List of Famous Basketball Players
- Born on May 13, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey, Dennis Rodman grew up in a rough neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, where he was often overlooked due to his small stature. However, a late growth spurt propelled him into the world of basketball, where he would go on to become one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. Rodman's professional career began with the Detroit Pistons in 1986, after an impressive stint at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Known for his tenacious defensive skills and rebounding prowess, he became a key player in the "Bad Boys" Pistons team that won back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. His unique style of play earned him two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and solidified his place as one of the best power forwards of his generation. In 1995, he joined the Chicago Bulls, forming a formidable trio with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and helping the team secure three more NBA titles. Beyond basketball, Rodman's flamboyant personality, marked by his ever-changing hair colors, numerous tattoos, and eccentric fashion sense, made him a cultural icon. His unpredictable behavior and candidness about personal struggles drew both criticism and admiration. Equally intriguing were his ventures into professional wrestling, acting, and even diplomacy, having made several high-profile visits to North Korea. Despite the controversies, Rodman's impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, resulting in his enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr., born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, is an iconic figure in the world of basketball, renowned for his remarkable career as a professional player and his subsequent ventures as a successful entrepreneur. The son of a General Motors assembly worker and a school janitor, Johnson's passion for basketball was evident from an early age, leading him to become one of the most celebrated athletes in the sport's history. Johnson's basketball journey began at Everett High School before he gained national attention at Michigan State University. He led the Spartans to the NCAA championship in 1979, a victory that set the stage for his exceptional career in the NBA. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson achieved enormous success over his 13-season tenure, winning five NBA championships and earning three MVP awards. His unique playing style and infectious charisma earned him the nickname "Magic," captivating audiences worldwide. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 1991 when he announced his HIV diagnosis, becoming one of the first high-profile cases in sports. Retiring from basketball, he transitioned into the business world, leveraging his fame and acumen to build Magic Johnson Enterprises, a conglomerate valued at over $1 billion. His ventures span across industries including real estate, entertainment, and sports franchises. Additionally, Johnson has been an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, using his platform to educate millions about the disease. His life is a testament to resilience, proving that even in the face of adversity, greatness can be achieved.
- 1Kareem Abdul-Jabbar147 Votes
- 2James Worthy96 Votes
- 3Michael Cooper40 Votes
- Charles Barkley, born on February 20, 1963, in Leeds, Alabama, propelled himself from humble beginnings to become an iconic figure in the realm of basketball. Known for his robust physique and tenacious playing style, Barkley, also known as "Sir Charles" or "The Round Mound of Rebound," had a legendary career that spanned 16 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He first showcased his athletic prowess at Auburn University where he earned numerous accolades, including three All-SEC selections and an SEC Player of the Year award. Barkley's NBA journey began when he was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the fifth overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft. Over his career, he played for the 76ers, the Phoenix Suns, and the Houston Rockets. Throughout this time, he established himself as one of the league's most formidable power forwards. His impressive stats include 23,757 points, 12,546 rebounds, and 4,215 assists. His talent and dedication led him to be named an All-Star eleven times, an NBA MVP once, and saw him earn a spot on the All-NBA Team on multiple occasions. Beyond the court, Barkley made significant contributions to sports commentary post-retirement. His sharp wit, candid opinions, and charismatic personality have made him a fixture on TNT's Inside the NBA show. Additionally, his humanitarian efforts cannot be overlooked. Barkley has been involved in numerous charitable activities, demonstrating his commitment to giving back to the community. His influence extends beyond basketball, making him not just a remarkable athlete, but also a significant cultural icon. Through both his professional and personal life, Charles Barkley has left an enduring mark on the world of sports and beyond.
- Born Kevin Joseph Aloysius Connors on April 10, 1921, Chuck Connors was a man of many talents. He is best remembered as an American actor, writer, and professional basketball and baseball player. His athletic prowess became evident in his early years, leading him to have successful careers in both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB). However, it was his acting career that brought him into the limelight, especially his role as Lucas McCain in the popular 1950s TV series The Rifleman. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Connors was raised in a working-class Irish Catholic family. His sporting skills took him to Seton Hall University on a scholarship where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Post-college, he played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA and later for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs in the MLB. His transition from sports to acting was seamless and his 6'5" stature added to his on-screen charisma. Connors made his acting debut in the film noir classic, Pat and Mike, in 1952, but it was not until his performance in The Rifleman that he gained widespread recognition. The show ran for five years and solidified Connors as a household name. Post-The Rifleman, he continued to act in a variety of roles in both television and film, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His later notable work includes roles in films such as Soylent Green and Airplane II: The Sequel.
- Dwight Howard, a professional basketball player from the United States, has become one of the most recognized figures in the sport due to his impressive physical skills and consistent performance. Born on December 8, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was an exceptional talent from a young age. His career began at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy where he led his team to the 2004 state title and was named the High School Player of the Year by numerous organizations, including USA Today and Naismith. Howard's professional journey started when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the 2004 NBA Draft, straight out of high school. His time with the Magic was marked by numerous accolades, including being named to the All-NBA First Team multiple times and winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three consecutive times. His tenure with the Magic culminated in leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2009, a testament to his leadership and prowess. Despite his success with the Magic, Howard's career has been characterized by a series of team changes. He had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, and Washington Wizards before returning to the Lakers. Throughout these transitions, he remained a dominant player, particularly noted for his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities. His second stint with the Lakers saw him win the coveted NBA Championship in 2020, solidifying his place as one of the premier centers in the league's history. Dwight Howard's career, marked by both triumphs and trials, serves as an illustration of resilience and commitment to the sport of basketball.
- 1LeBron James75 Votes
- 2Kobe Bryant61 Votes
- 3James Harden42 Votes
- Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr., widely acclaimed as one of the greatest shooting guards in the history of basketball, was born on January 17, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois. A prodigious talent from a young age, Wade's journey to stardom began at Harold L. Richards High School, where his prowess on the court earned him recognition and scholarship offers from numerous colleges. He eventually chose Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he led the team to their first Final Four appearance in more than 25 years. Wade launched his professional career in 2003 when he was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat. His impact was immediate, winning the NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in his first season. Over the course of his illustrious 16-year career with the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers, Wade was named an All-Star 13 times, won three NBA championships, and secured a coveted spot on the All-NBA First Team twice. His crowning accomplishment came in 2006 when he guided the Miami Heat to their first NBA Championship and was named the Finals' Most Valuable Player (MVP). Away from the court, Wade is equally impressive. He is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly in education and health sectors. He established the Wade's World Foundation, which provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health, and social skills for children in at-risk situations. Wade also penned a New York Times best-selling memoir, A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger Than Basketball, detailing his experiences as a father and his personal life off the court.
- 1LeBron James154 Votes
- 2Shaquille O'Neal108 Votes
- 3Chris Bosh116 Votes
- Allen Iverson, popularly known as The Answer, is a legendary figure in the world of basketball. Born on June 7, 1975, in Hampton, Virginia, Iverson's journey to fame was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite encountering numerous challenges during his early life, including a turbulent upbringing and legal issues during his high school years, Iverson managed to rise above these obstacles and etch his name in the annals of basketball history. Iverson's basketball career began at Georgetown University, where he played for two seasons. His exceptional performance led him to be selected as the first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA Draft. During his remarkable 14-year career, Iverson was an 11-time All-Star, won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2001, and led the 76ers to the NBA Finals in the same year. His unique playing style, characterized by his quickness, scoring ability, and crossover dribble, revolutionized the game and inspired countless future players. Off the court, Iverson was equally influential. He challenged the NBA's traditional image with his tattoos, cornrows, and hip-hop influenced style, making significant contributions to the merging of sports and pop culture. Despite retiring from professional basketball in 2010, Iverson's impact on the sport, both on and off the court, remains undeniable. His induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 further solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of basketball.
- Carmelo Anthony, often referred to as "Melo", established himself as one of the most prominent figures in American professional basketball. Born on May 29, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York, Anthony's potential was evident from a young age when he led his high school team in Baltimore, Maryland, to a national championship. His exceptional talents were further honed during his time at Syracuse University, where he guided the Orange to their first NCAA championship in 2003 and won the tournament's Most Outstanding Player award. Anthony's stellar college career paved the way for him to be the third overall pick of the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft. In Denver, Anthony was instrumental in turning the team into a playoff mainstay, leading them to the playoffs in each of his seven seasons with the team. However, it was his move to the New York Knicks in 2010 that skyrocketed his fame. As a Knick, Anthony continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess, becoming one of the franchise's top players and earning several trips to the NBA All-Star Game. However, Anthony's legacy expands beyond his NBA tenure. A key figure in the USA Basketball Men's National Team, Anthony holds the distinction of being the first male basketball player to represent the United States in four Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). His Olympic career is decorated with three gold medals and one bronze, making him one of the most decorated male Olympians in basketball.
- 1LeBron James136 Votes
- 2Chris Paul22 Votes
- 3Allen Iverson88 Votes
- William Theodore Walton III (November 5, 1952 – May 27, 2024) was an American professional basketball player and television sportscaster. He played college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Portland Trail Blazers, San Diego / Los Angeles Clippers, and Boston Celtics. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Jason Frederick Kidd (born March 23, 1973) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Regarded as one of the greatest point guards and passers of all time, Kidd was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA First Team member, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member. He won an NBA championship in 2011 as a member of the Dallas Mavericks and was a two-time gold medal winner in the Olympics with the U.S. national team in 2000 and 2008. He was inducted as a player into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In October 2021, Kidd was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
- Anthony Marshon Davis Jr. (born March 11, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He plays the power forward and center positions. Davis was selected first overall in the 2012 NBA draft by New Orleans, is a six-time NBA All-Star, and has been named to three All-NBA First Teams and three NBA All-Defensive Teams. He also earned a gold medal playing with Team USA at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Davis played one season of college basketball for the University of Kentucky, when he was first team All-American and the Consensus National Player of the Year. He also won the USBWA National Freshman of the Year, NABC Defensive Player of the Year and the Pete Newell Big Man Award. Davis led the NCAA in blocks and set Southeastern Conference and NCAA Division I freshman single-season blocked shots records. He led Kentucky to a National Championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA tournament. Davis left college for the NBA after one season and was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans, then known as the New Orleans Hornets, and was selected that summer to play for the Team USA in the 2012 Olympics. After his rookie season, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. The next season, he became an All-Star for the first time and led the NBA in blocked shots per game. He has since become a six-time All-Star and the youngest player to score at least 59 points in an NBA game. In 2017, he was named the recipient of the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award after setting an All-Star Game scoring record of 52 points en route.
- Antonija Mišura is a Croatian professional basketball player. She plays for Toulouse Métropole Basket in the Ligue Féminine de Basketball and for the Croatia women's national basketball team. Mišura has represented the national team in the 2009 Mediterranean Games, EuroBasket Women 2011, and the 2012 Olympics. She plays as a point guard and shooting guard, and is noted for her quick, aggressive style of play. Mišura has also been featured in several polls for the most beautiful sportswoman, and her looks have attracted significant media attention.
- William Warren Bradley (born July 28, 1943) is an American politician and former professional basketball player. He served three terms as a Democratic U.S. Senator from New Jersey. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in the 2000 election. Bradley was born and raised in Crystal City, Missouri, a small town 45 miles south of St. Louis. He excelled at basketball from an early age. He did well academically and was an all-county and all-state basketball player in high school. He was offered 75 college scholarships, but declined them all to attend Princeton University. He won a gold medal as a member of the 1964 Olympic basketball team and was the NCAA Player of the Year in 1965, when Princeton finished third in the NCAA Tournament. After graduating in 1965, he attended Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship, delaying a decision for two years on whether or not to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA). While at Oxford, Bradley played one season of professional basketball in Europe and eventually decided to join the New York Knicks in the 1967–68 season, after serving six months in the Air Force Reserve. He spent his entire ten-year professional basketball career playing for the Knicks, winning NBA titles in 1970 and 1973. Retiring in 1977, he ran for a seat in the United States Senate the following year, from his adopted home state of New Jersey. He was re-elected in 1984 and 1990, left the Senate in 1997, and was an unsuccessful candidate for the 2000 Democratic presidential nomination. Bradley is the author of seven non-fiction books, most recently We Can All Do Better, and hosts a weekly radio show, American Voices, on Sirius Satellite Radio. He is a corporate director of Starbucks and a partner at investment bank Allen & Company in New York City. Bradley is a member of the ReFormers Caucus of Issue One. He also serves on that group's Advisory Board. In 2008 Bradley was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
- John Uzoma Ekwugha Amaechi, OBE (; born 26 November 1970) is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Vanderbilt and Penn State, and professional basketball in the National Basketball Association. Amaechi also played in France, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom. Since retiring from basketball, Amaechi has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems. In February 2007, he became the first former NBA player to come out publicly after doing so in his memoir Man in the Middle. Since then, he has been regarded as "one of the world's most high-profile gay athletes".
- Rebecca Lynn Hammon (born March 11, 1977) is a Russian-American assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and a retired professional basketball player. Hammon played for the San Antonio Stars and New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball Association, as well as multiple basketball teams outside of the United States. Hammon, who was born and grew up in the United States, became a naturalized Russian citizen in 2008 and represented the Russian national team in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.On August 5, 2014, Hammon was hired by the Spurs as an assistant coach, becoming the second female assistant coach in NBA history, and the first full-time assistant coach. This also makes her the first full-time female assistant coach in any of the four major professional sports in North America. On July 3, 2015, the Spurs announced that Hammon would be the team's Summer League head coach, the first woman to be a head coach in that league. Hammon led the Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League title on July 20, 2015.
- Candace Nicole Parker (born April 19, 1986) is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Chicago Sky of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was the first overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft. In 2016, along with other stars such as Alana Beard and Nneka Ogwumike, Parker helped the Sparks to win their first WNBA Finals title since 2002. In high school, Parker won the 2003 and 2004 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year awards, becoming just the second junior and the only woman to receive the award twice. Parker has won a WNBA championship (2016), two WNBA Most Valuable Player Awards (2008, 2013), WNBA Finals MVP Award (2016), WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2013), two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012), and the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (2008). Parker has been selected to six all-WNBA teams and five all-star teams, and was the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award in the same season.
- Alonzo Harding Mourning Jr. (born February 8, 1970) is an American former professional basketball player. Mourning played most of his 15-year National Basketball Association (NBA) career for the Miami Heat. Nicknamed "Zo", Mourning played at center. Following his college basketball career at Georgetown University, his tenacity on defense twice earned him NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and perennially placed him on the NBA All-Defensive Team. Mourning made a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant and later won the 2006 NBA Championship with the Heat. Mourning also played for the Charlotte Hornets and New Jersey Nets. On March 30, 2009, Mourning became the first Miami Heat player to have his number retired. Since June 26, 2009, Mourning has served as Vice President of Player Programs and Development for the Heat. In 2010, Mourning was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. On August 8, 2014, Mourning was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Jason Paul Collins (born December 2, 1978) is an American retired professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A center, Collins played college basketball for Stanford University, where he was an All-American in 2000–01. Collins was selected by the Houston Rockets as the 18th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft. He went on to play for the New Jersey Nets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. After the 2012–13 NBA season concluded, Collins publicly came out as gay. He became a free agent and did not play again until February 2014, when he signed with the Nets and became the first openly gay athlete to play in any of four major North American pro sports leagues. In April 2014, Collins was featured on the cover of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World".
- Dražen Petrović (pronounced [drǎʒen pětroʋitɕ]; 22 October 1964 – 7 June 1993) was a Croatian professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he initially achieved success playing professional basketball in Europe in the 1980s, before joining the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1989. A star on multiple stages, Petrović earned two silver medals and one bronze in Olympic basketball, a gold and a bronze in the FIBA World Cup, a gold and a bronze in the FIBA EuroBasket, and two EuroLeague titles. He represented Yugoslavia's national team and, later, Croatia's national team. He earned four Euroscars, and was named Mr. Europa twice. In 1985, he received the Golden Badge award for best athlete of Yugoslavia.Seeking a bigger arena after his career start in Europe, Petrović joined the NBA in 1989, as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. After playing mostly off the bench that year, Petrović experienced a breakthrough following a trade to the New Jersey Nets. While starting for the Nets, he became one of the league's best shooting guards. Petrović's career and life were cut short after he died in a car accident at the age of 28. He received the Olympic Order in 1993. Petrović is considered the crucial part of the vanguard to the present-day mass influx of European players into the NBA. Petrović's jersey number 3 was retired by the Nets in 1993, and in 2002, he was posthumously enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In 2013, he was voted the best European Basketball player in history by players at the 2013 FIBA EuroBasket.
- Isiah Lord Thomas III (born April 30, 1961) is an American former basketball player who played professionally for the Detroit Pistons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A point guard, the 12-time NBA All-Star was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Thomas has also been a professional and collegiate head coach, a basketball executive, and a broadcaster. Thomas played collegiately for the Indiana Hoosiers, leading them to the 1981 NCAA championship as a sophomore and declaring for the NBA draft. He was taken as the second overall pick by the Pistons in the 1981 NBA draft, and played for them his entire career, while leading the "Bad Boys" to the 1988–89 and 1989–90 NBA championships. After his playing career, he was an executive with the Toronto Raptors, a television commentator, an executive with the Continental Basketball Association, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, and an executive and head coach for the New York Knicks. He was later the men's basketball coach for the Florida International University (FIU) Golden Panthers for three seasons from 2009 to 2012. In early May 2015, amidst controversy, Thomas was named president and part owner of the Knicks' WNBA sister team, the New York Liberty, subsequent to the re-hiring of Thomas's former Pistons teammate, Bill Laimbeer, as the team's coach.
- Dirk Nowitzki, a towering figure in the world of basketball, was born on June 19, 1978, in Würzburg, Germany. From an early age, his athletic prowess was apparent, but it wasn't until he picked up a basketball that he truly found his calling. Following in the footsteps of his basketball-playing sister and father, Dirk's journey into the sport started at DJK Würzburg, a sports club in his hometown. Nowitzki's professional career began with the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA) after being selected as the 9th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. Overcoming initial struggles, he established himself as one of the league's finest players, revolutionizing the power forward position with his unique blend of scoring ability and finesse. Throughout his career, he earned numerous accolades, including 14 All-Star appearances, an MVP award, and a Finals MVP honor when he led the Mavericks to their first championship in 2011. Off the court, Nowitzki is known for his philanthropy. He established the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which aims to provide education, health, and well-being for children around the globe. He's also noted for his loyalty, having spent his entire 21-season NBA career with the Mavericks, making him one of the few players in league history to have played for a single team for over two decades. Dirk Nowitzki's legacy transcends basketball, leaving a lasting impact not just on the sport, but also on the communities he has served.
- 1Luka Dončić114 Votes
- 2Steve Nash102 Votes
- 3Jason Kidd104 Votes
- Jalen Anthony Rose (born January 30, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player, current sports analyst for ESPN, and cofounder of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. In college, he was a member of the University of Michigan Wolverines' "Fab Five" (along with Chris Webber, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson) that reached the 1992 and 1993 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship games as both freshmen and sophomores. Rose played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for six teams, most notably alongside Reggie Miller on the Indiana Pacers teams that made three consecutive Eastern Conference finals, including the 2000 NBA Finals. Rose was primarily a small forward; however, he sometimes played the role of a shooting guard. Currently, he co-hosts Get Up!, a morning sports talk show on ESPN.
- Andre Jamal Drummond (born August 10, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected by the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft with the ninth overall pick. A two-time NBA All-Star, he has led the league in rebounding four times and also been named to the All-NBA Third Team.
- Cheryl D. Miller (born January 3, 1964) is the women's basketball coach at Cal State LA and a former college basketball player and sportscaster for TNT. She was formerly a sideline reporter for NBA games on TNT Sports and also works for NBA TV as a reporter and analyst, having worked previously as a sportscaster for ABC Sports, TBS Sports, and ESPN. She was also head coach and general manager of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. In 1995, Miller was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1999, she was inducted into the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Knoxville, Tennessee. On August 20, 2010, Miller was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame for her success in international play.She is the sister of retired National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer Reggie Miller and former Major League Baseball catcher Darrell Miller.
- Amar'e Carsares Stoudemire (Hebrew: אמארה סטודמאייר; ; born November 16, 1982) is an American-Israeli professional basketball player who last played for Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Premier League and the Basketball Champions League. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2003 with the Phoenix Suns, who selected him with the ninth overall pick of the 2002 NBA draft. He made six appearances in the NBA All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA Team five times, including one first-team selection in 2007. Stoudemire played high school basketball for five different schools, ultimately graduating from Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, Florida, and declaring for the NBA draft as a prep-to-pro player. He won several prep honors, including being selected as Florida's Mr. Basketball. The highly athletic Stoudemire suffered from chronic knee problems during his career and underwent microfracture surgery on both knees. He played for the Suns, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Miami Heat before retiring from the NBA in 2016. Stoudemire won a bronze medal with the United States national team at the 2004 Olympic Games. His off-court ventures include a record label, a clothing line, acting and a series of children's books for Scholastic Press. In addition, Stoudemire owns a significant share of Hapoel Jerusalem, the team he won a championship with in 2017.
- Carlos Boozer Jr. (born November 20, 1981) is an American former professional basketball player. The two-time NBA All-Star played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers, and then spent his last season playing overseas with the Guangdong Southern Tigers. As a member of Team USA, Boozer won an Olympic bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- Grant Henry Hill (born October 5, 1972) is a former American professional basketball player and current Hudl videographer for Orlando City SC. He is also currently a host of NBA TV's NBA Inside Stuff. Hill played for four teams in his professional career in the National Basketball Association (NBA); the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Clippers. Hill's parents are retired NFL Pro Bowl running back Calvin Hill and Janet Hill. He and his father were Rookies of the Year in their respective sports; Hill in the NBA in 1995 (shared with Jason Kidd), and his father in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 1969. While playing college basketball at Duke, he was the 1994 ACC Player of the Year, a two-time NCAA All-American, and a two-time NCAA champion. As a professional he was the 1995 NBA co-Rookie of the Year, and was a seven-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and three-time winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award. He is also a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Throughout his college career and early in his years with the Detroit Pistons, Hill was widely considered to be one of the best all-around players in the game, often leading his team in points, rebounds and assists. Touted as one of the best players in Duke history, many went as far as to say that he was one of the greatest collegiate basketball players in his era. After his first six seasons with the Pistons, in which he averaged 21.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, his next twelve seasons were mostly injury plagued, as he averaged just 13.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. On June 1, 2013, after 19 years in the league, Hill announced his retirement from the NBA. Hill and Tony Ressler officially purchased the Atlanta Hawks on June 24, 2015 for an estimated $730 million–850 million.
- Arvydas Romas Sabonis (Lithuanian pronunciation: [ˈaːrviːdaːs ˈsaːboːnʲɪs]; born December 19, 1964) is a Lithuanian retired professional basketball player and businessman. Recognized as one of the best European players of all time, he won the Euroscar six times, and the Mr. Europa Award twice. He played in a variety of leagues, and spent seven seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), in the United States. Playing the center position, Sabonis won a gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics, in South Korea, for the Soviet Union, and later earned bronze medals at the 1992 Olympic Games and 1996 Olympic Games, while representing Lithuania. He retired from professional basketball in 2005. Sabonis was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers, in the first round of the 1986 NBA draft, but he did not play his first NBA game until the age of 31, in 1995. Sabonis is considered one of the best big man passers, as well as one of the best overall centers, in the history of the game. Bill Walton once called Sabonis, "a 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) Larry Bird", due to his unique court vision, shooting range, rugged in-game mentality, and versatility.On August 20, 2010, Sabonis was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, in recognition of his great play in international competition. On April 4, 2011, Sabonis was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and he was inducted on August 12, 2011. At that time, he was the tallest player to ever enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; one year later, he would be surpassed by 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m) Ralph Sampson. On October 24, 2011, Sabonis was voted as the next President of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, replacing Vladas Garastas, who had led the LBF since 1991. He resigned from the position on October 2, 2013, but came back to it on October 10, 2013.
- Joseph Henry White (November 16, 1946 – January 16, 2018) was an American professional basketball player. As an amateur, he played basketball at the University of Kansas and represented the U.S. men's basketball team during the 1968 Summer Olympics. As a professional, he is best known for his ten-year stint with the Boston Celtics of the NBA, where he led the team towards two NBA championships and set a franchise record of 488 consecutive games played. White was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.
- Charles Thomas McMillen (born May 26, 1952) is a retired professional basketball player, Rhodes Scholar, and Democratic U.S. Congressman, who represented the 4th congressional district of Maryland from January 3, 1987 to January 3, 1993. On March 22, 2011, he was appointed as Chairman of the inaugural Board of Directors of the President's Foundation on Sports, Physical Fitness, and Nutrition. He is also the author of Out of Bounds, a critical look at the unhealthy influence of sports on ethics, and he served on the Knight Foundation's Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics investigating abuses within college sports.
- Harrison Bryce Jordan Barnes (born May 30, 1992) is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels before being selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft with the seventh overall pick. Barnes won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2015.
- Dwight Filley Davis, Sr. (July 5, 1879 – November 28, 1945) was an American tennis player and politician. He is best remembered as the founder of the Davis Cup international tennis competition. He was the Assistant Secretary of War from 1923 to 1925 and Secretary of War from 1925 to 1929.
- Earl Joseph "J. R." Smith III (born September 9, 1985) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played high school basketball at New Jersey basketball powerhouse Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark. He entered the NBA out of high school after being selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA draft with the 18th overall pick by the New Orleans Hornets. He has also played for the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, as well as for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls of the Chinese Basketball Association. In 2016, Smith helped the Cavaliers win the NBA championship
- John Harding Lucas II (born October 31, 1953) is a retired American professional basketball player and coach. He currently works as the player development coach of the Houston Rockets. He played basketball and tennis at the University of Maryland, College Park and was an All American in both.
- Born in Los Angeles in 1979, Baron Davis' talent for basketball propelled him out of South Central and into the spotlight. After graduating from the prestigious Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Davis Spent two years at UCLA, earning All Pac-10 honors before declaring for the 1999 NBA draft. Selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the third overall pick in the draft, he led the team to the playoffs in each of his five years with them. Davis returned to California in 2005, when he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. The same year, he began to make his mark on the entertainment industry as an executive producer of the film "Asylum" (2005). Injury and age began to take a toll on his career in basketball, but in 2007 Davis still managed to lead the Warriors to their first playoff appearance since 1994. In 2008, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since he was battling injury he had more time to focus entertainment, executive producing the films "Autopsy" (2008) and "The Pool Boys" (2009) as well as the documentary "Crips and Bloods: Made in America" (2009). After stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks, Davis retired from basketball in 2012. In 2015, Davis played a recurring role on "Sin City Saints" (Yahoo, 2015), a show about a fictional basketball team based in Las Vegas. He also appeared in guest roles on "Entourage" (HBO, 2004-2011), and in the films "Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser" (2015), and "The Night Before" (2015). The same year, he executive produced the documentary "30 for 30: Sole Man" (ESPN, 2009-). In 2016, he had a recurring role on "Mozart in the Jungle" (Amazon, 2014-).
- Christopher Emmanuel Paul, popularly known as Chris Paul, is a distinguished figure in the world of professional basketball. Born on May 6, 1985, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, he exhibited an exceptional talent for the sport from an early age. Paul's basketball journey began at West Forsyth High School and continued at Wake Forest University, where his performance earned him national recognition. In 2005, he embarked on his professional career by joining the New Orleans Hornets after being selected fourth overall in the NBA Draft. Throughout his career, Paul has proven himself as an unrivaled point guard, earning multiple accolades that testify to his skill and dedication. He has been named an NBA All-Star eleven times and has twice been recognized as the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP). Paul also led the NBA in assists four times and in steals six times, a testament to both his offensive prowess and defensive agility. Moreover, his contribution extends beyond the NBA; he represented the United States in the Olympics, bringing home two gold medals in 2008 and 2012. Off the court, Paul is equally impressive. He served as the president of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 to 2021, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to advocating for his fellow players' rights. His philanthropic endeavors, particularly through the Chris Paul Family Foundation, have made significant impacts in various communities. The foundation's initiatives focus on promoting education, health, sports, and community building. Undeniably, Chris Paul's legacy transcends the realm of basketball, making him an influential figure both on and off the court.
- 1Los Angeles Clippers (2011 - 2017)56 Votes
- 2Houston Rockets (2017 - 2019)61 Votes
- 3Phoenix Suns (2020 - 2022)39 Votes
- Gregory Carlton Anthony (born November 15, 1967) is an American former professional basketball player who is a television analyst for NBA TV and Turner Sports. He played 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association. Anthony also contributes to Yahoo! Sports as a college basketball analyst and serves as a co-host/analyst on SiriusXM NBA Radio.
- Bison Dele (born Brian Carson Williams; April 6, 1969 – presumed dead July 7, 2002) was an American professional basketball player who played center. He played for the NBA's Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. Dele won a championship with the Bulls in 1997. He is believed to have been murdered at sea by his older brother Miles Dabord in 2002. His girlfriend, Serena Karlan, and skipper Bertrand Saldo are also presumed to have been killed by Dabord.
- Bernard King (born December 4, 1956) is an American retired professional basketball player at the small forward position in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played 14 seasons with the New Jersey Nets, Utah Jazz, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Washington Bullets. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 8, 2013. His younger brother, Albert, also played in the NBA during his career.
- Blake Griffin is an American actor who appeared in "The Mitchells vs. the Machines," "The History of the World Part II," and "Broad City."
- Mayce Edward Christopher Webber III (born March 1, 1973) is an American former professional basketball player. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, a five-time All-NBA Team member, a former NBA Rookie of the Year, and a former number one overall NBA draftee. As a collegiate athlete, he was a first-team All-American and led the Michigan Wolverines' 1991 incoming freshman class known as the Fab Five that reached the 1992 and 1993 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship games as freshmen and sophomores. However, Webber was indicted by a federal grand jury and stripped of his All-American honors by the NCAA as a result of his direct involvement in the Ed Martin scandal. He is also a former National High School Basketball Player of the Year who led his high school Detroit Country Day to three Michigan State High School Basketball Championships, but never won any national championship in college or the NBA.
- John Brisker (born June 15, 1947) was an American professional basketball player from Detroit, Michigan who disappeared in Uganda in April 1978. He was declared legally dead in 1985.
- Joakim Simon Noah ( JOH-ə-kim; born February 25, 1985) is a former professional basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born in New York City to a Swedish mother and a French father, he holds American, Swedish and French citizenship. He played college basketball for the Florida Gators, winning back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007. The Chicago Bulls selected Noah with the ninth overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. Noah is a two-time NBA All-Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 2014 when he also was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
- George Gervin (born April 27, 1952), nicknamed "The Iceman", is an American retired professional basketball player who played in both the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Virginia Squires, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. Gervin averaged at least 14 points per game in all 14 of his ABA and NBA seasons, and finished with an NBA career average of 26.2 points per game. In 1996, Gervin was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
- Diana Taurasi was an American professional basketball player who won three gold medals as a member of the Team USA Women's Basketball team. Born in Glendale, California and raised in Chino, you might say that Taurasi was born to be a star athlete. Her father Mario, who was born in Italy, was a professional soccer player for an Italian football club. As a result, Taurasi spent a good deal of her early childhood traveling around the world with her father's team, which subsequently allowed her to spend a great deal of time with professional athletes. Hence, it wasn't long before young Diana decided that one day she wanted to play professional sports. Taurasi's gift for playing basketball was apparent at a young age, and by the time she was a teenager she was already excelling on her high school basketball team. She won numerous high school awards for her prowess on the court, and by the time senior year rolled around, Taurasi was one of the most hotly recruited players in the country. She eventually settled on the University of Connecticut, where over the next four years she wowed UConn fans with her aggressive style of play. Taurasi also led the Huskies to three consecutive NCAA Championships, which established her as one of the most elite players to ever step foot on a basketball court. After graduation the Phoenix Mercury selected Taurasi as the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft. Her professional career was equally as successful, and included seven All-Star selections, three WNBA Championships, as well as the WNBA MVP Award in 2009. In addition to her sterling professional basketball career, Taurasi also helped lead Team USA to three gold medal wins in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. In 2016, at the age of 33, Taurasi showed no signs of slowing down. She made her fourth consecutive Olympic appearance at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where she hoped to win another gold medal for Team USA.
- Joseph Reshard Crawford II (born June 17, 1986) is an American professional basketball shooting guard who last played for the Erie BayHawks of the NBA Development League. He formerly played at the University of Kentucky and was selected with the 58th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2008 NBA draft. He signed with the Lakers on August 27, 2008, but was waived October 22, during the 2008–09 pre-season. Crawford's brother, Jordan Crawford, played college basketball for Indiana and Xavier.
- Jayson Williams (born February 22, 1968) is an American former professional basketball player. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association. In 2010, Williams pleaded guilty to assault in the accidental shooting death of a limousine driver. He served a 27-month prison sentence and was released in April 2012.
- Juwan Antonio Howard (born February 7, 1973) is the head basketball coach at the University of Michigan. He was an assistant coach for the Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 2013 to 2019. Howard played in the NBA from 1994 until 2013. A one-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA power forward, he began his NBA career as the fifth overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft, selected by the Washington Bullets. Before he was drafted, he starred as an All-American on the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team. At Michigan he was part of the Fab Five recruiting class of 1991 that reached the finals of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship in 1992 and 1993. Howard won his first NBA championship with Miami in the 2012 NBA Finals and his second NBA championship in the 2013 NBA Finals. Howard was an All-American center and an honors student at Chicago Vocational Career Academy. Michigan was able to sign him early over numerous competing offers and then convince others in his recruiting class to join him. The Fab Five, which included Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson, served as regular starters during their freshman and sophomore years for the 1991–92 and 1992–93 Wolverines. Howard was the last member of the Fab Five to remain active as a professional basketball player. Although many of the Wolverines' accomplishments from 1992 to 1998 were forfeited due to the University of Michigan basketball scandal, which involved booster payments to players to launder money from illegal gambling, Howard's 1993–94 All-American season continues to be recognized. Howard played six-and-a-half seasons (1994–2001) for the Bullets franchise (renamed the Wizards in 1997), three full seasons (2004–07) for the Houston Rockets, two plus seasons for the Heat and shorter stints for several other teams. During his rookie year with the Bullets, he became the first player to graduate on time with his class after leaving college early to play in the NBA. After one season as an All-Rookie player and a second as an All-Star and an All-NBA performer, he became the first NBA player to sign a $100 million contract. While he continued to be a productive starter, he was never again selected to play in an All-Star Game. Towards the end of his contract, he was traded at the NBA trade deadline twice to make salary cap room. He was most recently a regular starter during the 2005–06 NBA season. In 2010, he signed with the Heat and entered his 17th NBA season, during which he reached the playoffs for the sixth time and made his first career NBA Finals appearance. He remained with the Heat the following season and won his first NBA championship during the 2012 NBA Finals. He returned to the Heat for part of the following season, and won a second championship. Howard has developed a reputation as a humanitarian for his civic commitment.
- Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo (June 25, 1966 – September 30, 2024) was a Congolese American retired professional basketball player. Mutombo played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Outside basketball, he has become well known for his humanitarian work. The 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m), 260-pound (120 kg; 19 st) center, who began his career with the Georgetown Hoyas, is commonly regarded as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players of all time, winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times; he was also an eight-time All-Star. On January 10, 2007, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the second most prolific shot blocker in NBA history, behind only Hakeem Olajuwon. At the conclusion of the 2009 NBA playoffs, Mutombo announced his retirement. On September 11, 2015, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Benjamin Cameron Wallace (born September 10, 1974) is an American retired professional basketball player. A native of Alabama, Wallace attended Cuyahoga Community College and Virginia Union University and signed with the Washington Bullets (later Wizards) as an undrafted free agent in 1996. In his NBA career, Wallace played with the Washington Bullets/Wizards, Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. He won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award four times, a record he shares with Dikembe Mutombo. In nine seasons with the Pistons (2000–2006; 2009–2012), Wallace made two NBA Finals appearances (2004 and 2005) and won a championship with the Pistons in 2004. The Pistons retired his jersey number 3 in 2016. He was named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, but narrowly missed induction.
- Robert Joseph Cousy (born August 9, 1928) is an American retired professional basketball player. Cousy played point guard with the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963, and briefly with the Cincinnati Royals in the 1969–70 season. Making his high school varsity squad as a junior, he went on to earn a scholarship to the College of the Holy Cross, where he led the Crusaders to berths in the 1948 NCAA Tournament and 1950 NCAA Tournament, and won NCAA All-American honors for three seasons. Cousy was initially drafted by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks as the third overall pick in the first round of the 1950 NBA draft, but after he refused to report, he was picked up by Boston. He had an exceptionally successful career with the Celtics, leading the league an unprecedented 8 straight years in assists, playing on six NBA championship teams, and being voted into 13 NBA All-Star Games in his 13 full NBA seasons. He was also named to 12 All-NBA First and Second Teams and won the 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player Award.En route to his assist streak that was unmatched either in number of crowns or consecutive years, Cousy introduced a new blend of ball-handling and passing skills to the NBA that earned him the nickname "The Houdini of the Hardwood". Also known as "Cooz", he was regularly introduced at Boston Garden as "Mr. Basketball". After his playing career, he coached the Royals for several years, capped by a seven-game cameo comeback for them at age 41. Cousy then became a broadcaster for Celtics games. Upon his election to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1971 the Celtics retired his No. 14 jersey and hung it in the rafters of the Garden. Cousy was named to the NBA 25th Anniversary Team in 1971, the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1981, and the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team in 1996, making him one of only four players that were selected to each of those teams. He was also the first president of National Basketball Players Association. On August 22, 2019, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump.
- Chauncey Ray Billups (born September 25, 1976) is retired American professional basketball player. He played 17 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A star at the University of Colorado, he was selected third overall in the 1997 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. A five-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA selection, Billups played for the Celtics, Toronto Raptors, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers during his NBA career. He won the NBA Finals MVP in 2004 after helping the Pistons beat the Los Angeles Lakers in the Finals, and was given the nickname "Mr. Big Shot" for making late-game shots with Detroit. The Pistons retired his #1 jersey in 2016.In 2004, Billups was honored by the University of Colorado by being the fifth player to have his jersey (number 4) retired. The Coors Events Center also has a large mural of Billups in the northeast corner of the arena as part of his "Chauncey's Kid Roundup" program.
- Isaiah Rider Jr., nicknamed J.R. (born March 12, 1971), is an American former professional basketball player. Rider was born in Oakland, California, and was raised in nearby Alameda. He starred in both baseball and basketball at Encinal High School before going on to a college career with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and a professional career in the National Basketball Association.
- Jermaine Gregory O'Neal (born October 13, 1978) is an American retired professional basketball player. The 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), 255 lb (115 kg) forward–center had a successful high school career and declared his eligibility for the 1996 NBA draft straight out of high school. O'Neal was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 17th overall pick, but was unable to break into the first team in Portland and was traded to the Indiana Pacers in 2000. In his eight seasons with the club, he was voted an NBA All-Star six times, made the All-NBA teams three times, and was voted the NBA Most Improved Player in the 2001–02 season. O'Neal also helped Indiana reach the NBA Playoffs six times, including the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2003–04 season. O'Neal was traded to the Toronto Raptors before the 2008–09 season began, and later played for the Miami Heat, the Boston Celtics, and the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal's final NBA season was the 2013–14 season, which he spent with the Golden State Warriors.
- Calvin Jerome Murphy (born May 9, 1948) is an American retired professional basketball player who played as a guard for the NBA's San Diego/Houston Rockets from 1970 to 1983, and is a current member of the Houston Rockets' AT&T Sportsnet TV broadcast team. Standing at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m), Murphy has the distinction of being the shortest NBA player inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and to play in an NBA All-Star Game (the latter since tied by Isaiah Thomas in 2016).
- John Joseph Havlicek ( HAV-li-chek; April 8, 1940 – April 25, 2019) was an American professional basketball player who competed for 16 seasons with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA championships, four of them coming in his first four seasons. In the National Basketball Association he is one of four players to have won eight championships in their playing careers; only teammates Bill Russell and Sam Jones have won more, with 11 and 10 championships respectively. Havlicek is also one of three NBA players with an unsurpassed 8–0 record in NBA Finals series outcomes. Havlicek is widely considered to have been one of the greatest players in the history of the game and was inducted as a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984. He was a three-sport athlete at Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, Ohio.
- Fabricio Paulino de Melo (June 20, 1990 – February 11, 2017) was a Brazilian professional basketball player. He played one season in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics before returning to his home country and playing for Liga Sorocabana and Brasília of the Brazilian Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB). Prior to entering the NBA in 2012, he played two years of college basketball for Syracuse, where he was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore.
- Donald Edgar "Duck" Williams (born August 2, 1956) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association for the New Orleans Jazz during the 1979–80 season.
- Darius Tiyon Miller is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for Brose Baskets of the Basketball Bundesliga. He played college basketball for the University of Kentucky and finished his senior season by winning the 2012 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament on the 2011–12 Kentucky Wildcats team.
- Dennis Wayne Johnson (September 18, 1954 – February 22, 2007), nicknamed "DJ", was an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics and coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. He was an alumnus of Dominguez High School, Los Angeles Harbor College and Pepperdine University.A prototypical late bloomer, Johnson overcame early struggles and had a successful NBA playing career. Drafted 29th overall in 1976 by the Seattle SuperSonics, Johnson began his professional career as a shooting guard. He eventually led the Sonics to their only NBA championship in 1979, winning the Finals MVP Award. After a short stint with the Phoenix Suns, he became the starting point guard for the Boston Celtics, with whom he won two more championships. Johnson was voted into five All-Star Teams, one All-NBA First and one Second Team, and nine consecutive All-Defensive First and Second Teams. Apart from his reputation as a defensive stopper, Johnson was known as a clutch player who made several decisive plays in NBA playoffs history.The Celtics franchise has retired Johnson's #3 jersey, which hangs from the rafters of the TD Garden, the home arena of the team. On April 5, 2010, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame officially announced that Johnson had been posthumously elected to the Hall. He was formally inducted on August 13. He is considered by several sports journalists to be one of the most underrated players of all time.
- Erin Buescher Perperoglou (born June 5, 1979) is a former American professional basketball player. She played most recently as a forward for the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA. In her WNBA career, Buescher Perperoglou played more than 2,500 minutes in 150 WNBA games, including 9 playoff games, scoring nearly 900 career points and accumulating 500 rebounds. She announced her retirement from the WNBA at the conclusion of the 2009 season.
- Adam Haluska (born November 16, 1983) is an American former professional basketball player.
Giorgos Printezis
Georgios Printezis (alternate spelling: Giorgos) (Greek: Γιώργος Πρίντεζης; born February 22, 1985) is a Greek professional basketball player for Olympiacos of the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague. A 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) tall power forward, he earned an All-EuroLeague First Team selection in 2017. Printezis won back to back EuroLeague titles with Olympiacos in 2012 and 2013. His game-winning shot against CSKA Moscow at the end of the 2012 EuroLeague Final, off a Vassilis Spanoulis assist, is a EuroLeague history highlight. Bearing the colours of Greece, Printezis was instrumental in a bronze medal run at EuroBasket 2009.- Corey Jae Crowder (born July 6, 1990) is an American professional basketball player for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is the son of former NBA player Corey Crowder. Crowder committed to South Georgia Technical College and later Howard College, where he led the team to an NJCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship in his sophomore season. While at Howard College, Crowder was also named State Farm Junior College Player of the Year. Later, he transferred to Marquette, where he was named Big East Player of the Year in his senior season. After his senior year ended, he became eligible for the 2012 NBA draft, where he was drafted 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers and traded to the Mavericks on draft night. In 2014, Crowder was traded to the Boston Celtics. He spent three years in Boston before being traded back to his draft team, the Cavaliers, in August 2017. In February 2018, he was traded to the Utah Jazz.
- Daniel Ray Ainge (born March 17, 1959) is an American basketball executive and former professional basketball and baseball player. Ainge is currently the general manager and President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Ainge was an outstanding high school athlete. At Brigham Young University, he was named national basketball college player of the year and won the John R. Wooden Award for the most outstanding male college basketball player. While in college, Ainge also played parts of three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB), mostly as a second baseman. He was then drafted into the NBA by the Celtics. Ainge completed 14 seasons, playing for the Celtics, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns, primarily as a shooting guard. He went on to coach the Suns for three seasons before joining management of the Celtics, with whom Ainge has three NBA Championships to his credit (two as a player, one as President/GM). He is the only person to be named a high school first team All-American in American football, basketball, and baseball.
- David William Cowens (born October 25, 1948) is an American retired professional basketball player and NBA head coach. At 6'9", he played the center position and occasionally played power forward. Cowens spent most of his playing career with the Boston Celtics. He was the 1971 NBA Rookie of the Year and the 1973 NBA Most Valuable Player. Cowens won NBA championships as a member of the Celtics in 1974 and 1976. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1991. Cowens has held numerous NBA head coaching positions. Most recently, Cowens served as an assistant coach and then as a special assistant to Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars.
- Eddie Jamaal Griffin (May 30, 1982 – August 17, 2007) was an American professional basketball player from Philadelphia. He last played for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves, who waived him on March 13, 2007. Months later, he was killed in a car crash.
- Derrick Martell Rose (born October 4, 1988) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one year of college basketball for the Memphis Tigers before being drafted first overall by his hometown Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft. After being named the NBA Rookie of the Year, Rose, at age 22, became the youngest player to win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2011. He has played for the Bulls, Knicks, Cavaliers, Timberwolves, and Pistons over his 13 year career.
- Gary Dwayne Payton Sr. (born July 23, 1968) is an American retired professional basketball player. He started at the point guard position. He is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics, and holds Seattle franchise records in points, assists, and steals. He also played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Miami Heat. Payton won an NBA championship with the Heat in 2006. He was nicknamed "The Glove" for his defensive abilities. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on September 8, 2013.Payton is widely considered one of the best point guards of all time. He is the only point guard to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. He was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times, an NBA record he shares with Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant. He was also a nine-time NBA All-Star and a nine-time All-NBA Team member. Considered the "NBA's reigning high scorer among point guards" in his prime, Payton is referred to as "probably as complete a guard as there ever was" by Basketball Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich.
- Jordan Robert Farmar (born November 30, 1986) is an American former professional basketball player who last played for the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In high school, he was named the Los Angeles Times High-School Player of the Year in 2003–04. Playing for UCLA in college, he was the Rivals.com National Freshman of the Year in 2004–05. Farmar was selected 26th overall in the first round of the 2006 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. With the Lakers, he won two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
- John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was an American basketball player and head coach at the University of California, Los Angeles. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood," he won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period as head coach at UCLA, including a record seven in a row. No other team has won more than four in a row in Division 1 college men's or women's basketball. Within this period, his teams won an NCAA men's basketball record 88 consecutive games. Wooden won the prestigious Henry Iba Award as national coach of the year a record seven times and won the AP award five times. He also won a Helms national championship (which was decided by a poll) at Purdue as a player 1931–1932. As a 5'10" guard, Wooden was the first player to be named basketball All-American three times, and the 1932 Purdue team on which he played as a senior was retroactively recognized as the pre-NCAA Tournament national champion by the Helms Athletic Foundation and the Premo-Porretta Power Poll. Wooden was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player (1960) and as a coach (1973), the first person ever enshrined in both categories. (Lenny Wilkens, Bill Sharman and Tommy Heinsohn are the only other basketball players who have since achieved the same honors.)One of the most revered coaches in the history of sports, Wooden was beloved by his former players, among them Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and Bill Walton. Wooden was renowned for his short, simple inspirational messages to his players, including his "Pyramid of Success." These often were directed at how to be a success in life as well as in basketball. Wooden's 29-year coaching career and overwhelmingly positive critical acclaim have created a legacy of great interest in not only sports, but in business, personal success, and organizational leadership as well.
- Actor Denny Miller's career began like a Hollywood fairytale. Miller, an athlete, played basketball for the Bruins at UCLA, where his father taught physical education. To pay his way, Miller moved furniture during his senior year. One day, while working a furniture job on Sunset Boulevard, he was spotted by an agent. The agent signed Miller to a contract with MGM, and Miller's first screen test was directed by no less than Hollywood giant George Cukor. Miller's first role was in 1958's "Some Came Running." After that, he was cast as the first blond Tarzan in the low-budget film "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (1959). The movie was cheap to make, as most of its footage was taken from an earlier film. Under his 20-month contract, Miller did guest spots on a variety of television shows produced by MGM, including "Wagon Train" (NBC/ABC 1957-1965), on which he became a series regular. Miller continued his career as a guest actor on successful shows, and made dozens of appearances, including episodes of "M*A*S*H" (CBS 1972-1983), "The Rockford Files" (NBC 1974-1980), "Charlie's Angels" (ABC 1976-1981), "Dallas" (CBS 1978-1991) and "Magnum, P.I." (CBS 1980-88). Despite his ubiquity on series television during this era, perhaps his best known came as The Gorton's Fisherman, appearing for years in commercials for the frozen food manufacturer. Later in his life, Miller wrote an autobiography about his career as a character actor, called Didn't You Used to Be What's His Name?. Denny Miller died September 9, 2014 in his adopted home of Las Vegas.
- Antonio Keithflen McDyess (born September 7, 1974) is an American former professional basketball player. Listed at 6'9" (2.06 m) and 245 lb (111 kg), McDyess played as a power forward.
Dion Dowell
Dion Dowell is an American professional basketball player. A few days before he was released by the Golden State Warriors on October 9, 2008, Dowell played in his first and only National Basketball Association pre-season game for the Warriors. A 6'7" forward, Dowell played college basketball at University of Texas. He then transferred to University of Houston and played there for two seasons. As a Houston Cougar from 2006 to 2008, Dowell played in 61 games and averaged 11.0 points and 6.4 rebounds per game Prior to college, Dowell helped lead his Texas City High School basketball team to the playoffs during his junior and senior seasons. As an active and athletic player with a quick second jump and creativity around the basket, Dowell's playing style has been compared to that of another 6'7" forward, Shawn Marion.- Anthony George Douglas Mason (December 14, 1966 – February 28, 2015) was an American professional basketball player. In his 13-year career he played with the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat of the National Basketball Association. He averaged 10.8 points and 8.3 rebounds in his 13-year NBA career. Mason earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1995 and led the NBA in minutes played in the following two seasons. In 1997, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He was selected to the 2001 NBA All-Star Game. Mason was a member of the 1993-1994 New York Knicks team that reached the NBA Finals. Mason played collegiately for Tennessee State University and also played professionally in Turkey, Venezuela, the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and the United States Basketball League (USBL).
- Clarence "Sonny" Weems (born July 8, 1986) is an American professional basketball player for the Guangdong Southern Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA draft and shortly thereafter traded to the Denver Nuggets. He has since played for the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA, and has had stints in Lithuania and Russia. At 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), Weems plays both the shooting guard and small forward positions. He was an All-EuroLeague First Team selection in 2014.
- Alexander English (born January 5, 1954) is an American retired basketball player. He was most recently an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball at the University of South Carolina. Upon his arrival in Denver in 1980, English commenced an assault on the NBA scoring books. With the erratic, fast-paced, and high-scoring Nuggets, he averaged 21 points through the final 24 games of the 1979-80 season, then proceeded with averages of 24, 25, 28, 26, 28, nearly 30 (in the 1985–86 season), 29, 25, 27, and 18 points per game during his decade-long scoring spree. He also led the Nuggets to nine consecutive playoff appearances, two Midwest Division titles, and the 1985 Western Conference Finals. English set 31 team records throughout his decade in Denver, and was the leading scorer in 55% of the games he played for the Nuggets. In total, English played 15 seasons in the NBA for four teams, averaging 21.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during his NBA career. He was named to eight NBA All-Star teams and made the All-NBA Second Team three times. His number 2 jersey was retired by the Denver Nuggets in 1992 and he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Jared Jordan
Jared Ahern Jordan (born October 14, 1984) is an American professional basketball player for Tigers Tübingen of the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).- Julius Erving, fondly known as Dr. J, is a legend in the world of professional basketball. Born on February 22, 1950, in Roosevelt, New York, Erving's journey to stardom began at the University of Massachusetts where he played two seasons before joining the American Basketball Association (ABA). His performances were extraordinary, leading him to be regarded as one of the most talented players in the league. He was instrumental in the merger of ABA with the National Basketball Association (NBA), a move that significantly transformed the sport. Erving's career took off during his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he demonstrated exceptional skills and dominance on the court. He was known for his scoring prowess, agility, and above-the-rim play, which included his signature dunking style. These characteristics endeared him to fans and made him a household name. His contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including four Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and he was selected to the All-NBA First Team five times. In 1983, he led the 76ers to win the NBA Championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Beyond his remarkable career in basketball, Julius Erving also made significant strides off the court. He has been involved in various philanthropic activities, setting up the Julius Erving Foundation which provides scholarships to underprivileged students. He has also ventured into business, owning a Coca-Cola bottling plant in Philadelphia, and serving on the board of several notable companies. Despite retiring from professional basketball, Erving's influence continues to resonate, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.
- Eddie Charles Jones (born October 20, 1971) is an American retired professional basketball player who played for 5 teams in his 14-year National Basketball Association (NBA) career. Jones played college basketball at Temple University and was the 1993–94 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and led the Owls to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament. The three-time NBA All-Star was selected 10th overall in the 1994 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Jarrett Matthew Jack (born October 28, 1983) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is currently an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He attended four high schools in North Carolina, Maryland and Massachusetts before playing collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, before playing with the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, and New York Knicks.
- Derek Lamar Fisher (born August 9, 1974) is an American basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Fisher played professionally in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 18 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won five NBA championships. He also played for the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Dallas Mavericks. He has also served as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Fisher played college basketball for the Arkansas–Little Rock Trojans, earning the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year in 1996. Selected by the Lakers with the 24th pick in the 1996 NBA draft, he spent his first eight seasons with the franchise, winning three consecutive league championships (2000–2002) with teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal and coach Phil Jackson. After the 2003–04 NBA season, he signed as a free agent with the Golden State Warriors, later being traded to the Utah Jazz, whom he helped lead to the Western Conference finals. Due to his daughter's health, he asked to be released from his contract in 2007. He rejoined the Lakers and won two more NBA titles with Bryant and Jackson. In 2012, he was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he bought out his contract and was waived at his request. He then joined the Oklahoma City Thunder for the remainder of the season, playing for the 2012 NBA championship in his eighth Finals appearance. After signing with the 2012–13 Dallas Mavericks he played only nine games before being injured and asking to be released from his contract. He later rejoined the Oklahoma City Thunder for another late season push. He re-signed with them in the off-season and played in a team-high 81 regular-season games for the team in 2013–14. The following season, he was hired as the head coach of the New York Knicks by Jackson, who had become the team's president. He was fired in 2016, and has since been featured as a broadcast television analyst on Turner Sports' NBA programming. Fisher also joined Spectrum SportsNet for the 2016-17 NBA season to work as an in-studio analyst for the Los Angeles Lakers. On January 19, 2017, Fisher was announced as one of the analysts for Turner Sports' new Players Only programming slate.Fisher is the all-time NBA record holder in playoff games played. While playing for the Lakers, he hit a buzzer beater with 0.4 second left in game 5 of the 2004 Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs, which the NBA lists as the 18th-greatest playoff moment of all time.
- JamesOn Curry (born January 7, 1986) is an American professional basketball player. He played for Oklahoma State University from 2004 to 2007, and after forgoing his senior season, left for the 2007 NBA draft. He was selected in the second round, and 51st overall by the Chicago Bulls. After a stint in the NBA Development League, he was waived by the Bulls, and never played a regular season game for them. In January 2010 he made his NBA debut, playing 3.9 seconds for the Los Angeles Clippers: to this day, his only NBA regular season appearance and holds the record for the shortest NBA career of all time. He has also played professionally in Europe.
- Corey Yasuto Gaines (born June 1, 1965) is an American former professional basketball player and coach of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was also a former head coach of the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).is currently an Assistant Coach for the Washington Wizards
- Andrew Bynum (born October 27, 1987) is an American former professional basketball player. He played the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). After they selected him in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft with the 10th overall pick, the 7-foot-0-inch (2.13 m) center won two NBA championships with the team in 2009 and 2010. He was named an All-Star and selected to the All-NBA team in 2012. Bynum was an All-American player in high school before he decided to forgo college and enter the NBA. He became the youngest player ever to play in an NBA game. After seven seasons with the Lakers, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2012 as part of a four-team deal that sent All-Star center Dwight Howard to Los Angeles. Bynum missed the entire 2012–13 season because of knee problems. He signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he briefly played before being traded to the Chicago Bulls, who subsequently released him. He then signed with the Indiana Pacers for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.
- John Thomas Salley (born May 16, 1964) is an American retired professional basketball player, and talk show host. He was the first player in NBA history to win championships with three franchises, as well as the first player (and only one of two, the other being Tim Duncan) in the NBA to win a championship in three decades. After being drafted in the first round out of Georgia Tech in 1986, the 6'11 (2.11 m) Salley played both power forward and center for the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Panathinaikos and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a long-time host of the former Fox Sports Net show The Best Damn Sports Show Period. He is a vegan activist, chef, and wellness entrepreneur.
Adrian Williams-Strong
Adrian Williams-Strong (born February 15, 1977) is a former American professional women's basketball player who played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born in Fresno, California, Williams attended college at University of Southern California and graduated in 1999. Following her collegiate career, she was selected as the 21st overall pick in the 2000 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury and played in the 2003 WNBA All-Star Game. In July 2004, Williams was dealt to the San Antonio Silver Stars. After spending the 2005 season in Korea, Williams signed with the Minnesota Lynx in 2006. She averaged 4.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 15.2 minutes per game in her return to the WNBA. In February 2007, the Lynx traded Williams to the Sacramento Monarchs in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Then in the winter of 2008 she played in China un til March 2008 where she hurt her left knee and had to have surgery. Coming home,she decided to take a break from the WNBA to let her knees rest. On November 4, 2017, she was inducted into the Clovis Unified School District Hall of Fame.- Alfred "Butch" Beard Jr. (born May 5, 1947) is a former professional basketball player and coach. He was the starting point guard with the 1975 NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Beard played high school basketball at Breckinridge County High School where, as a junior, he led the Bearcats to the 1964 state championship game losing to a Wes Unseld-led Louisville Seneca team. Beard and Unseld would later become roommates at the University of Louisville. In 1965, Beard led the Bearcats back to the title game, winning the state championship. Additionally, he was named the Kentucky Mr. Basketball. Butch Beard played college basketball at the University of Louisville. Beard was selected by the Dallas Chaparrals in the 1969 ABA draft and by the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the 1969 NBA draft. Beard played nine seasons (1969–1970; 1971–1979) with five teams: the Atlanta Hawks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Seattle SuperSonics, the Golden State Warriors, and the New York Knicks. He scored 5,622 career points and represented Cleveland in the 1972 NBA All-Star Game. While with the Warriors he scored the last seven points of the team's 1975 NBA Championship win. Beard retired as an NBA player in 1979, last playing for the New York Knicks. Beard later served as head coach of the New Jersey Nets from 1994 to 1996. He was also color analyst for New York Knicks games on MSG Network during the 1980s. He was the head coach at Morgan State University until he stepped down in March 2006.
- David "Big Daddy D" Lattin (born December 23, 1943) is a former basketball player. He was the starting center for the Texas Western Miners in their NCAA championship year in 1966. During his playing career, he was listed at 6 feet 6 inches tall and 225 lbs. David Lattin was born on December 23, 1943 in Houston Texas. His mother, Elsie Lattin, was widowed when Lattin’s father died in 1949. Lattin attended elementary and secondary schools in Houston before graduating from Evan E. Worthing Senior High School in 1963. Lattin was named All-State and All-American in basketball both his junior and senior years and was the first Texas player to be named to a High School All-American team. Lattin left Tennessee State in 1964 citing the lack of basketball competition. He returned to Houston and played the AAAU before receiving a full scholarship to attend Texas Western College in 1965 where he played with the Miners, a Division 1 team in the NCAA. Under the leadership of Coach Don Haskins, the Miners won the 1966 Division 1 NCAA National Championship with five black starting players. Lattin was named All-American during the 1966 and 1967 seasons. In 1967, Lattin left Texas Western College after he was drafted as the number ten pick by the NBA’s San Francisco Warriors. The Kansas City Chiefs, of the American Football League, used their final pick in the 1967 draft (443rd overall) on Lattin as a prospective wide receiver. He went on to play with the Phoenix Suns, the Pittsburgh Condors, and the Memphis Tams, ending his professional career with the Harlem Globe Trotters from 1973 to 1976. Returning to school, Lattin earned his B.S. degree in business administration and started several successful business ventures including Your Maison Housing. Lattin was inducted into the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. That year, he also wrote Slam Dunk to Glory. Lattin has a son Clifton, a daughter Leslie, and several grandchildren. His Grandson, Khadeem is currently a Senior at the University of Oklahoma. He has started every game of the 2016–2017 basketball season for the Sooners. He was portrayed by Schin A.S. Kerr in the 2006 Disney film Glory Road produced by Jerry Bruckheimer.
- Delonte Maurice West (born July 26, 1983) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks . He also played professionally for the Fujian Xunxing and Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association and the Texas Legends of the NBA G League. Prior to playing professionally, West played college basketball for Saint Joseph's University.
- Darrick David Martin (born March 6, 1971) is an American basketball coach, most recently head coach for the Reno Bighorns of the NBA G League. He played basketball for more than a decade, shuttling between the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he won the 2003 CBA Playoffs MVP, and the NBA. In 2003, he even played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He then went on to play for the Los Angeles Lightning of the Independent Basketball Association (IBL). He was named the head coach of Reno in June 2016.
Jarrid Famous
Jarrid Famous is an American professional basketball player.- Gheorghe Dumitru Mureșan (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈɡe̯orɡe mureˈʃan] (listen); born February 14, 1971), also known as "Ghiță" (Romanian: [ˈɡit͡sə]), is a Romanian retired professional basketball player. At 7 feet 7.5 inches (2.324 m), he is the tallest player ever to have played in the NBA.
- Ikenna Nwankwo (born December 27, 1973) is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player. From Houston, Texas, he played college basketball with the UCLA Bruins, winning a national championship in 1995.
- Jerry Darnell Stackhouse (born November 5, 1974) is an American basketball coach and retired professional basketball player. He is currently the head coach of the Vanderbilt Commodores, and he played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He formerly was the head coach of Raptors 905 and an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors and Memphis Grizzlies. Additionally, he has worked as an NBA TV analyst.
- Edward Charles O'Bannon, Jr. (born August 14, 1972) is an American retired professional basketball player. He was a power forward for the UCLA Bruins on their 1995 NCAA championship team. He was the ninth pick in the 1995 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft, selected by the New Jersey Nets. He spent only two seasons in the NBA, but continued his professional career for another eight years, mainly playing in Europe. O'Bannon is the lead plaintiff in O'Bannon v. NCAA, an antitrust class action lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association which resulted in the discontinuation of NCAA video games.
- Gail Charles Goodrich Jr. (born April 23, 1943) is an American retired professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is best known for scoring a then record 42 points for UCLA in the 1965 NCAA championship game vs. Michigan, and his part in the Los Angeles Lakers' 1971–72 season. During that season the team won a still-record 33 consecutive games, posted what was at the time the best regular season record in NBA history, and also won the franchise's first NBA championship since relocating to Los Angeles. Goodrich was the leading scorer on that team. He is also acclaimed for leading UCLA to its first two national championships under the legendary coach John Wooden, the first in 1963–64 being a perfect 30-0 season when he played with teammate Walt Hazzard. In 1996, 17 years after his retirement from professional basketball, Goodrich was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Jamaal Abdul-Lateef (born Jackson Keith Wilkes; May 2, 1953), better known as Jamaal Wilkes, nicknamed "Silk", is an American retired basketball player who played the small forward position and won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a three-time NBA All-Star and the 1975 NBA Rookie of the Year. In college, Wilkes was a key player on two NCAA championship teams under coach John Wooden for the UCLA Bruins. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and his jersey No. 52 was retired by both the Lakers and the Bruins. Wilkes converted to Islam and legally changed his name to Jamaal Abdul-Lateef in 1975, but he continued to use his birth surname only for purposes of public recognition.
- Arron Agustin Afflalo (born October 15, 1985) is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for UCLA. As a junior, he was named a consensus All-American and was voted the player of the year in the Pac-12 Conference. After forgoing his senior year in college, Afflalo was selected in the first round of the 2007 NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons with the 27th overall pick.
- Cuttino Rashawn Mobley (born September 1, 1975) is an American retired professional basketball player who played from 1998 to 2008 in the NBA.
- Andre Lloyd Miller (born March 19, 1976) is a American retired professional basketball player. Miller has played professional basketball for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs. Currently, he ranks eleventh all-time in NBA career assists and only missed three games to injury in his 17-year career. He's the only player in NBA history to have at least 16,000 career points, 8,000 assists and 1,500 steals without making an NBA All-Star Game.
- Derrick D. Coleman (born June 21, 1967) is an American retired basketball player. Coleman was born in Mobile, Alabama, but grew up and attended high school in Detroit, and attended college at Syracuse University. He was selected first overall in the 1990 NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. Throughout his career, the left-handed Coleman was an effective low post scorer, averaging 16.5 points and 9.3 rebounds. He enjoyed his best years as a member of the New Jersey Nets, where he averaged 19.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. When Coleman entered the NBA, he was compared to elite power forwards such as Karl Malone and Charles Barkley, and expected to put up similar numbers, only with the added ability to shoot from three-point range. Instead, his career was overshadowed by numerous injuries. Sports Illustrated once remarked that "Coleman could have been the best power forward ever; instead he played just well enough to ensure his next paycheck."His Syracuse jersey number, 44, was retired on March 5, 2006. As of 2007, he was working as a developer and entrepreneur in Detroit. He has also appeared as an occasional studio analyst for NBA TV's "NBA Gametime Live" coverage.
- Duane Martin (born August 11, 1965 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American film and television actor.
- James Patrick Johnson (born February 20, 1987) is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was the starting power forward for the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest University from 2007 to 2009. He was drafted 16th overall in the 2009 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.
- Lorinza "Junior" Harrington Jr. (born October 2, 1980) is an American former professional basketball player.
- Anthony Jordan Price (born October 7, 1986) is an American former professional basketball player who last played for the Shandong Golden Stars of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He was born in Orange, New Jersey and raised in East Massapequa, New York. He is the son of former NBA player Tony Price.
- Jelani Marwan McCoy (born December 6, 1977) is an American former professional basketball player. A 6'10" power forward/center, he played in the NBA from 1998-2007 for the Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Denver Nuggets. He attended college at UCLA and high school at St. Augustine High School in San Diego, California.
- Jamal Mashburn (born November 29, 1972) is a retired American professional basketball player. Nicknamed the "Monster Mash," Mashburn was a prolific scorer as a small forward in his 12 seasons in the league, with a career scoring average of 19.1 points per game.
- Daniel Paul Issel (born October 25, 1948) is an American retired Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame professional basketball player and coach. An outstanding collegian at the University of Kentucky, he was twice named an All-American en route to a still school record 25.7 points per game. The American Basketball Association Rookie of the Year in 1971, he was a six-time ABA All-Star and one-time NBA All-Star. A prolific scorer, Issel remains the all-time leading scorer at the University of Kentucky and second all-time for the NBA's Denver Nuggets and the American Basketball Association itself. Upon his retirement from the NBA in 1985, only Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Julius Erving had scored more professional points.
- Darrell Wilbert Allums, Jr. (born September 12, 1958) is an American retired basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) during the 1980–81 season with the Dallas Mavericks.
- JaVale Lindy McGee (born January 19, 1988) is an American professional basketball player for Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2008 NBA draft. He is a two-time NBA champion, having won consecutive titles with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018 before signing with the Lakers.
- Darren Michael Collison (born August 23, 1987) is an American former professional basketball player. He played 10 seasons with five teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He earned NBA All-Rookie Team honors in his first season in the NBA with the New Orleans Hornets. Collison played four seasons of college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. He earned All-Pac-10 conference honors three times, and won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award his senior year as the top college player standing 6 feet (1.8 m) or under. He was drafted by the Hornets in the first round with the 21st overall pick of the 2009 NBA draft. Collison also played for the Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.
- Glen Anthony Rice, Sr. (born May 28, 1967) is an American retired professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). A 6'8" guard/forward, Rice was a three-time NBA All-Star, and made 1,559 three-point field goals during his 15-year career. Rice won both an NCAA championship and NBA championship during his collegiate and professional career. In recent years, Rice has taken up MMA fight promotion as owner of G-Force Fights based in Miami, Florida.
Dijon Thompson
Dijon Lynn Thompson (born March 23, 1983) is an American professional basketball player for Ferro Carril Oeste of the Liga Nacional de Básquet. While he played mainly at the shooting guard position in his early career, he also played as a small forward during his European years.- Jerry Ray Lucas (born March 30, 1940) is an American former basketball player. He was a nationally awarded high school player, national college star at Ohio State, and 1960 gold medal Olympian and international player before later starring as a professional player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). As a collegian, Lucas led the Ohio State Buckeyes to the 1960 college national championship and three straight NCAA finals. He remains today the only three-time Big Ten Player of the Year, and was also twice named NCAA Player of the Year. As a professional, Lucas was named All-NBA First Team three times, an NBA All-Star seven times, was 1964 NBA Rookie of the Year, and was named Most Valuable Player of the 1965 NBA All-Star Game among other honors and awards. He was inducted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980.
- Cedric Rudolph Bozeman (born March 7, 1983) is an American professional basketball player for Link Tochigi Brex of the B.League.
- Donald Argee Barksdale (March 31, 1923 – March 8, 1993) was an American professional basketball player. He was a pioneer as an African-American basketball player, becoming the first to be named NCAA All-American, the first to play on a United States men's Olympic basketball team, and the first to play in a National Basketball Association All-Star Game. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Donald James MacLean (born January 16, 1970) is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA. As a college player, he is the all-time scoring leader of both the Pac-12 Conference and UCLA. In 1994, MacLean won the NBA Most Improved Player Award as a member of the Washington Bullets (known now as the Washington Wizards). He currently works as a basketball color analyst.
- Jamaal Dane Magloire (born May 21, 1978) is a Canadian retired professional basketball player and is currently serves as an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors. He played 12 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. The 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m), 265 lb (120 kg; 18.9 st) center was selected out of the University of Kentucky by the Charlotte Hornets, with the 19th overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft, after withdrawing his name from the previous draft. He was voted into the NBA All-Star Game in 2004, becoming only the second Canadian All-Star in NBA history. Currently, Magloire is employed by the Toronto Raptors in a position that combines Basketball Development Consultant and Community Ambassador. He was a Raptors assistant coach from 2013 to 2016.
- Eric Snow (born April 5, 1973) is an American retired professional basketball player. Snow played the point guard position in the NBA from 1995 to 2008 and appeared in three NBA Finals. Known for his defense, Snow was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2003. Following his playing career, Snow served as an assistant coach at Florida Atlantic for two years (2014-2016) after having worked two seasons at SMU (2012–14) as Director of Player Development under Larry Brown, his former coach.