Basketball fans are usually divided into two groups: one thinks that the greatest NBA stars were born to become icons, while others are confident that only hard work and perseverance played a role in their career success. In any case, many celebrities made their first steps towards the professional league when being really young. College basketball has long been a milestone for future NBA legends, and you will definitely be surprised by our list below!
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Michael Jordan
Even those not excited about basketball have heard of this legendary athlete who broke numerous records and is a synonym for success in this discipline. It might seem that Michael Jordan was born with a ball in his hand, but this is far from the case – his career began at the University of North Carolina. He played for the team for three years, from 1981 to 1984, and the iconic hit in the game against Georgetown was the primary stage for his success in professional sports.
The time Jordan spent at UNC was decisive in discovering his unique abilities that later made Michael a worldwide-famous star. The basketball player has already finished his career, but he long remained the number one icon for fans and a lucrative goal for those preferring to place wagers on no-verification betting sites at Non-GamStop-Betting.com and win real cash prizes. Considering Jordan’s success, hardly anyone would bet against him, right?
Bill Russell
The renowned basketball player passed in 2022 but left fans his legacy as one of the best NBA defenders and rebounders of all time. Russell remained loyal to the Boston Celtics for eleven seasons and helped the club gain multiple wins and titles. Before beginning his legendary NBA career, Bill played for the University of San Francisco and showed impressive performance during NCAA tournaments in 1955 and 1956.
His defensive power wasn’t the only factor affecting his basketball talent. Russell’s leadership abilities and focus on success led his team forward and helped the famous athlete achieve goals both in college and professional league.
Kevin Durant
Durant is one of the most promising and highly paid basketball players nowadays – the athlete is now a member of the Phoenix Suns team. His passion for this sport, complemented by his scoring ability, couldn’t go unnoticed, so he only played one season in college after moving to the professional league.
Kevin represented the University of Texas in 2006-2007, after which he received an offer from the Seattle SuperSonics. Although he spent limited time playing basketball in college, many still think that Kevin managed to develop his skills during that period, and he wouldn’t have become so successful without it.
Tim Duncan
Duncan devoted 19 years of life to his professional basketball career, which began in 1993 when he joined the Wake Forest College team. He was its member till 1997, and this period helped the young athlete to develop fundamental abilities, including defensive and rebounding skills. The experience gained in Wake Forest paved his way to the San Antonio Spurs.
Tim won his first Player of the Year award while still being a student, and this achievement opened the doors to the professional league. Later, Duncan helped the club win NBA titles five times. In addition, the renowned basketball player managed to become the four-time NABC Defensive Player of the Year, and we are confident that his college career significantly impacted his future accomplishments.
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr.
Passionate basketball lovers know Dwyane as one of the most talented NBA shooting guards. Although the athlete finished his career in 2019, he remains an icon for younger players for his unique abilities and undoubted skills. Wade Jr. had a successful college experience – he played for Marquette Golden and led the team to a leading position during the 2003 tournament. Dwyane spent two years before joining the NBA, and this time showed his leadership and focus on achievements despite any circumstances.
Kawhi Leonard
The two-time NBA champion started playing basketball in college, and San Diego State University was honoured to educate the future star. Leonard spent two seasons with the local team, which noticed his winning ability to guard numerous positions simultaneously. His high speed and quick reaction to changes led Kawhi to be selected for the 2011 NBA Draft. Now, he successfully plays for the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Final Word
Many renowned athletes, including iconic Michael Jordan and Bill Russel, started building their professional careers as teenagers, and college basketball gave them a significant boost. The NCAA educates future champions, paving their way to international leagues. College basketball is often the foundation for future success, where young enthusiasts can boost their skills and learn how to work in a team; legendary players, who are bet on by many people on gambling sites not on GamStop once again prove that persistence and resilience are built from the very beginning and play a massive role in future achievements.
In recent years, college sports sponsorship deals have played a crucial role in shaping opportunities for young athletes. These agreements provide financial support, top-tier training resources, and exposure to professional scouts, allowing emerging stars to focus on their performance while securing essential funding for their careers.
