What is Georgia State University?
Georgia State University is an American public research university in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1913, it is one of the University System of Georgia’s four research universities. Georgia State is the largest university in the state, with a student population of over 51,000 students and more than 250 degree programs.
Notable Alumni of Georgia State University
Georgia State is home to some of the most notable alumni in the country, such as:
- Former President Jimmy Carter
- Actor Samuel L. Jackson
- Athlete and broadcaster Herschel Walker
- Author and civil rights activist Alice Walker
- Rapper and actor Ludacris
- Actor and producer Tyler Perry
- Businessman and philanthropist Ted Turner
Georgia State University and the NBA
Georgia State University has a strong history of producing NBA players, and many of the school’s alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the league. Here are some of the most notable former Georgia State University players in the NBA:
R.J. Hunter
R.J. Hunter was the first Georgia State player to be drafted into the NBA. He was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 28th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Hunter played three seasons in the NBA, splitting time between the Celtics and the Houston Rockets.
Jamaal Wilkes
Jamaal Wilkes was a two-time NBA All-Star who played for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Los Angeles Clippers. Wilkes was drafted by the Warriors with the 11th pick in the 1974 NBA Draft. He went on to win four NBA championships, three with the Lakers and one with the Warriors.
Joe Johnson
Joe Johnson is one of the most successful and accomplished Georgia State players to make it to the NBA. Johnson was the 10th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft and was named to the All-Star team seven times in his career. He also won a championship with the Miami Heat in 2020.
Jarrett Jack
Jarrett Jack is a former NBA All-Star who played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, New Orleans Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Jack was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 22nd pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.
Shawn Marion
Shawn Marion is a four-time NBA All-Star who played for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Marion was drafted by the Suns with the 9th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. He was an integral part of the Suns’ run to the Western Conference Finals in 2005.
Zaza Pachulia
Zaza Pachulia is a former NBA champion who played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and Detroit Pistons. Pachulia was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 42nd pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2017.
Manny Harris
Manny Harris is a former NBA player who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. Harris was drafted by the Cavaliers with the 54th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. He was a member of the Miami Heat team that reached the NBA Finals in 2014.
Efthimi Rentzias
Efthimi Rentzias is a former NBA player who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, and Toronto Raptors. Rentzias was selected by the 76ers with the 15th pick in the 1997 NBA Draft. He played two seasons in the NBA and was a member of the Raptors’ 2000 playoff team.
Jared Cunningham
Jared Cunningham is a former NBA player who played for the Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. Cunningham was drafted by the Mavs with the 24th pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He played two seasons in the NBA and is currently playing in China.
James Vincent
James Vincent is a former NBA player who played for the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks. Vincent was selected by the Nets with the 44th pick in the 1989 NBA Draft. He played three seasons in the NBA and was a member of the Hawks’ 1993 playoff team.
Conclusion
Georgia State University has a long history of producing talented NBA players. From R.J. Hunter to James Vincent, the school has seen many of its alumni make it to the highest level of basketball. These players have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA, winning championships and earning All-Star nominations. Georgia State’s legacy of producing NBA talent is sure to continue in the future.