Best Foreign College Basketball Players Ever
College basketball isn’t just a proving ground for young American players. Many foreign players earned their opportunities and became stars.
You may see many stories written by players themselves or ghostwriter masterarbeit how difficult and challenging the basketball career path could be. However, we aren’t going to dive into that and just look at famous foreign college students at basketball. Here is the list of the best ones.
Andrew Wiggins(Canada): Kansas University
Andrew Wiggins is considered one of the best foreign college basketball players to play in the modern era. The Canadian forward/shooting guard was a star at the University of Kansas.
During his year in college, Wiggins averaged 17 ppg and earned the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award. Andrew’s outstanding play led him to draft d first overall in 2014 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Wiggins is currently in his 10th NBA season and has won a championship with Golden State, while averaging 16 ppg.
Steve Nash(Canada): Santa Clara University
Another one of the best foreign college basketball players who must be mentioned is Steve Nash. Nash is not only one of the greatest point guards ever, but laid the path for Canadian players.
The Canadian legend got people talking during his time at Santa Clara University. He helped the school return to prominence in college basketball and a tournament berth in 1995.
After leading his team to an upset win over #7 Maryland in the tourney, Nash was drafted by Phoenix Suns. He evolved into an all-time great player and won back-to-back MVP honors in 2005 and 2006.
Tim Duncan(Virgin Islands): Wake Forest
Tim Duncan is easily one of the best foreign college basketball players of all time and a GOAT of the sport. Originally, Duncan wanted to be a swimmer, but switched to basketball after a hurricane destroyed his island’s only Olympic-sized pool.
After excelling at basketball, Tim got a scholarship offer from Wake Forest and became a legend at the school. Duncan averaged a double-double throughout his college career and won both the Naismith and Wooden Awards.
As he turned pro, Duncan became an all-time great. He won multiple NBA titles and MVP honors while playing his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs.
Dikembe Mutombo(Congo)- Georgetown University
A legend that can’t be forgotten on the list of the best foreign college basketball players ever is Dikembe Mutombo. The Congolese legend got his opportunity in the late 1980s to play for the legend John Thompson at Georgetown.
Mutombo immediately showed that he was a defensive specialist and swatted any shot that came near him. Dikembe became a 2x Big East Defensive POTY winner before having an illustrious NBA career.
His finger wage after a block became iconic and he’s still remembered as a legend today.
Hakeem Olajuwon(Nigeria)- University of Houston
Unquestionably, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon belongs on the top of the best foreign college basketball players list. Hakeem set the standard and opened the door for future foreign players with his incredible play.
He was part of the legendary Phi Slamma Jamma squad at Houston during a golden age of college basketball. The Dream led the school to multiple Final Four appearances and the tournament’s most outstanding player award.
Olajuwon was able to stay in Houston as the Rockets drafted him #1 overall in the 1984 NBA draft. The Nigerian star became one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
