 twice, Big 12 player of the Year and Second Team All-Defensive Team all while averaging over 16 points per game.

47. Kyle Guy

Miami Heat

Career

• High school: Lawrence Central, (Indianapolis, Indiana)
• College: Virginia (2016–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 2 / Pick: 55th overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–2021: Sacramento Kings
• 2019–2020: →Stockton Kings
• 2021: Cleveland Charge
• 2021–2022: Miami Heat
• 2022: →Sioux Falls Skyforce
• 2022: Cleveland Charge
• 2022–present: Joventut Badalona
• NCAA champion (2019), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2019), 2× Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2018, 2019), Third-team All-American – SN (2019), 2× First-team All-ACC (2018, 2019), ACC tournament MVP (2018), McDonald's All-American (2016), Indiana Mr. Basketball (2016)

Kyle Guy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and attended high school at Lawrence Central. In his two years at Virginia, Guy played shooting guard for the Cavaliers' varsity squad.

He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2019 as a second-round pick and has since made his debut with the team. Kyle Guy is known for being an excellent shooter with range out to 3-point territory and can also create shots off of dribbles or passes from teammates.

His long hair often gets him labelled as a "bad boy" on social media but he's actually quite shy away from cameras - preferring to stay behind the scenes most of the time. Kyle Guy is a talented shooting guard who attended Indiana University. 

Kyle has won numerous accolades throughout his career, including being an NCAA champion and Final Four MVP. He was drafted in the second round by the Sacramento Kings in 2019 and has since played for the Stockton Kings and Cleveland Charge before joining Joventut Badalona this season. 

Kyle is one of the most promising up-and-coming guards in basketball and will be looking to continue his success with Joventut Badalona next year.

Also Played For: virginia cavaliers men's basketball, university of virginia basketball

48. Max Abmas

Career

• High school: Jesuit Dallas, (Dallas, Texas)
• College: Oral Roberts (2019–present)
• NCAA season scoring leader (2021), Lou Henson Award (2021), 2× AP Honorable mention All-American (2021, 2022), Summit League Player of the Year (2021), 2× First-team All-Summit League (2021, 2022), Summit League All-Newcomer Team (2020), Summit League tournament MVP (2021)

Max Abmas is a young point guard who played for Oral Roberts in the Summit League. He averaged 15.2 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists per game this season.

Max was born on April 2nd, 2001 in Rockwall, Texas and has American nationality. According to his online bio, he stands at 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds (79 kilograms).

Max started playing basketball when he was just 8 years old with the goal of one day becoming a professional player like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. 

Oral Roberts reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament this year after narrowly defeating South Dakota State 71-68 in the first round before losing to Arizona 79-75 in overtime in Round Two – which was also Max's highest scoring collegiate game with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field including 5 three pointers.

In 2020, Max will turn 21 years old and will likely be looking to progress his career by playing higher level college basketball competitions such as Division 1 or even making an appearance at The NBA Draft next summer where he could potentially be selected as early as Pick 31st overall.

Also Played For: school basketball

49. David Roddy

Memphis Grizzlies

Career

• High school: Breck School, (Golden Valley, Minnesota)
• College: Colorado State (2019–2022)
• NBA draft 2022 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23rd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2022–present
• 2022–present: Memphis Grizzlies
• Mountain West Player of the Year (2022), 2× First-team All-Mountain West (2021, 2022), AP Honorable mention All-American (2022)

David Roddy was born in 2001 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is a small forward for the Memphis Grizzlies and played college basketball at Colorado State before being drafted by the Grizzlies in 2019.

David has been widely praised for his athleticism and plays with a high level of intensity on both offense and defense. David is known for his strong shooting ability from outside as well as his defensive prowess off the ball which has seen him become an important part of Memphis' roster over recent years.

David Roddy is a future NBA draft prospect who was selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2022 NBA draft.

David Roddy has spent his entire career to date with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he has shown great consistency and talent across all aspects of basketball. David Roddy was named Mountain West Player of the Year in 2022.

Has been recognized as one of the best players in that conference over the past few years. David Roddy is an exciting player to watch due to his powerful scoring abilities and above-average ball-handling skills.

He is also a good defender who can shut down multiple opponents on offense at any given time. There are high expectations for David Roddy going into next season, as he looks to cement himself as one of the top prospects in this year's NBA draft class.

50. Glen Rice

Miami Heat

Career

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

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

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

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

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

51. Richard Hamilton

Detroit Pistons

Career

• 1999–2002: Washington Wizards
• 2002–2011: Detroit Pistons
• 2011–2013: Chicago Bulls

Hamilton was a standout high school player and attended UConn. He played for the Washington Wizards from 1999 to 2013, averaging 17 points and five assists per game over that time.

After finishing his career with the Detroit Pistons, Hamilton has continued to work as an analyst for NBA TV. Hamilton was a 3 time NBA All-Star and won an NBA championship in 2004.

He played for the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls before retiring in 2013. Hamilton led his teams to multiple championships, including NCAA titles in 1999 and 2000, plus Big East Player of the Year honors both years.

He is also a two-time McDonald's All-American as well as Second Team Parade All American and holds several other accolades from his playing days such as Naismith College Player of the Year (1996).

Also Played For: 2003–04 nba season, uconn huskies

Final Words

. . The best players in March Madness history have been some of the greatest basketball players to ever take the court. From superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry to role models such as John Stockton and Dominique Wilkins, these athletes have helped their teams reach the pinnacle of NCAA competition.

Who will be crowned champions this year?