The Top 10 Greatest Players in Kansas Basketball History

Kansas University (KU) basketball has a long and rich history dating back to the early 1900s. In fact, basketball’s inventor, Doctor James Naismith is an alumni of the school. 

The tradition of prideful basketball in Kansas carries a decades-long legacy that continues to grow every year, with the team consistently among the best programs in the country.

Over the years, many great players have donned the crimson and blue and left their mark on the program. When one thinks about college basketball teams, this is always one of the first to come up.

Here, we will rank the top 10 players to ever play for KU basketball based on their accomplishments while playing college basketball.

1. Wilt Chamberlain (1956-1958)

Without a doubt, Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest player to ever play for KU basketball, and one of the greatest to play at any level. During his two seasons with the Jayhawks, he averaged an astounding 29.9 points and 18.3 rebounds per game. He led the team to the NCAA Tournament both years and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament in 1957. He went on to play professionally and become an all time great. Furthermore, due to his excellence in track, football, and other sports- many consider him among the greatest athletes to ever live.

2. Danny Manning (1984-1988)

Danny Manning led KU to the NCAA championship in 1988 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. During his four-year career at KU, Manning averaged 20.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He was also a two-time Big Eight Player of the Year and a consensus All-American. Manning’s popularity was also boosted by the era of television when he played. Most of his games aired in prime time, at a time when television was more important. 

At the competition of his college career he was considered one of the best players in the country and a sure-fire star in the NBA. Unfortunately, while he had a long NBA career, it was marred by a series of frustrating injuries that probably stopped him from ever reaching his potential (some people simply blamed the “Clippers Curse”).

3. Paul Pierce (1995-1998)

Paul Pierce was a two-time All-American at KU and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 1998. He averaged 16.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game during his three-year career at KU. Most pundits were shocked that he fell in the NBA draft, falling to the Boston Celtics, in a draft that included Dirk Nowitzki, picked two picks later. This turned out to be a great blessing for Pierce, as he went on to have a Hall of Fame NBA career, including an NBA championship.He is now considered one of the greatest Celtics players of all time.

4. Jo Jo White (1966-1969)

Jo Jo White was a two-time All-American at KU and led the team to the Final Four in 1967. He averaged 18.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game during his three-year career at KU. He was known as one of the most exciting players of his era. White went on to have a successful NBA career and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

5. Nick Collison (1999-2003)

Nick Collison was a two-time All-American at KU and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2003. He averaged 15.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game during his four-year career at KU. Collison went on to have a successful NBA career, becoming one of the most popular players in Sonics franchise history and a well-respected role player. He is now an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

6. Clyde Lovellette (1949-1952)

Clyde Lovellette led KU to the NCAA championship in 1952 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He averaged 28.4 points and 13.6 rebounds per game during his three-year career at KU. Lovellette went on to have a successful NBA career and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

7. Raef LaFrentz (1994-1998)

Raef LaFrentz was a two-time All-American at KU and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 1997. He averaged 15.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during his four-year career at KU. LaFrentz went on to have a successful NBA career as a journeyman, playing on several teams with varying levels of success. Some people consider him one of first “stretch “ big men in the NBA. He is now a scout for the Dallas Mavericks.

8. Drew Gooden (1999-2002)

Drew Gooden was a two-time All-American at KU and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2002. He averaged 15.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his three-year career at KU. Gooden went on to have a successful NBA career after being drafted fourth overall in his class. He played alongside Lebron James with the Cavs early in their careers. He is  now an analyst for NBC Sports Washington.

9. Kirk Hinrich (1999-2003)

Kirk Hinrich was a two-time All-American at KU and was named the Big 12 Player of the Year in 2002. He led KU to two Final Four appearances playing alongside the previously mentioned Nick Collison, one of his best friends, and averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game during his four-year career. Hinrich went on to have a successful NBA career, playing for several teams including the Chicago Bulls and being known as an elite role player.

10. Frank Mason III (2013-2017)

Frank Mason III was a consensus All-American and the consensus National Player of the Year in 2017. He led KU to the Elite Eight that same year and averaged 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game during his four-year career. After an unsuccessful career in the NBA, Mason is currently playing professionally overseas.

Honorable Mentions:

• Andrew Wiggins (2013-2014): Andrew Wiggins was a consensus All-American and the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2014. He averaged 17.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during his one year at KU and was the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
• Xavier Henry (2009-2010): Xavier Henry was a Big 12 All-Rookie Team selection and the Most Outstanding Player of the 2010 Big 12 Tournament. He averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game during his one year at KU and was a first-round pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.
• Sherron Collins (2006-2010): Sherron Collins was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and helped lead KU to the 2008 national championship. He averaged 14.3 points and 3.3 assists per game during his four-year career at KU.
• Brandon Rush (2006-2008): Brandon Rush was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and helped lead KU to the 2008 national championship. He averaged 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game during his three-year career at KU.
• Wayne Simien (2001-2005): Wayne Simien was a two-time All-American and a two-time Big 12 Player of the Year. He averaged 16.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game during his four-year career at KU and was a second-round pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.