From NCAA Glory to NBA Stardom: The Biggest Success Stories

It is the dream of every college basketball player to evolve their skills and become an NBA star. Earning NCAA Glory and then reaching NBA stardom.

Here are five of the biggest success stories of players who reached NCAA Glory and NBA stardom.

Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan is arguably the greatest power forward to ever play the game. From the moment he stepped on the court at Wake Forest, Duncan’s natural talent could not be denied.

The Big Fundamental’s game wasn’t flashy, but his fundamentals were perfect and he could not be stopped. After earning NCAA POTY honors in 1997, Duncan joined San Antonio and quickly became one of the league’s top players, upsetting the sports betting odds multiple times.

In his impeccable 19-year career, Tim won five NBA titles and three MVP honors.

Larry Bird

Larry Bird is one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. In college, Bird’s talent was undeniable as he led Indiana State to the program’s most successful era.

After winning POTY honors in 1979, Bird was drafted by Boston and helped bring the game’s popularity to new heights. His rivalry with Magic Johnson had the world buzzing as Larry won the NBA titles and three MVP honors.

In the eyes of many, Larry Legend is considered one of the GOATs.

Magic Johnson

Originally Ervin “Magic” Johnson wanted to jump to the NBA from high school. Thankfully, his parents made Magic go to college and he spent a year at Michigan State University.

In his two years of college ball, Johnson showed that he was the future of the sport. After winning the national title in 1979 and MVP honors, Magic was drafted #1 by the LA Lakers.

Johnson helped the Lakers enter the “Showtime era” which is considered one of the greatest runs in the franchise’s history. Magic won five championships and changed the game with his innovative style. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

No list of the greatest success stories in basketball history would be complete without Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Kareem was part of arguably the greatest college basketball team ever assembled at UCLA under the great John Wooden.

Abdul-Jabbar led UCLA to three national titles, three MVP honors, and an unbelievable 88-game winning streak. In the pros, Kareem became an icon as he won six titles and six MVP honors.

Michael Jordan

It goes without saying who would be #1 on the list of biggest success stories from the NCAA to NBA. In the eyes of many, Michael Jordan is the greatest player to ever live.

His stats in both college and the NBA back up his claim as the GOAT. As a freshman, Jordan put the world on notice as he hit the game-winning shot for UNC to win the national title.

MJ only got better as he got to the pros and evolved into the GOAT. After battling great teams like Boston and Detroit, Jordan got the Bulls to their first championship in 1991.

Five championships and three more MVP honors later, Michael cemented his legacy as the greatest.