Power Ranking Top NCAA Basketball Programs by Active NBA Alumni
While the top college hoops programs fight for March Madness glory, we're looking for the school that boasts the best and deepest cast of NBA players in 2015.
After scouring the pro level, we ranked every NCAA basketball outfit based on its active alumni in the Association. And by "alumni," we mean student-athletes who played at least one season at the university.
Some colleges boast just one NBA player, while others have nearly 20. In between are a slew of schools with just a handful of active pros. We want to distinguish which programs' alumni are currently making the greatest impact across the league this year.
Where did Kevin Durant's Texas Longhorns rank? How do Billy Donovan's Florida Gators stack up? What about Andrew Wiggins and the Kansas Jayhawks alumni?
Read on to see which NCAA fanbases have the ultimate NBA bragging rights.
Our Scoring System
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We ranked every program based on a scoring system that factored (a) the number of alumni and (b) the quality and impact of their alumni during the 2014-15 NBA season.
To gauge the impact of each player, we used Basketball-Reference.com's "Win Shares," an estimate of the number of wins contributed by a player on both ends of the floor. (Click here for the full explanation of Win Shares).
For each school, we multiplied the number of NBA alumni by two, and then added the alumni's average win shares. The scoring system is a simple one:
(Total Win Shares/No. of Alumni) + (No. of Alumni x 2)
This metric favors colleges that produce higher amounts of NBA players, but those with overwhelmingly higher average win shares can conceivably score better than colleges with more alumni. Schools with just one NBA player will be set aside in their own category, and then multi-alumnus schools will be ranked in our slideshow countdown.
*Active alumni include those who are or were on the roster and payroll of an NBA team prior to March 25 and have played in at least one game during the 2014-15 NBA season. Alumni gathered from CBS Sports Alumni Tracker.
**NBA team listed next to each alumni is the team he most recently played for. All stats updated entering March 25.
Programs with 1 NBA Alumnus: Major Conferences
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The following major-conference schools only have one alumnus in the NBA, so we listed them separately. We used the same alumni rating formula as we did with the multiplayer schools—(Total Win Shares/No. of Alumni) + (No. of Alumni x 2).
The "major conferences" include: AAC, ACC, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC
Oklahoma: Blake Griffin (LAC); 9.2
Minnesota: Kris Humphries (WAS); 5.3
Xavier: David West (IND); 5.3
DePaul: Wilson Chandler (DEN); 5.0
Temple: Lavoy Allen (IND); 4.8
Georgia: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (DET); 4.6
Tulsa: Jerome Jordan (BKN); 3.2
Colorado State: Jason Smith (NYK); 2.8
Oregon State: Eric Moreland (SAC); 2.0
Virginia Tech: Erick Green (DEN); 2.0
Providence: Ricky Ledo (NYK); 1.8
Penn State: Tim Frazier (PHI); 1.8
Kansas State: Cartier Martin (DET); 1.7
Programs with 1 NBA Alumnus: Mid-Major Conferences
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Now we move onto the mid-major conference schools, which includes all D-I or other colleges not included in the aforementioned major-conference list. We used the same alumni rating formula as we did with the multiplayer schools.
Davidson: Stephen Curry (GSW); 15.5
Weber State: Damian Lillard (POR); 11.4
Louisiana Tech: Paul Millsap (ATL); 9.5
Morehead State: Kenneth Faried (DEN); 6.7
Marshall: Hassan Whiteside (MIA); 6.4
Eastern Washington: Rodney Stuckey (IND); 5.8
Tennessee State: Robert Covington (PHI); 5.2
Blinn College (JC): Chris Andersen (MIA); 5.4
Indiana-Purdue: George Hill (IND); 5.3
Harvard: Jeremy Lin (LAL); 4.9
Central Michigan: Chris Kaman (POR); 4.7
Northeastern: J.J. Barea (DAL); 4.6
La Salle : Rasual Butler (WAS); 4.3
Rider: Jason Thompson (SAC); 4.0
Western Carolina: Kevin Martin (MIN); 3.8
Dayton: Brian Roberts (CHA); 3.5
Norfolk State: Kyle O'Quinn (ORL); 3.5
Louisiana-Lafayette: Elfrid Payton (ORL); 3.4
Old Dominion: Kent Bazemore (ATL); 3.2
Long Beach State: James Ennis (MIA); 3.2
Murray State: Isaiah Canaan (PHI); 3.0
Lehigh: C.J. McCollum (POR); 2.9
Bucknell: Mike Muscala (ATL); 2.9
Cleveland State : Norris Cole (NOP); 2.9
Towson: Gary Neal (MIN); 2.7
Western Michigan: Shayne Whittington (IND); 2.4
Brigham Young: Jimmer Fredette (NOP); 2.3
Alabama-Birmingham: Elijah Millsap (UTA); 2.1
Virginia Military Institute: Reggie Williams (SAS); 2.0
St. Bonaventure: Andrew Nicholson (ORL); 1.9
Wichita State: Cleanthony Early (NYK); 1.6
Honorable Mentions
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The following programs with multiple NBA players missed the cut for our top 50:
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers: Jeremy Evans (UTA) and Courtney Lee (MEM); 6.55
Illinois Fighting Illini: Deron Williams (BKN) and Meyers Leonard (POR); 6.4
Louisville Cardinals: Gorgui Dieng (MIN) and Russ Smith (NOP); 6.35
Cincinnati Bearcats: Sean Kilpatrick (MIN), Jason Maxiell (CHA) and Lance Stephenson (CHA); 6.2
Oregon Ducks: Aaron Brooks (CHI) and Luke Ridnour (ORL); 5.7
Virginia Cavaliers: Joe Harris (CLE) and Mike Scott (ATL); 5.35
Clemson Tigers: Trevor Booker (UTA) and K.J. McDaniels (HOU); 5.5
St. Mary's Gaels: Patty Mills (SAS) and Matthew Dellavedova (CLE); 5.25
Pittsburgh Panthers: Steven Adams (OKC) and DeJuan Blair (WAS); 4.9
VCU Rams: Troy Daniels (CHA) and Larry Sanders (MIL); 4.75
St. Joseph's Hawks: Jameer Nelson (DEN) and Langston Galloway (NYK); 5.15
Fresno State Bulldogs: Tyler Johnson (MIA) and Greg Smith (DAL); 4.8
Iowa Hawkeyes: Reggie Evans (SAC) and Devyn Marble (ORL); 4.8
St. John's Red Storm: Moe Harkless (ORL) and JaKarr Sampson (PHI); 4.35
Florida State Seminoles: Bernard James (DAL) and Toney Douglas (NOP): 4.25
50. Vanderbilt Commodores
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 0.6
Alumni Score: 6.6
Players: Festus Ezeli (Warriors C), John Jenkins (Hawks SG), Jeff Taylor (Hornets SF)
Three Vanderbilt Commodores were drafted in 2012, and it looked like they each had a chance to make a loud impact in the NBA.
Festus Ezeli had the size, strength and willingness to develop. John Jenkins offered prolific outside shooting. Jeff Taylor brought explosiveness and swingman versatility.
Two-and-a-half years later, their place in the league is supplementary at best. Ezeli and Jenkins see sparing minutes for their respective championship contenders (the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks), while Taylor has had an up-and-down year for the Charlotte Hornets. None are multidimensional enough to earn a substantial role.
It might be too hasty to completely give up on them, but it's not too early to start having doubts.
49. Purdue Boilermakers
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 0.63
Alumni Score: 6.63
Players: Robbie Hummel (Timberwolves SF), Carl Landry (Kings PF), E'Twaun Moore (Bulls SG)
The days of Glenn Robinson and Brad Miller are long gone. Purdue doesn't have a featured star to adore in the NBA.
Robbie Hummel was a fan favorite while in college, but it's an uphill battle for him to find minutes as a spot-up forward on the Minnesota Timberwolves. E'Twaun Moore scarcely sheds his warm-ups for the Chicago Bulls. Lastly, Carl Landry is on the downside of his prime as a reserve for the Sacramento Kings.
Of the three, Landry is still the most impactful. He can rebound, score around the rim and knock down mid-range shots. As a bonus, he's an extremely accurate free-throw shooter for a power forward, and he's converting 83 percent of his charity tosses this season.
48. Nevada Wolf Pack
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 0.73
Alumni Score: 6.73
Players: Luke Babbitt (Pelicans SG), Ramon Sessions (Wizards PG), JaVale McGee (76ers C)
The Mark Fox coaching era at Nevada was one of the most successful stretches in school history (123-43), and it sent a trio of standouts to the NBA.
JaVale McGee's combination of size and athleticism helped him thrive in college, but he hasn't developed enough as a post player to dominate in the NBA. He hasn't earned more than 25 minutes per night since the 2011-12 season, and the Denver Nuggets finally moved him to the Philadelphia 76ers at the trade deadline. He was subsequently waived by the Sixers.
In the backcourt, Ramon Sessions and Luke Babbitt aren't having banner seasons either.
Sessions was traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline, and Babbitt is struggling to get regular minutes on a New Orleans Pelicans team that needs depth.
47. North Carolina State Wolfpack
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 0.8
Alumni Score: 6.8
Players: Lorenzo Brown (Timberwolves PG), J.J. Hickson (Nuggets PF/C), T.J. Warren (Suns SF)
T.J. Warren and Lorenzo Brown haven't put a dent in the NBA yet, partly because they haven't had much of a chance to do so. Mark Gottfried's pupils are both still trying to find a substantial opportunity.
J.J. Hickson, on the other hand, has an extensive body of work to evaluate. It's safe to say this year has been somewhat disappointing for him, considering he's playing fewer minutes than any season besides his rookie campaign. The Denver Nuggets are a team in flux, and they've given rookie Jusuf Nurkic some serious playing time at center.
Hickson's overall statistical output and per-minute numbers have dipped slightly since last season, but he's still a quality rebounder and open-floor finisher. Notching 14.3 points and 11.8 rebounds per 36 minutes isn't easy.
46. New Mexico Lobos
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 0.83
Alumni Score: 6.83
Players: Cameron Bairstow (Bulls PF/C), Danny Granger (Suns SF), Tony Snell (Bulls SF)
New Mexico's average win shares and alumni score are low thanks to Danny Granger's sharp decline and Cameron Bairstow's minuscule usage.
Let's focus on the positive for now, as Tony Snell turned into a critical piece for the Chicago Bulls midway through the season. He averaged 13.6 points per game in the month of February and has had seven double-digit outings in March.
B/R's Zach Buckley noted how Snell has been a pleasantly surprising remedy for Chicago's rash of injuries:
"The Bulls have been desperate for depth, and Snell has surfaced as an unlikely solution to the problem. With steady minutes finally coming his way, the 23-year-old has used his last 10 outings to prove he can be something so much greater than the part-time player and irregular contributor Chicago fans saw during his first season-and-a-half with the Bulls.
"
45. Miami Hurricanes
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 0.93
Alumni Score: 6.93
Players: James Jones (Cavaliers SF), Shane Larkin (Knicks PG), John Salmons (Pelicans F)
John Salmons factored into Miami's alumni score, but for all intents and purposes, the Hurricanes only have two NBA players right now. And that's if you count James Jones' 11.5 minutes and 4.3 points per game.
Shane Larkin is ultimately The U's top delegate in the Association, and he's toiling through the New York Knicks' ugly 2014-15 campaign.
Larkin stands just 5'11", but his speed and skill set put a bunch of pressure on opponents. He can turn the corner on drives, run the pick-and-roll and keep the defense honest with three-point shooting. I'd like to see how effective he would be as a reserve alongside more competent wings and big men.
44. Utah Utes
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 3.25
Alumni Score: 7.25
Players: Andrew Bogut (Warriors C), Andre Miller (Kings PG)
The Utah Utes don't frequently produce NBA talent, but they pop out a high-quality player every few years.
Such is the case for Andre Miller and Andrew Bogut, who have built long, consistent careers and are models of fundamental sharpness at their positions.
Miller is close to the end of his career, so his sparse playing time and intermittent playmaking hurt the school's average win shares. Bogut, on the other hand, is still a force in the paint when healthy. The former No. 1 overall pick (2005) will be a critical contributor to the Golden State Warriors' title pursuit.
Utah's alumni score could get a boost in the coming years. Keep a close eye on rising Utes prospects Jakob Poeltl and Delon Wright.
43. San Diego State Aztecs
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 3.3
Alumni Score: 7.3
Players: Kawhi Leonard (Spurs SF), Malcolm Thomas (76ers PF)
San Diego State has groomed several upper-echelon athletes in recent years, but Kawhi Leonard is the only one to make it big. The school's average NBA win shares are elevated by his colossal impact.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP was derailed by maladies in the early and middle portions of the season, but lately he's been magnificent.
In March, Leonard is averaging 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and a whopping 3.1 steals per game. His massive wingspan and agile strides cover the entire court in a blink, and his developing instincts and confidence fuel dynamic all-around contributions.
While his growth on the offensive end has been remarkable, his dominance on the defensive end may give him a chance at some hardware. His versatility on that end of the floor gives San Antonio loads of flexibility, and he's garnering some buzz for Defensive Player of the Year.
"If Kawhi Leonard isn't somewhere on your DPOY ballot right now, you're probably doing it wrong," tweeted Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.
42. Arkansas Razorbacks
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 3.3
Alumni Score: 7.3
Players: Patrick Beverley (Rockets PG), Joe Johnson (Nets SG)
Joe Johnson and Patrick Beverley both represent the Arkansas Razorbacks in the NBA, but they are two vastly different players who took contrasting paths to the league.
"Iso Joe" played in the Nolan Richardson era, and he was a top-10 pick in 2001 after his sophomore season. He's been a smooth scoring weapon his entire NBA career, although he's not dynamic enough anymore to buoy the Brooklyn Nets.
Beverley left Arkansas after his second year because he admittedly cheated on a class assignment. After a year of playing in Ukraine, he was drafted by the Lakers in the second round in 2009, and he didn't even come to the NBA until three years later with the Houston Rockets. Unlike Johnson, Beverley's NBA forte is defense, and he's an elite on-ball stopper.
41. Boston College Eagles
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 3.85
Alumni Score: 7.85
Players: Jared Dudley (Bucks SF), Reggie Jackson (Pistons G)
Carrying the torch for the Boston College Eagles are two role players whose efforts are often underappreciated.
Jared Dudley has pitched in some timely long-range offense for the Milwaukee Bucks, hitting 40 percent of his triples in a bounce-back campaign. After an injury-hampered 2013-14 for the Los Angeles Clippers, he credited Milwaukee's medical staff with helping him revive his career.
"I think me getting traded was a blessing in disguise," he told Andrew Gruman of Fox Sports Wisconsin in December. "Getting with these (Bucks) trainers that got me healthy...I don't know if any other training staff would have got me healthy. It might have, it might not have, but I'm glad it did."
Reggie Jackson is making BC even prouder. After his trade from Oklahoma City to Detroit, he's churned out robust, multidimensional production: 16.1 points, 8.4 assists and 5.5 rebounds.
40. Wisconsin Badgers
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 1.87
Alumni Score: 7.87
Players: Devin Harris (Mavericks PG), Jon Leuer (Grizzlies PF), Greg Stiemsma (Raptors C)
Bo Ryan's coaching style and system aren't exactly well-tailored for NBA hopefuls, and he doesn't often land recruits who are destined for the pro ranks.
Over the past decade or so, Devin Harris is the only Badger to carve out a long, consistent career. For six straight seasons from 2006-07 to 2011-12, he averaged double-figure scoring while dishing out at least five assists per game in five of those seasons.
Even though his 2009 All-Star campaign with the New Jersey Nets feels like eons ago, he still has a significant role in 2015 with the Dallas Mavericks. Harris is maintaining a clean 3.2 assist-to-turnover ratio while facilitating off Rick Carlisle's bench.
Harris, Greg Stiemsma and John Leuer are the only Wisconsin grads currently playing in the NBA, but they may soon have company. Both Frank Kaminsky and Sam Dekker have the skills and the moxie to make a successful transition once they leave Madison.
39. Butler Bulldogs
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 4.4
Alumni Score: 8.4
Players: Gordon Hayward (Jazz SF), Shelvin Mack (Hawks PG)
Brad Stevens gets a lot of credit for leading his underdog Butler squads to the 2010 and 2011 NCAA title games, and he deserves it. Just don't forget that he had a couple of players who could have played at any major program.
Shelvin Mack was an accomplished scorer in college, but he has played a smaller role for the East-leading Atlanta Hawks this season than he did in 2013-14. His old teammate, on the other hand, is doing a bit of everything for the Utah Jazz.
After a poor shooting campaign last season, Gordon Hayward has reached new levels of success in 2015. He's driving more assertively and strongly, getting to the free-throw line more often and hitting 37 percent of his triple tries. The result is an impressive line of 19.6 points per game, 4.2 assists and a fast track toward bona fide stardom.
38. Maryland Terrapins
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 2.47
Alumni Score: 8.47
Players: Steve Blake (Trail Blazers PG), Alex Len (Suns C), Greivis Vasquez (Raptors PG)
Maryland's three alumni in the NBA aren't blowing anyone away, but they each play crucial roles in their respective rotations.
Steve Blake and Greivis Vasquez are two of the most beloved players in Terrapins history, and they bring the same toughness and energy to their NBA squads. Blake has never been an exciting player, but he's still facilitating off Portland's bench with 3.5 assists per game. In Toronto, Vasquez serves as the Raptors' backup floor general as he directs traffic and hits timely threes.
Former top-five pick Alex Len is finally getting healthy and figuring out his role. The Ukrainian prodigy is posting a modest 6.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, but it translates to a double-double per 36 minutes.
37. Tennessee Volunteers
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 2.53
Alumni Score: 8.53
Players: Tobias Harris (Magic SF), Jarnell Stokes (Grizzlies PF), C.J. Watson (Pacers PG)
Rookie Jarnell Stokes is getting scant opportunities with the title-hungry Memphis Grizzlies, and C.J. Watson's journeyman career currently finds him with the Indiana Pacers. But their endeavors are vastly overshadowed by the handiwork of fellow Tennessee alum Tobias Harris.
The fourth-year Orlando Magic forward is enjoying a career year before he becomes a restricted free agent this summer. In the process of scoring 16.9 points per game, he's drilling three-pointers more frequently and accurately (37 percent of his 3.4 attempts per game).
He's grown so much as a player since he entered the league as a one-and-done youngster. Once Harris was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to Orlando, he immediately made huge strides and started to master his role as a combo forward.
36. Creighton Bluejays
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 2.8
Alumni Score: 8.8
Players: Kyle Korver (Hawks SG), Doug McDermott (Bulls SF), Anthony Tolliver (Pistons F)
Creighton is now in the Big East, but when its current NBA alumni enrolled, it was a mid-major program scrapping in the Missouri Valley Conference.
That school of 4,000-plus undergraduates has a lot to brag about these days, most of which revolves around 2015 All-Star Kyle Korver.
The Atlanta Hawks shooting guard isn't your average long-range specialist. He's hunting the ultra-elusive 50/50/90 season (50 percent on field goals and three-pointers, 90 percent on free throws). Korver's 50 percent clip from behind the arc is crippling opponents and continually injects life into the Atlanta Hawks' East-leading attack.
35. UNLV Runnin' Rebels
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 0.85
Alumni Score: 8.85
Players: Lou Amundson (Knicks PF/C), Joel Anthony (Pistons C), Anthony Bennett (Timberwolves PF), Shawn Marion (Cavaliers SF)
Shawn Marion is a shell of his former self, and Anthony Bennett is still trying to figure out this NBA thing.
Those are UNLV's finest at this point.
On Jan. 21, Marion told Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic that he plans to retire at the end of this season to be with family. It's a good choice, because his basketball powers have almost completely run out. Without his athleticism, he's just a player who can't consistently defend, create or make shots. He hasn't seen more than 10 minutes of playing time in a game since Jan. 4.
In Minnesota, Bennett has struggled mightily to shed the "bust" label. Even before his ankle injury, he had improved only marginally from his rookie year.
34. Villanova Wildcats
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 2.87
Alumni Score: 8.87
Players: Dante Cunningham (Pelicans PF), Randy Foye (Nuggets SG), Kyle Lowry (Raptors PG)
Especially after his 2015 NBA All-Star nod, Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is a source of pride for the Villanova Wildcats program.
His shifty playmaking adventures have yielded 18.6 points and 7.2 assists per game, and he's driven Canada's franchise to the top of the Atlantic Division. Ed Barkowitz of Philly.com noted that Lowry is Villanova's first All-Star in the Jay Wright era.
Current Nova guard Ryan Arcidiacono talked to Barkowitz about Lowry's impact and inspiration to current Wildcats:
"That gives us great pride in Villanova basketball and in Kyle Lowry. That just shows how much work he's put in. Coach has produced NBA players that have been solid, team-first guys. But to have a guy like Kyle, who is becoming a star in the league, has just been great. We see him come in in the summertime before us - at like 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning.
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Other Villanova alumni Randy Foye and Dante Cunningham hold small roles in the league at this juncture, but Wildcats fans can hang their hats on Lowry's stardom.
33. Colorado Buffaloes
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 0.93
Alumni Score: 8.93
Players: Alec Burks (Jazz SG), Chris Copeland (Pacers SF), Spencer Dinwiddie (Pistons PG), Andre Roberson (Thunder SG)
Alec Burks' shoulder injury diminished Colorado's overall impact on the league in 2014-15. Hence the low average win shares. Beyond Burks, there aren't any Buffaloes in featured roles around the league.
Chris Copeland started off the season with a string of productive games for the injury-decimated Indiana Pacers, but his inefficient ways weren't a worthwhile trade-off. Andre Roberson nearly doubled his playing time in Oklahoma City from 2013-14 to 2014-15, but he's still an ancillary component of the Thunder rotation.
Then there's Spencer Dinwiddie, who's played the fewest minutes this season of any Colorado guy. The Detroit Pistons reserve guard actually warrants more hope than Roberson or Copeland, as he's dishing 8.1 assists per 36 minutes.
32. Alabama Crimson Tide
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 0.98
Alumni Score: 8.98
Players: Alonzo Gee (Trail Blazers SF), JaMychal Green (Grizzlies PF), Gerald Wallace (Celtics SF), Mo Williams (Hornets PG)
The chief representative of the Alabama Crimson Tide is Mo Williams, the journeyman who was traded on Feb. 10 from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Charlotte Hornets.
Williams' shooting touch has allowed him to stay relevant, even if it's in places like Minnesota and Charlotte. He notched 12-plus points and six-plus assists during his stint with the Timberwolves, including a 52-point explosion against the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 13. In Charlotte, his production went up to 19-plus points and seven-plus assists per contest.
The other big name coming out of Tuscaloosa is Gerald Wallace, who isn't getting much burn for his buck. He's stuck on the bench during Brad Stevens' quest to rebuild Beantown.
"Sixty NBA players are earning at least $10 million during the 2014-15 season. Boston Celtics small forward Gerald Wallace has played the fewest minutes among them beside Andrea Bargnani," noted B/R's Brian Robb in February.
31. Oklahoma State Cowboys
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 1.08
Alumni Score: 9.08
Players: Tony Allen (Grizzlies SF), Markel Brown (Nets SG), John Lucas (Pistons PG), Marcus Smart (Celtics PG)
The Oklahoma State Cowboys get credit for having four alumni in the NBA, but only two are shouldering meaningful responsibilities in the league.
Fortunately, Tony Allen and Marcus Smart pack enough defensive swagger for four players.
Allen's swingman stoppage is a big reason why the Memphis Grizzlies hold opponents to 95.2 points per game (second-lowest in the NBA) on 44 percent shooting. His talent level and commitment on that end of the floor is rare.
Smart is a defensive predator similar to Allen. While he and the Boston Celtics don't have stingy stats like Allen and the Grizz, he passes the eye test via speed, strength and well-timed aggression.
30. Washington State Cougars
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 5.1
Alumni Score: 9.1
Players: Aron Baynes (Spurs C), Klay Thompson (Warriors SG)
The Washington State Cougars have a high two-player score because Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is a cold-blooded assassin. I liked Thompson's game when he was leaving Pullman for the NBA, but his skills and production have proved more deadly than anyone anticipated.
He's connecting on 43 percent of his triples despite a high volume of attempts (seven per game), but there's much more to his game than outside shooting.
Thompson creates mid-range looks, scores around the rim and (perhaps most importantly) defends multiple positions at an elite level. When guarded by him, opponents shoot just 41.6 percent from the field, per NBA.com SportVU tracking.
This spring, Thompson looks to wrestle the Larry O'Brien Trophy away from fellow Cougar Aron Baynes. The 6'10" Aussie was on the San Antonio Spurs' 2014 title team, and he's seen an increased role this season as a pick-and-roll threat.
29. Gonzaga Bulldogs
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 3.13
Alumni Score: 9.13
Players: Austin Daye (Hawks SF), Kelly Olynyk (Celtics PF/C), Robert Sacre (Lakers C)
Other than a blip on the radar from Austin Daye, the only players representing Gonzaga's proud program in the NBA are Robert Sacre and Kelly Olynyk.
The Canadian duo entered the Association via Mark Few's program in 2012 (Sacre) and 2013 (Olynyk), and they exhibit opposite styles of play.
Sacre does almost all of his damage close to the basket and is mostly an opportunistic scorer. He's more of a blue-collar player, using his sturdy frame and hustle to earn sporadic minutes.
Olynyk's offensive skills are vastly superior, and as such, he's much more productive and valuable. His outside shooting touch is exceptionally fluid for a 7-footer, and he can score from a variety of angles.
28. California Golden Bears
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 1.2
Alumni Score: 9.2
Players: Ryan Anderson (Pelicans PF), Allen Crabbe (Trail Blazers SG/SF), Patrick Christopher (Jazz SG), Jorge Gutierrez (Bucks PG)
California certainly isn't in the upper crust of Pac-12 teams when it comes to NBA talent. Their most notable representative is New Orleans Pelicans stretch 4 Ryan Anderson, and the other alumni are Allen Crabbe of the Portland Trail Blazers, Patrick Christopher of the Utah Jazz and Jorge Gutierrez of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Their alumni score would be higher if Anderson was having his usual sharp-shooting success. Unfortunately, he hasn't been quite as effective this season. His minutes and production have slipped since last year, and he's struggling to find his usual consistency from beyond the arc.
Anderson's 34 percent three-point shooting is a career-worst mark, and it's down seven percentage points from his 41 percent clip in 2013-14. It's several rungs lower than what we've come to expect from him.
27. Missouri Tigers
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 1.95
Alumni Score: 9.95
Players: Jabari Brown (Lakers SG), DeMarre Carroll (Hawks SF), Jordan Clarkson (Lakers G), Phil Pressey (Celtics PG)
Of the four Missouri Tigers alumni competing in the NBA, no one is having more fun than Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll.
He's the type of alert, unselfish role player who fits brilliantly into coach Mike Budenholzer's system. In return, he's getting a lot of high-percentage opportunities and a key role on the East's top-ranked squad.
Carroll knows how to find the soft spots in the defense as a cutter and spot-up shooter, and he's sinking 41 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts, per NBA.com SportVU tracking. He's not an All-Star like the rest of Atlanta's starters, but his ability to connect with them greatly enhances the Hawks offense.
Tigers fans should also keep an eye on Jordan Clarkson's development for the Los Angeles Lakers. The long, athletic combo guard has showcased his potential over the past couple of months. He looks the part of a dangerous playmaker in the future.
26. Stanford Cardinal
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 2.4
Alumni Score: 10.4
Players: Landry Fields (Raptors SF), Brook Lopez (Nets C), Robin Lopez (Trail Blazers C), Dwight Powell (Mavericks PF)
With Landry Fields and Dwight Powell riding the pine for most of the season, the only Stanford alumni logging substantial minutes are Brook and Robin Lopez.
If you've watched the Lopez twins at all, you know that they are starkly different basketball players. Their 2015 statistics illustrate that trend. Brook is smoothly shooting his way to more points (16.0 to 9.6) in less playing time for the Brooklyn Nets, and he's also creating more fouls and free-throw attempts.
Robin makes his mark as a better offensive rebounder and defender, however. Most importantly, Robin will compete in the Western Conference playoffs, whereas Brook and the Nets will likely miss out on the Eastern Conference party.
25. Indiana Hoosiers
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 2.43
Alumni Score: 10.43
Players: Eric Gordon (Pelicans SG), Victor Oladipo (Magic SG), Noah Vonleh (Hornets PF), Cody Zeller (Hornets PF)
Indiana is one of those programs brimming with accolades and tradition, but meager on NBA talent. Only a quartet of Hoosiers call the NBA home.
To Tom Crean's credit, the two players who spent multiple years in his system look like they're on track for successful careers. Cody Zeller's two years in Bloomington prepared him to play an athletic, polished style in the Charlotte Hornets frontcourt. Victor Oladipo developed tremendously during his three seasons under Crean, with his breakout junior year propelling him to the Association.
While Zeller and Oladipo's stocks are rising in 2015, the one-and-done Hoosiers aren't so fortunate.
Eric Gordon, who played under Kelvin Sampson, is not living up to the $58 million contract the New Orleans Pelicans gave him in 2012. In the paint, Noah Vonleh is too raw to warrant significant minutes for the Charlotte Hornets.
24. Baylor Bears
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No. of Alumni: 5
Average Win Shares: 0.46
Alumni Score: 10.46
Players: Quincy Acy (Knicks SF), Cory Jefferson (Nets PF), Perry Jones (Thunder F), Quincy Miller (Pistons SF), Ekpe Udoh (Clippers PF)
Scott Drew has successfully recruited some of the most rangy, athletic specimens to Baylor in recent years. Expansive forwards such as Perry Jones and Quincy Acy were some of the most impressive above-the-rim players in college hoops.
Their transition to the pros, however, has been rocky. Jones, who was once considered a top-five NBA prospect, never developed the instincts or handles to attack and create as a combo forward. Acy has stuck around because he improved his jump shot, but he still relies heavily on his physical tools rather than skills.
No Baylor Bear has averaged more than 20 minutes per game this season, which illustrates the underwhelming stamp the school has put on the NBA. Their most promising prospect, Quincy Miller, barely factors into their alumni score because he's spent more time in the D-League than the big leagues this year.
23. Ohio State Buckeyes
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No. of Alumni: 4
Average Win Shares: 3.03
Alumni Score: 11.03
Players: Mike Conley (Grizzlies PG), Kosta Koufos (Grizzlies C), Jared Sullinger (Celtics PF), Evan Turner (Celtics SG)
It's somewhat surprising that a college of Ohio State's magnitude has only four NBA players.
Memphis Grizzlies floor general Mike Conley is the star of the pack. He controls the tempo of the game, sets up teammates with perfectly timed passes and mixes in a healthy dose of scoring.
Out of all the exciting players on the 2007 NCAA runner-up team, Conley is the only one who forged a sustained NBA career. He doesn't survive with mind-blowing quickness or agility, but rather he outplays opponents with angles and positional adjustments on both ends.
The next-best Buckeye is Jared Sullinger, who was tallying 14.4 points and 8.1 boards per night before suffering a stress fracture in his foot. He's reportedly been struggling with weight issues for most of his career, and he's set a goal to get down to 260 pounds by autumn, per ESPNBoston.com's Jackie MacMullan.
22. Arizona State Sun Devils
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No. of Alumni: 2
Average Win Shares: 7.4
Alumni Score: 11.4
Players: Jeff Ayres (Spurs PF/C), James Harden (Rockets SG)
The Arizona State Sun Devils have the highest alumni score of any two-player school in our rankings, by far. Their number is inflated thanks to James Harden's seismic value and win shares (13.9) for the Houston Rockets.
After all, Harden is a deserving MVP candidate this season. He's not only in the hunt for the scoring title, he's also doling out 7.0 assists per night and swiping 1.9 steals with his improved defense. His strength and nose for the rim make him an impossible matchup for most defenders.
The other Sun Devil roaming the NBA hardwood is San Antonio Spurs big man Jeff Ayres. He's in his fifth year and has a ring after chipping in 13 minutes per game on last year's title team, but his playing time is down in 2014-15.
21. Texas A&M Aggies
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No. of Alumni: 3
Average Win Shares: 6.1
Alumni Score: 12.1
Players: DeAndre Jordan (Clippers C), Khris Middleton (Bucks SF), Donald Sloan (Pacers PG)
Texas A&M doesn't have an army of ballers in the NBA, but a couple of their alumni are high-impact assets.
Leading the NBA in rebounds per game (14.8), field-goal percentage (71 percent) and defensive rebound percentage (32.4 percent) is Los Angeles Clippers anchor DeAndre Jordan. He carried an impressive workload in the paint while Blake Griffin nursed his elbow injury.
The big fella hasn't improved massively as a scoring pivot man, but his presence and expansive rebounding range routinely changes games. He possesses an ultra-unique blend of rocket-launched leaping with a sturdy physique.
Khris Middleton is admittedly filling a bigger role than I ever anticipated. The 39th pick in the 2012 draft is scoring in double figures by shooting 43 percent from downtown, and he's a competent passer and increasingly disciplined defender.
20. Syracuse Orange
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 1.07
Alumni Score: 13.07
Players: Carmelo Anthony (Knicks SF), Michael Carter-Williams (Bucks PG), Tyler Ennis (Bucks PG), Jerami Grant (76ers SF), Wesley Johnson (Lakers SF), Dion Waiters (Thunder SG)
Jim Boeheim's current collection of players in the NBA are talented, yet none are catalysts for championship-contending clubs.
Carmelo Anthony is the poster boy for Syracuse hoops, but he has endured a rough year in New York with substandard teammates and equally frustrating knee issues. Fellow top-five picks Wesley Johnson and Dion Waiters are struggling to live up to their draft statuses.
There is a bright spot, however. The Orange's most recent first-round picks—Milwaukee Bucks' newly acquired guards Michael Carter-Williams and Tyler Ennis—are cruising toward the playoffs.
Syracuse has been known to field some of the most towering and athletic lineups in college basketball, but only a small percentage cultivate the refined skills necessary to stick in the Association. That's why only a half-dozen former players are in the big leagues.
19. Louisiana State Tigers
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 1.48
Alumni Score: 13.48
Players: Brandon Bass (Celtics PF), Glen Davis (Clippers PF), Justin Hamilton (Timberwolves C), Johnny O'Bryant (Bucks PF), Garrett Temple (Wizards SG), Marcus Thornton (Suns SG)
LSU is better known for its endeavors on the gridiron, and rightfully so. However, the Tigers have delivered the third-most alumni in the NBA among SEC schools.
Don't get too excited about the talent level. The next Shaquille O'Neal isn't anywhere to be found in this crop. Brandon Bass is the only player to see more than 20 minutes per game this season.
LSU's alumni are either still trying to establish themselves in the league (see: Garrett Temple, Justin Hamilton and Johnny O'Bryant) or are veterans past their peak (see: Glen Davis and Marcus Thornton).
18. Marquette Golden Eagles
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No. of Alumni: 5
Average Win Shares: 4.52
Alumni Score: 14.52
Players: Jimmy Butler (Bulls SG), Jae Crowder (Celtics SF), Wesley Matthews (Trail Blazers SG), Steve Novak (Thunder F), Dwyane Wade (Heat SG)
Tops among the five-player schools is Marquette, a program that has delivered a handful of durable cogs.
Dwyane Wade's three NBA titles speak for themselves, but the hard-nosed overachievers from Buzz Williams' tenure are quite impressive. Jimmy Butler has turned into a scary two-way All-Star for the Chicago Bulls, Wesley Matthews shined for the Portland Trail Blazers prior to his Achilles injury, and Jae Crowder is a quality second-round pick.
"(Williams) teaches defense, how to compete, work ethic, and you know you are going to get a tough-minded kid when he's coached by Buzz," one NBA executive told ESPN's Jeff Goodman.
Williams is no longer at Marquette, but his former Golden Eagles are doing him proud in the NBA.
17. Michigan State Spartans
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 2.65
Alumni Score: 14.65
Players: Alan Anderson (Nets SG), Draymond Green (Warriors PF), Gary Harris (Nuggets SG), Adreian Payne (Timberwolves PF), Zach Randolph (Grizzlies PF), Jason Richardson (76ers SF)
Michigan State's rating is subdued thanks to the mild impact of rookies Adreian Payne and Gary Harris, but we won't fail to mention how good Tom Izzo's top products are.
Draymond Green and Zach Randolph are both perfect examples of smarts and toughness trumping athleticism or electrifying skills. It's no coincidence that they play for the top two squads in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies.
Z-bo has made a living off winning the battle for position in the post, and he's putting up his second-highest per-minute rebounding rate (12.0 per 36 minutes). Green also is a master of getting position, because he's leading the league in defensive win shares (4.9) and is second in defensive rating (96.3).
16. Southern California Trojans
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 2.97
Alumni Score: 14.97
Players: DeMar DeRozan (Raptors SG), DeWayne Dedmon (Magic C), Taj Gibson (Bulls PF), O.J. Mayo (Bucks SG), Nikola Vucevic (Magic C), Nick Young (Lakers SG)
Southern California is dwarfed by Los Angeles neighbor UCLA in both college hoops prestige and NBA alumni, but it has a talented half-dozen players in the Association.
DeMar DeRozan, Nick Young and O.J. Mayo can generate buckets on the wing, however none of them are particularly efficient (Mayo has the highest field-goal percentage of that trio at 42 percent). They're all great shot-creators, but sometimes they're a little too creative.
In the paint, the Trojans feature some workhorses. Taj Gibson keeps on trucking along as a key frontcourt reserve for the Chicago Bulls, and Nikola Vucevic has flourished into an outstanding scorer and rebounder for the Orlando Magic. The Swiss import is registering 19.4 points and 11.1 boards per night in his breakout campaign.
15. Michigan Wolverines
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No. of Alumni: 7
Average Win Shares: 1.04
Alumni Score: 15.04
Players: Trey Burke (Jazz PG), Jamal Crawford (Clippers SG), Tim Hardaway Jr. (Knicks SG), Mitch McGary (Thunder PF), Darius Morris (Nets PG), Glenn Robinson (76ers PG), Nik Stauskas (Kings SG)
John Beilein has done a great job of quickly developing middle-tier recruits into collegiate stars. Trey Burke and Nik Stauskas weren't highly touted nationally when they started their Michigan careers, but they departed Ann Arbor under the bright lights of NBA draft fame. Gary Parrish of CBS Sports explains:
"Beilein doesn't have a national title like (Mike Krzyzewski, John Calipari, Bill Self and Roy Williams) do, and he hasn't put as many players in the NBA, either. But what he's done is arguably more impressive, because what he's done is help turn borderline top-80 high school prospects into top-10 picks in consecutive NBA Drafts...
Of the 20 players selected in the top 10 of the past two NBA Drafts, 18 were former top 75 prospects and/or players who spent at least three seasons in college. The only exceptions? Burke and Stauskas.
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However, when Beilein's boys get to the NBA, the results are mixed. Burke has had an up-and-down couple of years for the Utah Jazz, and Stauskas is just starting to find a foothold with the Sacramento Kings.
One prospect who's been quite encouraging (other than veteran Jamal Crawford, of course) is Mitch McGary. He's putting up 16.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per 36 minutes, and he looks like he'll gradually find a niche in the league.
14. Memphis Tigers
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No. of Alumni: 7
Average Win Shares: 1.22
Alumni Score: 15.22
Players: Earl Barron (Suns PF), Will Barton (Nuggets SG), Joey Dorsey (Rockets C), Tyreke Evans (Pelicans G), Derrick Rose (Bulls PG), Elliot Williams (Pelicans SG), Shawne Williams (Pistons SF)
When Derrick Rose or Tyreke Evans have the ball, there's always a good chance something captivating will happen. The former Memphis megastars thrived in John Calipari's dribble-drive offense, and they're dangerous playmakers off the bounce at the NBA level.
In his first substantial stretch of hoops since 2012, Rose struggled to regain his old form. His solid, if inefficient January carried over into February until he was sidelined to undergo meniscus surgery. Bulls fans' long-term hopes for him are hanging by a thread at this juncture.
Evans is enjoying an increased role for the New Orleans Pelicans, posting a career-best 6.4 assists per contest along with his most points per game (16.5) since 2011. He's a handful for one player to guard, so he burns entire teams when they fail to rotate properly.
13. Georgetown Hoyas
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 3.37
Alumni Score: 15.37
Players: Jeff Green (Grizzlies PF), Roy Hibbert (Pacers C), Greg Monroe (Pistons PF), Otto Porter (Wizards SF), Henry Sims (76ers C), Hollis Thompson (76ers SG)
When you think of Georgetown, you think centers.
Roy Hibbert and Greg Monroe aren't exactly the reincarnations of Patrick Ewing and Dikembe Mutombo, but they're formidable anchors of Central Division teams.
Hibbert's towering 7'2" frame helps him wear down opponents, and Monroe's craftiness as a high-post and low-post operator buoys the Detroit Pistons. The Motown middleman has manufactured a better season than Hibbert, averaging a double-double while notching an offensive rating of 109.
Jeff Green is the other major Hoya leaving an imprint on the NBA; his statistics are down since he swapped from Boston to Memphis, but a deep playoff run with the Grizzlies should be worth it.
12. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 3.7
Alumni Score: 15.7
Players: Chris Bosh (Heat PF), Derrick Favors (Jazz PF), Jarrett Jack (Nets PG), Anthony Morrow (Thunder SG), Iman Shumpert (Cavaliers SG), Thaddeus Young (Nets F)
With LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Chris Bosh was back to scoring 20-plus per night for the Miami Heat. He reminded us why he was a top-five pick out of Georgia Tech in 2003.
That is, until a blood clot in his lung ended his season and gave everyone a scare. The whole basketball world expressed its concern when the news broke in February, which speaks volumes about his value to the league, let alone the Heat.
While Bosh is the Yellow Jackets' most well-established star in the NBA, the school's brightest young up-and-comer is Derrick Favors, who is posting 15.9 points and 8.1 rebounds for the Utah Jazz. Much like Bosh, he's showing us why he was a top-five pick in 2010.
11. Washington Huskies
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No. of Alumni: 8
Average Win Shares: 1.54
Alumni Score: 17.54
Players: Spencer Hawes (Clippers PF), Justin Holiday (Warriors SG), Quincy Pondexter (Pelicans SF), Nate Robinson (Clippers PG), Terrence Ross (Raptors SG), Isaiah Thomas (Celtics PG), C.J. Wilcox (Clippers SG), Tony Wroten (76ers SG)
As recently as a couple of years ago, the most high-profile Washington product in the NBA was Nate Robinson. With Robinson's career on the downswing, the Huskies banner is being waved by the likes of Isaiah Thomas, Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten.
Thomas had a smaller role for the Phoenix Suns than he would have liked, but he posted 20-plus points and five-plus assists for the Celtics before his back sidelined him. Ross (Toronto Raptors) and Wroten (Philadelphia 76ers), who both entered the NBA a year after Thomas, are still developing but have offered episodes of offensive fireworks.
On the Pacific Coast, a pair of Washington alumni play peripheral roles on teams with championship aspirations. Justin Holiday has held his own in Golden State's system during rotational stints off the Warriors bench, and Spencer Hawes is a sporadically used stretch big for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lorenzo Romar doesn't usually furnish top-tier NBA stars, but he's delivered some underrated prospects (like Robinson and Thomas) who have outperformed draft expectations.
10. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
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No. of Alumni: 6
Average Win Shares: 5.58
Alumni Score: 17.58
Players: Al-Farouq Aminu (Mavericks F), Tim Duncan (Spurs PF), James Johnson (Raptors F), Chris Paul (Clippers PG), Ish Smith (Rockets PG), Jeff Teague (Hawks PG)
Tim Duncan, Chris Paul and Jeff Teague played in three different eras for three different coaches at Wake Forest, but they all found their way to the 2015 NBA All-Star team.
Duncan is in the twilight of his career, but his twilight is still better than most players' heydays. His impact has never been dependent on quickness or athleticism, so he keeps schooling youngsters with his timing, positioning and dexterity.
In the backcourt, Teague and CP3 are both in their primes and orchestrating tremendous offensive units. Paul is doing everything in his power to catapult the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Atlanta Hawks quarterback is directing the most balanced offense in the Eastern Conference.
Outside of the three All-Stars, the Demon Deacons boast two explosive bench players on playoff-bound clubs. James Johnson (Toronto Raptors) and Al-Farouq Aminu (Dallas Mavericks) both play 17-plus minutes per game while supplying versatile defense and above-the-rim offense.
9. Texas Longhorns
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No. of Alumni: 8
Average Win Shares: 4.03
Alumni Score: 20.03
Players: LaMarcus Aldridge (Trail Blazers PF), D.J. Augustin (Thunder PG), Avery Bradley (Celtics G), Kevin Durant (Thunder SF), Jordan Hamilton (Clippers SF), Cory Joseph (Spurs PG), Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers PF), P.J. Tucker (Suns SF)
Nearly every Texas Longhorn alum in the NBA is invaluable to his club. Even unheralded players such as P.J. Tucker are critical reserves for playoff-bound teams.
When he was healthy, Kevin Durant was his usual lethal self, shooting 50-plus percent from the field and 40-plus percent from beyond the arc. The result was a sizzling .633 true shooting mark and perpetual fear in the hearts of his adversaries. The only question is how soon he'll trade his street clothes in for his jersey.
LaMarcus Aldridge is the other 2015 All-Star Longhorn, and his career-high 23.5 points per game have steered the Portland Trail Blazers to the fourth seed in the brutal Western Conference.
A common trait among these Texas ballers is toughness, whether it's a star like Durant or a scrappy role player such as Avery Bradley or D.J. Augustin.
8. Connecticut Huskies
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No. of Alumni: 9
Average Win Shares: 2.41
Alumni Score: 20.41
Players: Caron Butler (Pistons SF), Andre Drummond (Pistons C), Rudy Gay (Kings PF), Ben Gordon (Magic SG), Jeremy Lamb (Thunder SG), Shabazz Napier (Heat PG), A.J. Price (Suns PG), Charlie Villanueva (Mavericks PF), Kemba Walker (Hornets PG)
Members of Jim Calhoun (2004, 2011) and Kevin Ollie's (2014) NCAA title teams are scattered across the NBA, but two UConn Huskies who didn't win a college tourney are the biggest stars in the pros.
Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay is the most prolific offensive weapon of the bunch. He's averaging 19.9 points per game on so-so shooting percentages (45 percent from the field, 36 percent on threes), but he's also averaging career highs in free-throw attempts, free-throw percentage and assists.
The other championship-less stud is Andre Drummond, who's well on his way to a dominant career in the paint. This season, he's averaging a whopping 15.7 rebounds per 36 minutes to go along with 16 points, and he leads the Association in offensive rebounding percentage (18.3 percent).
What about the notable championship heroes? Kemba Walker is toiling admirably (albeit inefficiently) in a losing effort for the Charlotte Hornets, and Charlie Villanueva's scoring has pleasantly enhanced the Dallas Mavericks bench corps.
7. Florida Gators
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No of Alumni: 11
Average Win Shares: 3.14
Alumni Score: 25.14
Players: Bradley Beal (Wizards SG), Matt Bonner (Spurs F), Corey Brewer (Rockets SF), Nick Calathes (Grizzlies PG), Udonis Haslem (Heat PF), Al Horford (Hawks C), David Lee (Warriors PF), Mike Miller (Cavaliers SG), Joakim Noah (Chicago Bulls C), Chandler Parsons (Mavericks SF), Marreese Speights (Warriors PF/C)
The interior impact of Al Horford and Joakim Noah will influence the complexion of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Meanwhile, former second-round picks such as Chandler Parsons and Matt Bonner continue to vastly outplay their draft spots. Marreese Speights is having a career year. Bradley Beal is a key cog for Washington. The list goes on.
What's with the Florida Gators party?
Billy Donovan is the answer, if you ask ESPN's Jeff Goodman. He explained that Donovan's pupils are well-prepared because he implements several NBA-esque sets into his game plan:
"Donovan has churned out plenty of pros lately, and many of them are excelling in the NBA....There’s a reason he's as highly sought after in NBA circles as any college coach in the country. "He runs a lot of pro stuff and integrates a lot of wrinkles," one NBA exec said. "He has an innovative playbook. ... He just gets it."
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With so many Florida alumni on contending teams, it wouldn't be surprising if a Gator wound up with the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June.
6. Arizona Wildcats
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No. of Alumni: 12
Average Win Shares: 1.87
Alumni Score: 25.87
Players: Jerryd Bayless (Bucks G), Chase Budinger (Timberwolves SF), Channing Frye (Magic PF), Aaron Gordon (Magic F), Jordan Hill (Lakers PF/C), Solomon Hill (Pacers SF), Andre Iguodala (Warriors SG), Richard Jefferson (Mavericks SF), Grant Jerrett (Jazz PF), Nick Johnson (Rockets SG), Jason Terry (Rockets SG), Derrick Williams (Kings PF)
The Arizona Wildcats land high in our rankings due to their 12-pack of players, but their low win-shares average reflects underwhelming quality across the board.
Some of the program's biggest NBA stars, such as Jason Terry, Andre Iguodala and Richard Jefferson, are past their primes and not stuffing the stat sheet anymore. And the young prospects coming up are either disappointing (think Derrick Williams) or still getting their feet wet (like Aaron Gordon).
Iguodala doesn't have as much spring in his step as he used to, but he could be a part of something special this spring. We shouldn't overlook his role as a supplementary swingman for the high-octane Golden State Warriors.
Arizona's impact in the NBA is lower than the other powerhouse schools right now. But Aaron Gordon's development and Stanley Johnson's entrance to the league might soon change things.
5. UCLA Bruins
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No. of Alumni: 14
Average Win Shares: 2.8
Alumni Score: 30.8
Players: Jordan Adams (Grizzlies SG), Arron Afflalo (Trail Blazers SG), Kyle Anderson (Spurs SF), Trevor Ariza (Rockets SF), Matt Barnes (Clippers SF), Darren Collison (Kings PG), Jrue Holiday (Pelicans PG), Ryan Hollins (Kings C), Zach LaVine (Timberwolves PG), Kevin Love (Cavaliers PF), Luc Mbah a Moute (76ers SF) Shabazz Muhammad (Timberwolves SF), Travis Wear (Knicks SF), Russell Westbrook (Thunder PG)
When it comes to NBA point guard prowess, few schools can boast a trio as polished as UCLA's.
Russell Westbrook is the most formidable Bruin right now, and he's been on a tear lately while trying to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs. If you haven't witnessed some of his latest theatrics, you need to get your basketball-watching priorities in order.
While the 2015 All-Star Game MVP is busy attacking the rim and scowling his way to victory, a couple of overshadowed UCLA floor generals have had injury-hampered seasons. Neither Darren Collison (hip) nor Jrue Holiday (leg) have played since early February.
Kevin Love is having a highly publicized down year in his new role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but a potential title run this spring should be pleasant new territory for him.
4. Kansas Jayhawks
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No. of Alumni: 15
Average Win Shares: 1.96
Alumni Score: 31.96
Players: Cole Aldrich (Knicks C), Darrell Arthur (Nuggets PF), Tarik Black (Lakers C), Mario Chalmers (Heat PG), Nick Collison (Thunder PF), Drew Gooden (Wizards PF), Kirk Hinrich (Bulls G), Ben McLemore (Kings SG), Marcus Morris (Suns PF), Markieff Morris (Suns PF), Paul Pierce (Wizards SF), Thomas Robinson (76ers PF), Brandon Rush (Warriors SF), Andrew Wiggins (Timberwolves SF), Jeff Withey (Pelicans C)
The 2015 Kansas Jayhawks bowed out of the NCAA tournament in the round of 32, but the program's prestigious legacy continues to influence the NBA in all shapes and sizes.
Thirty-seven-year-old veteran star Paul Pierce is finishing his career on a strong note as a key rotational wing for the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, rookie phenom Andrew Wiggins is starting off his career with one explosive play after another.
The Morris twins are a unique NBA story for Jayhawks fans to follow with pride. Not many twins get the chance to dominate college hoops together and then get picked consecutively on draft night. As a bonus, they're combining for 50-plus minutes and 25-plus points per game for the Phoenix Suns.
Thanks to some veterans who are declining in production (think Drew Gooden, Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison), the Jayhawks' average win shares is on the low side compared to other major programs.
But don't worry; youngsters such as Wiggins, Ben McLemore and Joel Embiid should help boost that number in the near future.
*Win-shares average does not include Joel Embiid, who has not yet played an NBA game.
3. North Carolina Tar Heels
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No. of Alumni: 17
Average Win Shares: 2.91
Alumni Score: 36.91
Players: Harrison Barnes (Warriors SF), Reggie Bullock (Suns SG), Vince Carter (Grizzlies SG), Ed Davis (Lakers PF), Wayne Ellington (Lakers SG), Raymond Felton (Mavericks PG), Danny Green (Spurs SG), P.J. Hairston (Hornets SG), Tyler Hansbrough (Raptors PF), Brendan Haywood (Cavaliers C), John Henson (Bucks PF/C), Ty Lawson (Nuggets SG), Kendall Marshall (Bucks PG), James McAdoo (Warriors PF), Marvin Williams (Hornets PF), Brandan Wright (Suns PF), Tyler Zeller (Celtics C)
Chapel Hill has churned out a truckload of quality NBA players recently, although none are currently superstars.
Ty Lawson, Danny Green and Harrison Barnes are the most productive North Carolina alumni, considering Vince Carter has faded in recent years. Lawson supplies the same relentless speed to the Denver Nuggets that he used to fuel UNC's 2009 NCAA title run, while Green and Barnes both serve critical roles on Western Conference playoff squads.
The aforementioned guards and wings are Roy Williams' top products, but his most common NBA players are athletic big men.
John Henson, Brandan Wright, Tyler Zeller, Tyler Hansbrough and Ed Davis are all mobile towers who run the floor fluidly and capitalize on every opportunity above the rim. They don't do much post-up work, but they feast off rebounds and transition opportunities.
2. Kentucky Wildcats
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No. of Alumni: 17
Average Win Shares: 3.41
Alumni Score: 37.41
Players: Eric Bledsoe (Suns PG), DeMarcus Cousins (Kings C), Anthony Davis (Pelicans PF), Archie Goodwin (Suns SG), Chuck Hayes (Raptors PF), Terrence Jones (Rockets PF), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Hornets SF), Brandon Knight (Suns PG), Jodie Meeks (Pistons SG), Nazr Mohammed (Bulls C), Nerlens Noel (76ers PF/C), Patrick Patterson (Raptors PF), Tayshaun Prince (Pistons SF), Julius Randle (Lakers PF), Rajon Rondo (Mavericks PG), John Wall (Wizards PG), James Young (Celtics SG)
Kentucky doesn't have quite enough players to get the top spot in our scoring system, but no school rivals Big Blue Nation when it comes to NBA star power.
In addition to the three 2015 All-Stars (Anthony Davis, DeMarcus Cousins and John Wall), they have a robust crop of highly productive standouts. Guards like Eric Bledsoe, Rajon Rondo and Brandon Knight are all quarterbacks of teams in the playoff hunt.
The vast majority of Wildcats currently in the Association are products of John Calipari's tenure, but four ballers are from previous regimes (Rondo, Tayshaun Prince, Jodie Meeks and Nazr Mohammed).
The Big Three of "Boogie," Wall and "The Brow" are devastating enough by themselves to dismantle the bragging rights of most schools. Even though they're already All-Stars, their best days probably haven't bloomed yet.
*Excludes Enes Kanter, Kentucky recruit who was ruled permanently ineligible in 2011 and did not play in a single game for the Wildcats.
1. Duke Blue Devils
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No. of Alumni: 20
Average Win Shares: 2.09
Alumni Score: 42.09
Players: Carlos Boozer (Lakers PF), Elton Brand (Hawks PF), Seth Curry (Suns G), Andre Dawkins (Heat SG), Luol Deng (Heat SF), Mike Dunleavy (Bulls SF), Gerald Henderson (Hornets SG), Rodney Hood (Jazz SF), Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers PG), Dahntay Jones (Clippers SG), Ryan Kelly (Lakers PF), Josh McRoberts (Heat PF), Jabari Parker (Bucks F), Mason Plumlee (Nets C), Miles Plumlee (Bucks C), Shavlik Randolph (Celtics PF), J.J. Redick (Clippers SG), Austin Rivers (Clippers G), Kyle Singler (Thunder SF), Lance Thomas (Knicks SF)
Whether you love or hate the Duke Blue Devils, you can't deny that Mike Krzyzewski's imprint is all over the NBA. The Cameron Crazies boast the deepest cast of alumni playing in the league, with a slew of role players and some stars at the top.
Kyrie Irving is currently the undisputed MVP of this group, because former stars like Carlos Boozer are well beyond their primes, and rising stars like Jabari Parker haven't peaked yet.
"Uncle Drew" is one of the most electrifying playmakers in the league; he can weave his way into the paint to break down opposing defenses, but he also cripples foes and lights up the scoreboard by drilling 41 percent of his triples.
Most of the other active NBA players on Coach K's resume aren't stars, but they're some of the most useful role players in the league.
Luol Deng remains a superb model of what it means to be a complementary player. The Plumlees bring a potent blend of size and athleticism to the paint, and wings J.J. Redick and Mike Dunleavy are deadly from deep.
Each of these pros operates with the type of unselfishness and collaborative awareness that are hallmarks of Coach K's teams.
Daniel O'Brien covers the NBA and NBA draft for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter: @DanielO_BR
