Introduction to NC State University Basketball
NC State University is a public college in Raleigh, North Carolina that is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). It is the largest university in the state and the third largest campus in the ACC. The Wolfpack basketball program has a long and storied history, one that has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. With a passionate fan base and a competitive atmosphere, NC State has become a destination for some of the best players in the country.
NC State Basketball History
NC State basketball has a long and storied history, one that started in 1911 and has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The Wolfpack has won four National Championships, including the 1983 National Championship where they defeated the heavily favored Houston Cougars in the iconic “Miracle of Raleigh” game.
NC State has also been the launching pad for some of the greatest players in NBA history. Players like David Thompson, Tom Gugliotta, and Nate McMillan have all gone on to have successful careers in the NBA.
How Many NBA Players Have Gone to NC State?
NC State has been a popular destination for some of the best basketball players in the country. Over the years, the school has produced a number of NBA players, including some of the greatest of all time. In total, there have been 38 NC State basketball players who have gone on to play in the NBA.
Notable Players from NC State
Below is a list of some of the most notable players from NC State who have gone on to play in the NBA:
- David Thompson: Thompson was one of the best players in college basketball history, winning the National Player of the Year award in 1975 and 1976. He was selected first overall in the 1975 NBA Draft and went on to be a four-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
- Tom Gugliotta: Gugliotta was a two-time All-ACC selection and won the ACC Player of the Year award in 1992. He was selected sixth overall in the 1992 NBA Draft and went on to be a six-time NBA All-Star.
- Nate McMillan: McMillan was a three-time All-ACC selection and was chosen with the 30th overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. He went on to have a long and successful career in the NBA, playing for the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers, and Indiana Pacers.
- Chris Corchiani: Corchiani was a two-time All-ACC selection and was selected with the 47th overall pick in the 1991 NBA Draft. He played in the NBA for three seasons and was a key contributor off the bench in the 1992-93 season when the Charlotte Hornets made the playoffs.
- J.J. Hickson: Hickson was selected 19th overall in the 2008 NBA Draft and has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards. He was an All-ACC selection in 2008 and was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2007.
- T.J. Warren: Warren was the ACC Player of the Year in 2014 and was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He is a two-time All-Star and is currently playing for the Indiana Pacers.
NC State’s NBA Legacy
NC State has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, from David Thompson to J.J. Hickson. The Wolfpack has also been a launching pad for some of the most successful coaches in the NBA, including Larry Brown and Eddie Jordan. NC State has a long and storied history of producing NBA talent, and the school will continue to be a destination for some of the best basketball players in the country.
NC State’s Impact on the NBA
NC State has had a profound impact on the NBA. The school has produced a number of NBA All-Stars and Hall of Famers, and the Wolfpack has also been the launching pad for some of the most successful coaches in the NBA. NC State has been a major contributor to the NBA, and its legacy will continue to be felt in the league for years to come.
Concluding Thoughts
NC State has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, and the Wolfpack has also been a launching pad for some of the most successful coaches in the NBA. In total, there have been 38 NC State basketball players who have gone on to play in the NBA over the years. NC State has had a profound impact on the NBA, and its legacy will continue to be felt in the league for years to come.
References
Baxter, M. (2019, January 11). NC State Basketball: Top 10 players in Wolfpack history. Retrieved from si.com/college/ncstate/basketball/top-10-players-in-nc-state-basketball-history
NC State Athletics. (n.d.). NC State Basketball History. Retrieved from gopack.com/sports/mens-basketball/history
NC State Athletics. (n.d.). Wolfpack in the NBA. Retrieved from gopack.com/sports/mens-basketball/records/wolfpack-in-the-nba