Top 3 NCAA champions who went on to have poor NBA careers, featuring Jahlil Okafor, Tyler Hansbrough, and more
Heroes are born during March Madness as the top college players are able to etch their name in history. However, this does not always pave the way for their basketball careers in the way most hope.
With a new set of players set to make their names known, here is a look at the highs and lows of a few college stars. These three players reached the pinnacle of college basketball by securing an NCAA championship before underwhelming in the NBA in a major way.
Top 3 NCAA Champions who were NBA busts
#3, Tyler Hansbrough
A true star of college basketball at the time, Tyler Hansbrough became synonymous with North Carolina basketball during his four years at Chapel Hill. The big man became the first player in Atlantic Coast Conference history to be named to the All-ACC First team four times, as well as being a four-time All-American.
Hansbrough put an exclamation point on his college career in 2009 when UNC won the national championship. He averaged 20.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, which were steps back from his production the year before. The big man was still the engine that made UNC go, and he played himself into being the 13th pick in the draft, getting selected by the Indiana Pacers.
His NBA career did not produce as much success. Hansboro spent four seasons with the Pacers where he was unable to grow into more of a rotational big-man role. He then bounced around to the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets before taking his talents overseas. He spent some time in China, playing for three different teams, and currently plays in Puerto Rico.
15 years ago today, Tyler Hansbrough dunked on 7’7 Kenny George https://t.co/LIG1IIZ3hB
#2, Jahlil Okafor
While he may not have had as much success as Hansboro, Jahlil Okafor was just as dominant during his collegiate reign. The Duke standout spent just one season in school, averaging 17.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 1.4 blocks per game. He was a consensus All-American, ACC Rookie of the Year, ACC Player of the Year and a member of the 2015 NCAA championship team.
Duke secured a championship victory over Wisconsin, which was led by Frank Kaminsky. Okafor spent a great deal of the game in foul trouble but returned to the matchup for two key baskets to help secure a 68-63 victory. The Chicago native was then drafted third the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2015 draft.
Duke rewind: Jahlil Okafor’s and 1 in the closing minutes of the National Championship, inching Duke closer to another banner. https://t.co/G2uY4R1gyC
The post dominance that he produced in college did not translate at the NBA level. He had an impressive rookie season, averaging 17.5 ppg and 7.0 rpg, but was unable to reach these totals ever again. Okafor saw his role reduced with the Sixers before the two sides parted ways. He played for the Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons before signing in China.
After a season in China, Okafor signed with Capitanes de Ciudad de Mexico, where he ended up being traded to the Delaware Blue Coats, who are the G League affiliate of the 76ers.
#1, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Another one-and-done prospect, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, looked to have NBA stardom in his future. In his lone season at Kentucky, he averaged 11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 1.9 assists. While his numbers didn't jump off the page, Kidd-Gilchrist was a consensus second-team All-American, first-team All-SEC, All-SEC Freshman team and All-SEC Defensive team.
He played a key role in Kentucky's NCAA championship run and 38-2 record. They ultimately took down Kansas 67-59, with the help of teammate Anthony Davis, for their eighth national championship. Kidd-Gilchrist then was drafted second by the Charlotte Bobcats.
Despite showing some flashes of potential early on, Kidd-Gilchrist was never able to grow into the star it was hoped. He spent eight seasons in Charlotte, where he averaged 8.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg in his 24.6 minutes per game. He joined the Dallas Mavericks for the 2019-20 season but saw action in just 13 games.
At the age of just 26, Kidd-Gilchrist was out of the NBA and has not signed with any professional teams since this point. His peak in college was exciting to watch, but he did not live up to his sky-high potential at the professional level.