These days, just about all the top NBA Draft picks
come out of storied BCS programs like North Carolina, Kansas, and Duke,
while others never even made it to college. But this wasn't always
the case. Some of the best players in NBA history played at schools that
are mere afterthoughts in the world of college basketball. What
divides major from mid-major is a subjective question. Dr J, who
played at UMASS, was left off this list because I felt the program was a
bit too big time.. others can argue the A-10 is a mid-major league right
now. Regardless, here are the 11 best Mid-Major draft picks of
all-time.
11. Nate Archibald:
University of Texas at El Paso, drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in
the 2nd round (2nd pick) of the 1970 NBA draft.
13 NBA seasons: 18.8 PPG, 7.4 APG.
10. Bob Lanier:
St. Bonaventure University, drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the
1st round (1st pick) of the 1970 NBA draft.
14 NBA seasons: 20.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.5
BPG.
9. Willis Reed:
Grambling State University, drafted by the New York Knickerbockers
in the 2nd round (1st pick) of the 1964 NBA draft.
10 NBA seasons: 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG.
8. John Stockton:
Gonzaga University, drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 1st round (16th
pick) of the 1984 NBA draft.
19 NBA seasons: 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2
SPG, 10-time All-Star.
7. David Robinson:
United States Naval Academy, drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in the
1st round (1st pick) of the 1987 NBA draft.
14 NBA seasons: 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3
BPG, 10-time All-Star.
6. Karl Malone:
Louisiana Tech University, drafted by the Utah Jazz in the 1st round
(13th pick) of the 1985 NBA draft.
19 NBA seasons: 25 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 3.6
APG, 13-time All-Star.
5. George Gervin:
Eastern Michigan University, drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 3rd
round (4th pick) of the 1974 NBA draft.
10 NBA seasons: 26.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG.
4. Walt Frazier:
Southern Illinois University, drafted by the New York Knickerbockers
in the 1st round (5th pick) of the 1967 NBA draft.
13 NBA seasons: 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1
APG, 1.9 SPG.
3. Bob Cousy:
College of the Holy Cross, drafted by the Tri-Cities Blackhawks in
the 1st round (4th pick) of the 1950 NBA draft.
14 NBA seasons: 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5
APG.
2. Larry Bird:
Indiana State University, drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1st
round (6th pick) of the 1978 NBA draft.
13 NBA seasons: 24.3 PPG, 10 RPG, 6.3
APG, 1.7 SPG.
1. Bill Russell:
University of San Francisco, drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in the
1st round (2nd pick) of the 1956 NBA draft.
13 NBA seasons: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3
APG.
Check back tomorrow for the 10 Best Non-D1 draft
picks of all-time, or read more NBA Draft
Top 10 lists.
