The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. It features some of the best basketball players from around the globe. Many of these players have come from the collegiate ranks, often from top schools such as Duke, Kentucky, and Syracuse. One college basketball powerhouse that has produced a number of successful NBA players is Kansas State University. In this article, we will explore what NBA players went to Kansas State.
Kansas State Basketball History
Kansas State has a long and storied basketball history. Founded in 1895, the Wildcats have won five NCAA Division I Championships and 13 regular season conference championships. Additionally, the school has made 18 NCAA tournament appearances and 29 total post-season appearances. Kansas State has produced many great players over the years, including NBA stars such as Michael Beasley, Jacob Pullen, and Rodney McGruder.
Notable NBA Players From Kansas State
Michael Beasley
Michael Beasley is one of the most successful players to ever come out of Kansas State. He played two seasons for the Wildcats and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2008. Beasley was then selected with the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. He went on to have an impressive NBA career, playing for six different teams over 11 seasons, averaging 13.2 points per game.
Jacob Pullen
Jacob Pullen is another successful NBA player who went to Kansas State. He played four seasons for the Wildcats, leading them to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Pullen was then selected with the 59th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. He went on to play for the Mavericks, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 4.3 points per game over three seasons.
Rodney McGruder
Rodney McGruder is another successful NBA player who went to Kansas State. He played four seasons for the Wildcats, leading them to the Elite 8 in 2010. McGruder was then undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft, but he eventually earned a spot on the Miami Heat’s roster after a strong showing in the NBA Summer League. He went on to have a successful career with the Heat, averaging 8.3 points per game over five seasons.
Other Notable Kansas State Alumni
In addition to the three players mentioned above, there have been many other successful NBA players to come out of Kansas State. Here is a list of some of the other notable alumni:
- Steve Henson – Henson played three seasons for the Wildcats and was selected with the 45th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He went on to play for the Hawks, the Denver Nuggets, and the Seattle SuperSonics, averaging 7.2 points per game over nine seasons.
- Shane Southwell – Southwell played four seasons for the Wildcats and was selected with the 56th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks. He went on to play for the Hawks, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 2.2 points per game over four seasons.
- Mike Evans – Evans played four seasons for the Wildcats and was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. He went on to play for the Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, and the Orlando Magic, averaging 8.7 points per game over 10 seasons.
- Cartier Martin – Martin played three seasons for the Wildcats and was selected with the 56th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. He went on to play for the Wizards, the Golden State Warriors, and the Chicago Bulls, averaging 5.3 points per game over nine seasons.
- Carl Henry – Henry played three seasons for the Wildcats and was selected with the 25th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He went on to play for the Rockets, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Phoenix Suns, averaging 4.4 points per game over six seasons.
Notable Kansas State Coaches
Kansas State has had several successful basketball coaches over the years. The most notable of these include Jack Hartman, Lon Kruger, and Bruce Weber. Hartman led the Wildcats to four NCAA Tournament appearances and one Final Four, while Kruger and Weber both led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Conclusion
Kansas State has produced many great players over the years, including NBA stars such as Michael Beasley, Jacob Pullen, and Rodney McGruder. The school has also had some successful basketball coaches, including Jack Hartman, Lon Kruger, and Bruce Weber. Kansas State is a basketball powerhouse, and it is no surprise that many of its players have gone on to have successful NBA careers.