University Of Kansas Basketball Players In The Nba
The University of Kansas has a rich history in producing NBA players. With the success of the Kansas Jayhawks basketball program, many players have been able to make the transition to the professional level. In this article, we will take a closer look at the University of Kansas basketball players who have made it to the NBA, their achievements, and their impact on the league.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is not only one of the greatest basketball players to come out of the University of Kansas, but he is also one of the greatest players of all time. During his time at Kansas, Chamberlain was a two-time All-American and led the Jayhawks to the NCAA Championship game in 1957. He then went on to have a dominant NBA career. Chamberlain won two NBA championships, four MVP awards, and is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a single game. He was also such a dominant force that the NBA had to change some of its rules in order to limit his impact on the game.
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce is another Kansas Jayhawk who went on to have an incredible NBA career. During his time at Kansas, Pierce was a consensus All-American and led the Jayhawks to the Final Four in 1997. He was then drafted by the Boston Celtics and went on to spend 15 seasons with the team. Pierce won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008, was a 10-time All-Star, and ranks in the top 20 on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He is also known for his clutch performances, earning him the nickname "The Truth".
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is one of the newer additions to the University of Kansas' NBA fraternity. During his lone season at Kansas, Embiid was a dominant force and was a consensus All-American. He was then drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers and has become one of the best players in the league. Embiid has been named an All-Star three times, is a two-time All-NBA selection, and has led the 76ers to multiple playoff appearances. He is also known for his entertaining personality and social media presence.
Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins is another recent addition to the University of Kansas' NBA family. During his lone season at Kansas, Wiggins was a consensus All-American and won the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. He was then drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves before ever playing a game for the Cavs. Wiggins has had a solid NBA career so far, winning Rookie of the Year in 2015 and averaging over 20 points per game in the 2016-2017 season.
Conclusion
The University of Kansas has a rich history in producing NBA players, and the players mentioned in this article are just a few of the many who have made the transition to the professional level. They have had a significant impact on the league and have brought pride and recognition to the University of Kansas. With the continued success of the Jayhawks basketball program, there is no doubt that more Kansas players will find their way to the NBA in the future.