UCLA Basketball Legends: A Legacy of Excellence

One of the most storied programs in history, UCLA has long been synonymous with basketball greatness, boasting a rich history and an impressive lineage of players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. From the program’s inception to the present day, UCLA has consistently produced exceptional talent that has not only dominated the college game but also transitioned into successful careers in the NBA.

1. Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar): Years Played: 1966-1969 UCLA Accomplishments: Three-time NCAA champion (1967-1969), three-time Final Four Most Outstanding Player, three-time National College Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA champion (six times), NBA MVP (six times), all-time leading scorer in NBA history

2. Bill Walton: Years Played: 1971-1974 UCLA Accomplishments: Two-time NCAA champion (1972, 1973), two-time Final Four Most Outstanding Player, three-time National College Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA champion (two times), NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP

3. Gail Goodrich: Years Played: 1962-1965 UCLA Accomplishments: NCAA champion (1964), Final Four Most Outstanding Player, National College Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA champion (one time), NBA All-Star (five times), NBA Hall of Fame inductee

4. Reggie Miller: Years Played: 1984-1987 UCLA Accomplishments: NCAA runner-up (1985), Pac-10 Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA All-Star (five times), NBA’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made at the time of retirement

5. Russell Westbrook: Years Played: 2006-2008 UCLA Accomplishments: NCAA runner-up (2006), Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA MVP, NBA All-Star (nine times), NBA All-Star Game MVP (twice)

6. Sidney Wicks: Years Played: 1968-1971 UCLA Accomplishments: Three-time NCAA champion (1969-1971), Final Four Most Outstanding Player, National College Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA All-Star (four times), NBA champion

8. Walt Hazzard: Years Played: 1960-1962 UCLA Accomplishments: NCAA champion (1964), Final Four Most Outstanding Player NBA Career: NBA All-Star, NBA champion

9. Kevin Love: Years Played: 2007-2008 UCLA Accomplishments: NCAA runner-up (2008), Pac-10 Player of the Year NBA Career: NBA champion, NBA All-Star (five times)

10. Baron Davis: Years Played: 1997-1999 UCLA Accomplishments: NCAA Elite Eight (1997), Pac-10 Freshman of the Year NBA Career: NBA All-Star, NBA Skills Challenge champion

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), has produced a remarkable array of basketball talent over the years. From the dominant presence of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the versatile skill set of Bill Walton, these players have not only brought success to UCLA but have also left an indelible mark on the NBA. Whether it’s Lew Alcindor’s (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) record-breaking scoring prowess or the three-point shooting wizardry of Reggie Miller, these players have showcased their skills on the biggest stages and solidified their status as some of the greatest players of all time. The legacy of these UCLA basketball legends continues to inspire future generations of players and reminds us of the enduring excellence associated with the Bruins’ storied program.