The journey from college basketball to the NBA is a fascinating transition for many players. As they moved from the NCAA to the professional stage, they came with their skills and experiences, shaping the NBA landscape. In this exploration, we’ll dive into the stories of current NBA players who made their scoring mark in NCAA basketball before becoming stars in the NBA.
- 1. Doug McDermott – 3,150 Points
- 2. Stephen Curry – 2,635 Points
- 3. CJ McCollum – 2,361 Points
- 4. Buddy Hield – 2,241 Points
- 5. Trayce Jackson-Davis – 2,238 Points
- 6. Sam Merrill – 2,197 Points
- 7. Seth Curry – 2,101 Points
- 8. Jacob Gilyard – 2,039 Points
- 9. Damion Lee – 2,016 Points
- 10. Damian Lillard – 1,934 Points
1. Doug McDermott – 3,150 Points
Doug McDermott is a forward with a remarkable career in both college and professional basketball. During his time in the NCAA, McDermott played for Creighton University, where he left an indelible mark as one of the best scorers in college basketball history.
Throughout his college career, McDermott averaged impressive statistics, including 23.2 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game, and 52.6% field goal shooting. His ability to score from all over the court made him a dominant force in the NCAA.
McDermott amassed a total of 3,150 points during his college career at Creighton, establishing himself as the seventh-highest scorer in NCAA history. His college achievements include being named the MVC (Missouri Valley Conference) Player of the Year three times and earning multiple All-American honors.
In the 2014 NBA draft, McDermott was selected in the first round as the 11th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets before being traded to the Chicago Bulls. Throughout his NBA career, he has played for various teams, including the Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana Pacers.
While McDermott may not have reached the same level of success in the NBA as he did in college, he has proven to be a valuable scorer and versatile player in the professional league. His ability to stretch the defense with his outside shooting and score in various situations makes him a valuable asset for any team.
2. Stephen Curry – 2,635 Points
Stephen Curry is known for being one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, but his path to greatness began in the NCAA, where he left an indelible mark at Davidson College. Curry played three seasons for the Davidson Wildcats before entering the NBA draft in 2009. During his time in the NCAA, Curry impressed everyone with his ability to score from anywhere on the court and led his team on several successful runs in the NCAA tournament.
In his junior season at Davidson, Curry averaged an astounding 28.6 points per game, leading the Wildcats to a memorable run in the 2008 NCAA tournament. Despite being a small college, Davidson shocked the basketball world by reaching the Elite Eight with Curry as the undisputed leader of the team.
Curry finished his college career with 2,635 points scored, leaving a lasting legacy at Davidson and establishing himself as one of the highest scorers in NCAA history. His impact in college led him to be selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors.
Since arriving in the NBA, Curry has redefined the game with his incredible ability to shoot from long distance and his masterful ball-handling. He has led the Warriors to four NBA championships, has been named league MVP twice, and has broken the all-time three-point shooting record in the process. Curry continues to leave his mark on the history of basketball, both in the NCAA and the NBA, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is secure.
3. CJ McCollum – 2,361 Points
CJ McCollum is a shooting guard known for his scoring ability and versatility on the court. During his college career, McCollum played for Lehigh University, where he established himself as one of the top guards in the NCAA.
McCollum had an impressive college career, averaging 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. His scoring prowess and ability to create shots made him a standout player in the NCAA.
In total, McCollum scored 2,361 points during his college career at Lehigh, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the school’s all-time greats. He was a two-time Patriot League Player of the Year and earned multiple All-American honors.
In the 2013 NBA draft, McCollum was selected as the 10th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers. He has since become a key player for the team before a monumental trade to the Pelicans in 2022.
Overall, CJ McCollum’s career is marked by his scoring ability, versatility, and leadership both on and off the court. He continues to be a dynamic presence in the NBA and a role model for aspiring basketball players everywhere.
4. Buddy Hield – 2,241 Points
Buddy Hield, known for his sharpshooting and scoring prowess, made a significant impact during his college career at the University of Oklahoma. Emerging as one of the top players in the NCAA, Hield’s dynamic offensive skill set garnered attention from basketball enthusiasts across the country.
Throughout his tenure at Oklahoma, Hield showcased his ability to light up the scoreboard, averaging 17.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. His knack for scoring from long range and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates made him a formidable force on the court.
In total, Hield amassed an impressive 2,241 points during his collegiate career, etching his name among the elite in Oklahoma basketball history. He earned accolades such as two-time Big 12 Player of the Year and multiple All-American honors, solidifying his status as a standout performer in the NCAA.
Transitioning to the professional ranks, Hield was selected as the 6th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016 NBA draft. Since then, he has continued to impress with his scoring ability, playing for teams such as the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers, making a mark as one of the league’s premier shooters.
5. Trayce Jackson-Davis – 2,238 Points
Trayce Jackson-Davis is a rising talent known for his versatility and scoring ability. During his time in college, Jackson-Davis played for Indiana University, where he showcased his skills and left a lasting impact on the NCAA.
Jackson-Davis had an impressive college career, averaging 16.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His ability to dominate in the paint and finish around the rim made him a force to be reckoned with in college basketball.
In total, Jackson-Davis scored 2,238 points during his collegiate career at Indiana, establishing himself as one of the top scorers in the program’s history. He earned recognition as a standout player in the Big Ten conference and garnered attention from NBA scouts with his performances.
In the 2023 NBA draft, Jackson-Davis was selected by the Golden State Warriors, where he aims to continue his basketball journey and make an impact at the professional level.
Trayce Jackson-Davis’s career is marked by his scoring prowess, versatility, and dedication to the game of basketball. As he transitions to the NBA, he looks to continue his success and leave a lasting legacy in the professional ranks.
6. Sam Merrill – 2,197 Points
Sam Merrill, a skilled shooting guard renowned for his scoring prowess and basketball acumen, left an indelible mark during his college tenure at Utah State University. Displaying remarkable talent and versatility, Merrill earned recognition as one of the premier players in NCAA basketball.
Merrill had an outstanding college career, averaging 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. His ability to score from beyond the arc and make plays for his teammates made him a valuable asset for Utah State.
In total, Merrill scored 2,197 points during his collegiate career, solidifying his status as one of the top scorers in Utah State history. He earned numerous accolades, including Mountain West Player of the Year and multiple All-Conference honors.
In the 2020 NBA draft, Merrill was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round. He has since showcased his scoring ability and basketball IQ at the professional level, aiming to make a lasting impact in the NBA.
Sam Merrill’s career is defined by his scoring prowess, basketball IQ, and dedication to the game. As he continues his journey in the NBA, he looks to build on his success and contribute to his team’s success on the court.
7. Seth Curry – 2,101 Points
Seth Curry, a sharpshooting guard known for his scoring ability and perimeter shooting, made his mark during his college career at various institutions. He began his collegiate journey at Liberty University before transferring to Duke University, where he continued to excel on the basketball court.
During his time at Duke, Curry showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 17.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 43.5% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc made him a valuable asset for the Blue Devils.
In total, Curry scored 2,101 points during his college career, leaving a lasting legacy at both Liberty and Duke. He earned recognition as a key contributor to his teams’ success and garnered attention from NBA scouts with his sharpshooting ability.
Following his college career, Curry went undrafted in the NBA draft but later signed with various NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Philadelphia 76ers. He has since established himself as a reliable scorer and perimeter threat in the NBA, showcasing his ability to make an impact on the court.
Seth Curry’s career is defined by his sharpshooting ability, scoring prowess, and dedication to the game of basketball. As he continues his journey in the NBA, he remains committed to making an impact and contributing to his team’s success.
8. Jacob Gilyard – 2,039 Points
Jacob Gilyard, a talented point guard known for his playmaking ability and defensive prowess, made a significant impact during his college career at the University of Richmond. Emerging as one of the premier guards in the NCAA, Gilyard showcased his skills and left a lasting legacy at Richmond.
Throughout his college tenure, Gilyard displayed exceptional basketball IQ and court vision, averaging impressive statistics on both ends of the floor. His ability to facilitate the offense, generate steals, and knock down clutch shots made him a key contributor for Richmond.
In total, Gilyard scored 2,039 points during his collegiate career, solidifying his status as one of the top scorers in Richmond’s basketball history. He earned recognition as a standout player in the Atlantic 10 conference and garnered attention from NBA scouts with his performances.
Despite going undrafted in the NBA draft, Gilyard has continued to pursue his basketball career at the professional level. In the 2023-24 NBA season, Gilyard joined the Memphis Grizzlies, where he aims to showcase his skills and make an impact on the court.
9. Damion Lee – 2,016 Points
Damion Lee, a versatile guard known for his scoring ability and perimeter shooting, made his mark during his college career at Drexel University and later at the University of Louisville. Displaying a knack for scoring and tenacity on both ends of the floor, Lee emerged as a standout player in the NCAA.
During his time in college, Lee showcased his scoring prowess, averaging double-digit points per game and earning recognition as one of the top players in his conference. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc and create opportunities for his teammates made him a valuable asset for both Drexel and Louisville.
In total, Lee scored 2,016 points during his collegiate career, solidifying his status as one of the top scorers in the programs’ histories. He earned accolades and garnered attention from NBA scouts with his performances on the court.
Following his college career, Lee went undrafted in the NBA draft but later signed with various NBA teams, including the Atlanta Hawks and the Golden State Warriors. He has since established himself as a reliable scorer and perimeter threat in the NBA, showcasing his ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Damion Lee’s journey is a testament to resilience and perseverance. From going undrafted to earning a spot in the NBA, he has overcome obstacles and proven his worth on the court.
10. Damian Lillard – 1,934 Points
Damian Lillard made a name for himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, but his journey to stardom began during his college years at Weber State University. Lillard played four seasons for the Weber State Wildcats, where he showcased his scoring ability and leadership on the court.
During his college career, Lillard amassed a total of 1,934 points, leaving an impressive mark on the program and solidifying himself as one of the top players in the NCAA. His scoring prowess and clutch performances earned him recognition as one of the premier guards in college basketball.
In addition to his scoring, Lillard demonstrated his versatility by contributing in various facets of the game, including rebounding, playmaking, and defense. His exceptional skills caught the attention of NBA scouts, and he declared for the NBA draft after his junior season.
Selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard wasted no time making an impact in the NBA. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s top point guards, earning Rookie of the Year honors in his debut season.
Throughout his NBA career, Lillard has continued to excel, earning multiple All-Star selections and All-NBA honors. Known for his clutch performances and deep-range shooting, he became the face of the Trail Blazers franchise for a decade and a beloved figure among basketball fans worldwide.
