Introduction to Wichita State Players in NBA
The Wichita State Shockers are one of the most successful basketball programs in the country. The Shockers have made numerous trips to the NCAA tournament, and have produced some of the most talented players to ever play in the NBA. This article will explore how many Wichita State players are currently in the NBA, as well as the notable Shockers who have gone on to play in the league.
Wichita State Players in the NBA
Currently, there are five Wichita State players in the NBA. These players are:
- Fred VanVleet – Fred VanVleet was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2016, and has since become the starting point guard for the team. He is a two-time NBA champion, and has been named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2020.
- Ron Baker – Ron Baker was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2016, and has since played for the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns. He is currently a free agent.
- Cleanthony Early – Cleanthony Early was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2014, and has since played for the Knicks, the Houston Rockets, and the Sacramento Kings.
- Conner Frankamp – Conner Frankamp was signed by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2018, and has since played for the Bucks and the Sacramento Kings. He is currently a free agent.
- Rashard Kelly – Rashard Kelly was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, and has since played for the Lakers, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Phoenix Suns. He is currently a free agent.
Notable Wichita State Players in the NBA
In addition to the current Shockers in the NBA, there are a number of former Wichita State players who have gone on to have successful careers in the league. Some of the most notable players include:
Antoine Carr
Antoine Carr was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 1984, and went on to have a successful career with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Utah Jazz, and the Phoenix Suns. He was a three-time All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 1993.
Xavier McDaniel
Xavier McDaniel was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1985, and went on to have a successful career with the Sonics, the Phoenix Suns, the New York Knicks, and the Boston Celtics. He was a two-time All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA Third Team in 1988.
Cliff Levingston
Cliff Levingston was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1982, and went on to have a successful career with the Bulls, the Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Detroit Pistons. He was a two-time NBA champion, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1983.
Joe Kleine
Joe Kleine was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1985, and went on to have a successful career with the Bulls, the Phoenix Suns, the Sacramento Kings, and the Dallas Mavericks. He was a two-time NBA champion, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1986.
Randy Burns
Randy Burns was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1985, and went on to have a successful career with the Bulls, the Denver Nuggets, and the Sacramento Kings. He was a two-time NBA champion, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1986.
Gabe Pruitt
Gabe Pruitt was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2007, and went on to have a successful career with the Celtics, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was a key member of the Celtics championship team in 2008.
Ralph Sampson
Ralph Sampson was drafted by the Houston Rockets in 1983, and went on to have a successful career with the Rockets, the Golden State Warriors, the Sacramento Kings, and the Washington Bullets. He was a four-time All-Star, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1984.
Conclusion
Wichita State has a long and successful history of producing some of the best basketball players in the country. Currently, there are five Wichita State players in the NBA, and numerous former Shockers who have gone on to have successful careers in the league.
This article explored how many Wichita State players are currently in the NBA, as well as the notable Shockers who have gone on to play in the league. From Antoine Carr to Ralph Sampson, Wichita State has a proud history of producing some of the best players in the NBA.