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The Top 10 Legends of Oklahoma University Basketball

HoopSocial July 5, 2023

Oklahoma University (OU) has produced a multitude of outstanding basketball players over the years, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. From their formidable presence on the collegiate stage to their successful careers in the NBA, these athletes have showcased their exceptional talent, skill, and dedication.

  1. Blake Griffin: Years Played at OU: 2007-2009 Position: Power Forward Accolades: Consensus National Player of the Year (2009), Big 12 Player of the Year (2009), AP All-American First Team (2009) Statistics (OU): 14.7 points per game, 9.1 rebounds per game NBA Career: Drafted first overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers, Griffin became an NBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year (2011), and one of the league’s premier power forwards.
  2. Wayman Tisdale: Years Played at OU: 1982-1985 Position: Power Forward Accolades: Three-time Big Eight Conference Player of the Year (1983-1985), Two-time Consensus First-Team All-American (1984, 1985) Statistics (OU): 25.6 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game NBA Career: After leaving OU early, Tisdale embarked on a successful NBA career, playing for the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1986.
  3. Alvan Adams: Years Played at OU: 1972-1975 Position: Center Accolades: Consensus First-Team All-American (1975), AP College Basketball Player of the Year (1975) Statistics (OU): 20.8 points per game, 13.7 rebounds per game NBA Career: Drafted fourth overall by the Phoenix Suns in 1975, Adams enjoyed a distinguished NBA career, earning an NBA All-Star selection (1976) and later becoming the Suns’ Vice President.
  4. Buddy Hield: Years Played at OU: 2013-2016 Position: Shooting Guard Accolades: Consensus National Player of the Year (2016), Big 12 Player of the Year (2016), AP All-American First Team (2016) Statistics (OU): 17.4 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game NBA Career: Selected sixth overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016 NBA Draft, Hield has established himself as one of the league’s premier sharpshooters, winning the NBA Three-Point Contest in 2020.
  5. Stacey King: Years Played at OU: 1985-1989 Position: Center Accolades: Two-time Consensus First-Team All-American (1988, 1989), Big Eight Player of the Year (1989) Statistics (OU): 24.8 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game NBA Career: Selected sixth overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1989 NBA Draft, King won three NBA championships alongside Michael Jordan in the early 1990s.
  6. Trae Young: Years Played at OU: 2017-2018 Position: Point Guard Accolades: Consensus First-Team All-American (2018), Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2018) Statistics (OU): 27.4 points per game, 8.7 assists per game NBA Career: Selected fifth overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2018 NBA Draft, Young quickly became a rising star, earning an NBA All-Star selection in 2020 and leading the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.
  7. Mookie Blaylock: Years Played at OU: 1987-1989 Position: Point Guard Accolades: Two-time Big Eight Defensive Player of the Year (1988, 1989) Statistics (OU): 17.4 points per game, 5.9 assists per game NBA Career: Blaylock enjoyed a successful NBA career, primarily with the Atlanta Hawks, known for his exceptional defensive skills and three-point shooting.
  8. Hollis Price: Years Played at OU: 1999-2003 Position: Shooting Guard Accolades: Two-time Big 12 Player of the Year (2002, 2003) Statistics (OU): 17.2 points per game, 3.7 assists per game NBA Career: Though Price did not have a significant NBA career, he played professionally overseas and became an assistant coach for the OU men’s basketball team.
  9. Terry Evans: Years Played at OU: 1979-1983 Position: Small Forward Accolades: Big Eight Player of the Year (1983) Statistics (OU): 14.1 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game NBA Career: Evans had a brief stint in the NBA, playing for the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks.
  10. Ryan Minor: Years Played at OU: 1991-1996 Position: Shooting Guard Accolades: n/a Statistics (OU): 15.3 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game NBA Career: Minor had a limited NBA career, playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics before transitioning to professional baseball.

Oklahoma University has been a breeding ground for exceptional basketball talent, and the ten players highlighted in this article represent the pinnacle of the university’s rich basketball tradition. These individuals have left an indelible mark on both the collegiate and professional basketball scenes, showcasing their skills, earning numerous accolades, and making significant contributions to their respective NBA teams. The legacies of these extraordinary athletes continue to inspire future generations, forever etching their names in the annals of basketball history.

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