
For many aspiring basketball stars, the college court is where the dream of making it to the NBA takes shape. Here, they sharpen their skills, face tough competition, and begin to pave their way to professional basketball. Some colleges have become well-known for being exceptional at this, turning out many players who go on to play in the NBA. Below are 15 colleges with the highest number of NBA players.
University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky stands out in the lead, boasting an impressive 132 NBA players. Under coach John Calipari’s tenure since 2009, the program has seen 28 players drafted into the NBA, including a record-setting six players in the NBA draft in 2012, with 8 NCAA championships.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA closely follows with 104 NBA players, 16 actively playing. The Bruins’ legendary coach, John Wooden, led the team to 10 NCAA championships in 12 years from 1964 to 1975, contributing to their record-holding 11 total championships. NBA greats such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Russell Westbrook all turned pros on UCLA’s court.
University of North Carolina (UNC)

Players from UNC have scored more points in NBA history than any other college. The Tar Heels have sent 102 players to the NBA, including perhaps the greatest player of all time, Michael Jordan. Other notable UNC products include Vince Carter and Jerry Stackhouse.
Duke University

Under the mentorship of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke has had at least one player selected in 32 of the last 34 NBA drafts. The Blue Devils’ alum list features names like Grant Hill, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and Brandon Ingram. Duke has seen an average of 100 NBA players and has 5 NCAA championships.
University of Kansas

Kansas has the record for most consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, 31, from 1990 to 2020. The University of Kansas’ Jayhawks have sent 85 players to the NBA, including basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain and modern stars like Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins. The program has won three NCAA championships.
University of Arizona

Arizona has produced 66 NBA players, an impressive feat considering it has only one NCAA championship. The Wildcats have been particularly prolific since 1988, producing 23 first-round draft picks. Notable alums include Steve Kerr and Gilbert Arenas. The college’s consistent ability to develop NBA-ready talent has made it a destination for top high school prospects.
Michigan State University

The Spartans have sent 67 players to the NBA, including Chris Webber. Under coach Tom Izzo’s leadership since 1995, Michigan State has made 8 Final Four appearances, earning its status as a perennial contender. With 2 NCAA championships, the college has a history of success at collegiate and professional levels.
Indiana University

NBA stars like Isiah Thomas, Victor Oladipo, and Eric Gordon wore the cream and crimson before their careers. The Indiana University has 70 NBA players and 5 NCAA championships. The Hoosiers’ 1975-76 team remains the last NCAA Division I men’s basketball team to go undefeated for an entire season.
University of Connecticut (UConn)

The Huskies are the only school to win multiple national championships in men’s and women’s basketball. They have six NCAA men’s championships, with an average of 43 players sent to the NBA. Ray Allen and Rudy Gay are among the standout NBA players who called UConn their alma mater.
Syracuse University

Syracuse University is recognized for its trademark 2-3 zone defense, perfected under long-time coach Jim Boeheim. The Orange has nurtured 56 NBA players, won one NCAA championship, and sent stars like Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Coleman, and Dave Bing to stardom.
University of Maryland

Notable alums of the University of Maryland include Len Bias, Steve Francis, and Joe Smith. This program has consistently trained NBA talent despite having fewer championships than some of its peers, with 71 players in the NBA. Maryland’s lone NCAA championship came in 2002, led by Juan Dixon.
University of Louisville

Louisville is one of only two schools to win national championships under three coaches. The Cardinals have ushered 64 players to the NBA. They have two NCAA titles and NBA stars like Wes Unseld, Donovan Mitchell, and Terry Rozier, who all played for Louisville before turning pro.
Ohio State University

They have produced 54 NBA players, including notable names such as Mike Conley and D’Angelo Russell. With a rich history in basketball, they contribute significantly to the NBA landscape, achieving one NCAA championship and continuing to develop talent that impacts professional basketball.
St. John’s University

St. John’s University has been a notable contributor to the NBA, with 49 players, several of whom have made their mark in the league. The institution has produced several prominent alumni who have excelled in professional basketball, including Chris Mullin, Mark Jackson, and Zendon Hamilton.
University of Florida

The Gators achieved an impressive feat by securing national championships in 2006 and 2007 with the same starting lineup. NBA stars Bradley Beal, Al Horford, and Joakim Noah played for Florida before their successful professional careers. Florida rounds out the list with 33 NBA players.