What NBA Player Went to Providence?
Providence, Rhode Island, may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to basketball, but it actually has a long history in the sport. The city is home to the Providence College Friars, one of the top college basketball teams in the country, and has produced some of the best players in NBA history. From Hall of Famers to All-Stars, many of the game’s greats have come from Providence, and here are 10 of the best.
Billy Donovan
Billy Donovan is one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, and he got his start at Providence. After leading the Friars to the 1987 Final Four, Donovan was hired by Marshall University and later Florida, where he won two national titles. He currently coaches the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.
Austin Croshere
Austin Croshere was a standout at Providence and was selected 12th overall in the 1997 NBA draft. He would go on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Indiana Pacers. Croshere was a key member of the Pacers team that made it to the 2000 NBA Finals.
God Shammgod
God Shammgod was a star at Providence and was drafted in the second round of the 1997 NBA draft. He only played two seasons in the NBA, but he left a lasting impression on the game. He is credited with inventing the crossover dribble, which is still used by players today.
Cuttino Mobley
Cuttino Mobley was a star at Providence and was selected 41st overall in the 1998 NBA draft. He would go on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, most notably with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Clippers. He averaged double-digit scoring in each of his NBA seasons and was known for his three-point shooting.
Dana Barros
Dana Barros was a standout at Providence and was selected 16th overall in the 1989 NBA draft. He had a successful 13-year career in the NBA and was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers team that made it to the 2001 NBA Finals.
Eric Murdock
Eric Murdock was a star at Providence and was drafted in the first round of the 1991 NBA draft. He had a successful nine-year career in the NBA and is still remembered for his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he was a member of the team that made it to the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals.
Vin Baker
Vin Baker was a standout at Providence and was selected 8th overall in the 1993 NBA draft. He had a successful 13-year career in the NBA and was a four-time All-Star. He is still remembered for his time with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he was a member of the team that made it to the 1996 NBA Finals.
Ryan Gomes
Ryan Gomes was a standout at Providence and was selected 50th overall in the 2005 NBA draft. He had a successful nine-year career in the NBA and is still remembered for his time with the Boston Celtics, where he was a member of the team that made it to the 2008 NBA Finals.
Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn was a star at Providence and was selected 5th overall in the 2016 NBA draft. He is currently playing for the Chicago Bulls and is one of the top point guards in the league.
Jimmy Walker
Jimmy Walker was a star at Providence and was selected first overall in the 1967 NBA draft. He had a successful 11-year career in the NBA, most notably with the Detroit Pistons, and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
Providence has been a hotbed of basketball talent over the years, and many of the game’s greats have come from the city. From Hall of Famers like Jimmy Walker to All-Stars like Vin Baker and Cuttino Mobley, there have been many great NBA players that have come out of Providence. The city has a proud basketball tradition and will continue to produce top-notch players in the years to come.