College Basketball Teams with Most Players in the NBA

Tue, Nov 14, 2023
by CapperTek

The NBA accommodates 17 players for each of its 30 teams, with two of them typically on two-way contracts. At the beginning of a new season, the league can have a maximum of 510 players. Colleges have long served as a crucial feeder for the NBA.

Over the past decade, Kentucky and Duke have emerged as powerhouses in college basketball, particularly in recruiting, leading to an impressive alumni presence in the NBA.

As NBA rosters transition between the draft and the onset of free agency, they experience both fullness and fluidity. As the season gets underway, many players currently listed on NBA rosters will either find themselves reassigned to the D-League or exploring career opportunities beyond North America, opting to play internationally, while some may decide to retire, concluding their professional basketball journeys. (number denotes current active players)

University of Kentucky - 26

Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky, nestled in Lexington, boasts a rich history as one of the southern United States' oldest universities. Renowned for programs in business, engineering, law, medicine, and the humanities, it's also a powerhouse for NBA talent production.

The Kentucky Wildcats, the university's men's basketball team, are legendary, securing 8 NCAA National Championships, the latest in 2012. With 2 NIT Championships and an impressive 56 NCAA Tournament appearances, the Wildcats are a force on the court and a breeding ground for stellar players and coaches like John Calipari, Adolph Rupp, and Anthony Davis.

Having 26 active players is no mean feat, and NBA fans will be looking at the progress of each, with plenty to wager via the best NBA betting sites on Sports Geek.

University of Duke – 25

Founded in 1838 as Trinity College by James Buchanan Duke, Duke University stands as a premier private research institution in Durham, North Carolina.

At the heart of Duke's sporting eminence is its men's basketball team, the Duke Blue Devils, renowned for an impressive legacy:

  • Clinching 5 NCAA National Championships, the latest in 2015

  • Amassing 15 appearances in the esteemed Final Four

  • Capturing 21 ACC regular-season championships

  • Achieving 20 ACC tournament championships

The Duke Blue Devils, a symbol of excellence, have fostered exceptional players and coaches, including luminaries such as the legendary Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K), Christian Laettner, Grant Hill, J.J. Redick, Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, and more.

University of North Carolina - 12

Established in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) stands as the oldest public university in the United States, renowned for its status as a premier public research institution and consistent top national university rankings.

In the realm of college basketball, UNC's men's basketball team, the Tar Heels, boasts an impressive legacy. They are considered among the favorites to clinch the 7th NCAA National Championship this season. You can check out betting trends for more. Honors include:

  • Securing 6 NCAA National Championships, the latest in 2017 

  • Making 20 appearances in the coveted Final Four

  • Clinching 18 ACC regular-season championships

  • Garnering 21 ACC tournament championships

The Tar Heels have been a breeding ground for remarkable players and coaches, including luminaries such as Michael Jordan, James Worthy, Vince Carter, Roy Williams, and Dean Smith. UNC's basketball history continues to unfold, contributing to the rich narrative of this esteemed institution.

University of Kansas – 12

Established in 1865, the University of Kansas (KU) is a distinguished public research institution in Lawrence, Kansas.

The University of Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team is hailed as one of the most celebrated programs in its category, boasting a myriad of achievements:

  • 3 NCAA National Championships (1952, 1988, and 2008)

  • 14 appearances in the prestigious Final Four

  • 15 regular-season Big 12 Conference championships

  • 14 Big 12 tournament championships

The team's legacy extends beyond accolades, nurturing well-known players and coaches such as Wilt Chamberlain, Paul Pierce, Danny Manning, and Bill Self.

University of UCLA - 11

Founded in 1919, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), stands as a distinguished public research institution in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. As the second oldest among the ten campuses in the University of California system, UCLA has become synonymous with academic and athletic excellence.

The UCLA Bruins men's basketball team is a powerhouse with a remarkable history, securing 11 NCAA National Championships, the latest in 1995. Their 18 appearances in the Final Four stand as a record in NCAA history. The team has been a breeding ground for legends like John Wooden, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Walton, Reggie Miller, Kyle Anderson, Lonzo Ball, and Jrue Holiday.