In the world of basketball, many players have made a name for themselves by showcasing their incredible skills on the court. Some of these players have achieved success and fame after honing their talents at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This article sheds light on some of these notable NBA players who attended HBCUs before making their mark in professional basketball.
1. Earl Monroe – Winston-Salem State University
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe is considered one of the greatest guards in NBA history. He began his collegiate career at Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU in North Carolina, under the coaching of legendary Clarence “Big House” Gaines. While there, Monroe broke scoring records and led his team to an NCAA Division II Championship in 1967. The flashy guard then had an impressive 13-year career in the NBA with the Baltimore Bullets and New York Knicks, ultimately winning an NBA championship in 1973 and being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
2. Willis Reed – Grambling State University
Willis Reed attended Grambling State University, an HBCU in Louisiana, where he developed a solid game under Coach Fred Hobdy. The multi-skilled center/forward then entered the NBA to have an incredibly successful career with the New York Knicks. Reed was named both Rookie of the Year and MVP during his tenure and helped lead the team to two championships (1970 and 1973). Reed’s leadership and tenacity earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame.
3. Sam Jones – North Carolina Central University
Sam Jones is a legendary shooting guard known for his clutch performances throughout his NBA career with the Boston Celtics. Before joining the NBA, Jones played college basketball at North Carolina Central University, an HBCU in Durham, North Carolina. Over his career with the Celtics, he won ten championship rings, making him one of the most decorated players in NBA history. Jones was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1984.
4. Charles Oakley – Virginia Union University
Charles Oakley began his college career at Virginia Union University, an HBCU in Richmond, Virginia. The forward was known for his defensive prowess, intimidating presence, and hard-nosed hustle. After being drafted into the NBA in 1985, Oakley went on to have a long and successful career filled with accolades including NBA All-Star and NBA All-Defensive Team selections.
5. Ben Wallace – Virginia Union University
Another basketball star from Virginia Union University is Ben Wallace. The undersized center made a name for himself with his dominant defensive skills and relentless rebounding ability. Wallace won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times and was instrumental in helping the Detroit Pistons win an NBA championship in 2004.
6. Avery Johnson – Southern University
Avery Johnson attended Southern University, an HBCU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Known for his leadership on the court, Johnson played point guard in the NBA for several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs. In 1999, he hit a memorable game-winning shot during Game 5 of the NBA Finals that helped secure the championship for the Spurs.
These players’ journeys display how attending HBCUs has helped forge remarkable basketball careers marked with success and achievement. These talented athletes not only put their respective HBCUs on the map but also inspired future generations of players to follow in their footsteps.