NBA Players Who Went to UCONN? Did UCONN Win the 2023 National Championship?
by Kowsalya
Updated Jul 07, 2023
NBA Players Who Went to UCONN?
The University of Connecticut (UCONN) has a rich tradition of producing exceptional basketball talent, with a notable presence in the NBA. Since the NBA's inception, UCONN has contributed 40 players who have successfully made it to the professional league.
Among the renowned NBA stars to emerge from UCONN are Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, Andre Drummond, Rudy Gay, and Caron Butler. However, the list of UCONN alums who have graced NBA courts extends beyond these notable names.
Here are all 40 players to have suited up for the UCONN Huskies.
Jeff Adrien
Wes Bialosuknia
Scott Burrell
Khalid El-Amin
Ben Gordon
Travis Knight
Donyell Marshall
Kevin Ollie
Clifford Robinson
Charlie Villanueva
Chuck Aleksinas
Josh Boone
Caron Butler
Jimmy Foster
Daniel Hamilton
Bruce Kuczenski
Tyrese Martin
Worthy Patterson
Chris Smith
Jake Voskuhl
Ray Allen
James Bouknight
Andre Drummond
Rudy Gay
Richard Hamilton
Jeremy Lamb
Shabazz Napier
A.J. Price
Hasheem Thabeet
Kemba Walker
Hilton Armstrong
Amida Brimah
Jerome Dyson
Tate George
Toby Kimball
Donny Marshall
Emeka Okafor
Rodney Purvis
Corny Thompson
Marcus Williams
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Players Name
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20
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40
With the recent conclusion of the 2023 NBA Draft, the number of UCONN products entering the NBA is set to increase. Jordan Hawkins, selected 14th by the New Orleans Pelicans, and Andre Jackson Jr, chosen 36th by the Orlando Magic, will join the ranks of UCONN representatives in the NBA next season.
With these additions, UCONN's tally of NBA players will rise to 42, further solidifying its reputation as one of the most esteemed collegiate programs in the country for developing top-tier basketball talent. As the new season commences in October, UCONN's legacy of producing elite players will continue to shine.
Did UCONN Win the 2023 National Championship?
In the 2023 college basketball season, the UCONN Huskies secured their fifth national championship by defeating the San Diego State Aztecs with a score of 76-59. Interestingly, their victory broke the notorious 'Drake curse' as the renowned Hip-Hop artist had placed a bet on their win, which is often associated with subsequent losses.
As the UCONN Huskies gear up for the upcoming season, they aspire to maintain their proud tradition of nurturing NBA talent by fostering a roster filled with promising players.
While rumors have circulated about the UCONN Huskies potentially joining the Big 12 conference, the veracity of these speculations remains uncertain. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that UCONN will continue to attract highly talented high school players, both male, and female, who seek to be part of the university's esteemed basketball program in the years to come.
NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a highly regarded professional basketball league in North America, consisting of 30 teams distributed across the United States (29) and Canada (1). Recognized as the premier basketball league worldwide, the NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in both countries.
Established in New York City on June 6, 1946, as the Basketball Association of America (BAA), the league merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) on August 3, 1949, and adopted the name National Basketball Association. In 1976, the NBA and the American Basketball Association (ABA) merged, leading to the addition of four new franchises. The NBA regular season spans from October to April, with each team playing 82 games, while the playoffs extend into June.
The NBA holds a prominent position within the basketball community as an active member of USA Basketball, the recognized national governing body for basketball in the United States by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
The league's administrative operations are primarily conducted from its headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, with NBA Entertainment and NBA TV studios based in Secaucus, New Jersey. In terms of revenue, the NBA ranks among the top four professional sports leagues globally, trailing the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) in North America.
The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers currently share the record for the most NBA championships, with both teams having secured the title 17 times. The reigning champions are the Denver Nuggets, who emerged victorious over the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals.
UCONN
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a distinguished public research university system located in Storrs, Connecticut. Established in 1881 as the Storrs Agricultural School, it was named after the generous donors who contributed to the land.
In 1893, the institution transitioned into a public land grant college and eventually became the University of Connecticut in 1939. Over the years, UConn expanded its academic offerings, including the establishment of social work, nursing, and graduate programs.
The university also incorporated the schools of law and pharmacy. In the 1960s, UConn Health was established, encompassing medical and dental schools. UConn is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
As an R1 research institution, UConn is highly regarded for its contributions to scholarly research. It is one of the founding members of New England's Knowledge Corridor, an alliance promoting regional economic and cultural collaboration. UConn is also a distinguished participant in Universitas 21, an international network of 24 research-intensive universities aimed at fostering global citizenship.
UConn has gained significant acclaim for its women's and men's basketball programs, competing in the Big East Conference as the Huskies. With an impressive record, the Huskies have secured a remarkable 23 NCAA championships.
The women's basketball program, in particular, holds a prominent position, clinching an unprecedented 11 NCAA Division I National Championships, tying the record with the UCLA Bruins men's basketball team.
They also achieved a remarkable four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016. In addition to these successes, UConn has earned over 40 conference regular season and tournament championships. Notably, the university holds the record for the longest winning streak in the history of college basketball, spanning both genders.
NBA Players Who Went to UCONN-FAQs
UCONN has produced a total of 40 players who have gone on to play in the NBA.
Some notable NBA players from UCONN include Ray Allen, Kemba Walker, Andre Drummond, Rudy Gay, and Caron Butler.
Yes, in the most recent NBA draft, Jordan Hawkins was selected 14th by the New Orleans Pelicans, and Andre Jackson Jr. went 36th to the Orlando Magic.
With 40 NBA players, UCONN has a strong presence in the league and is considered one of the universities with a significant contribution to the NBA talent pool.
UCONN's basketball program is highly regarded for its ability to develop NBA-caliber talent. The success of its players in the professional league highlights the program's excellence in player development.