Stephen Curry: Davidson College
Curry’s Breakthrough at Davidson
Before joining Davidson College, the school had not made it past the Elite Eight since 1969. In 2008, during his junior year, Curry became the standout player, averaging 32 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game in the tournament. Even LeBron James, already a dominant force in the NBA, came to watch Curry play. Although Davidson fell short by a narrow margin against Kansas in the Elite Eight, Curry’s sharpshooting skills were already making waves.
Russell Westbrook & Kevin Love: UCLA
Dynamic Duo at UCLA
Love often played the role of quarterback on the court during his college days, with Westbrook as his formidable ally. Together, they led UCLA to the Final Four in 2008. As a freshman, Love averaged 17.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, earning him multiple accolades. Westbrook and Love were subsequently drafted 4th and 5th overall in the NBA Draft that year.
Derrick Rose: University of Memphis
Rise of Rose at Memphis
In 2008, Derrick Rose, a freshman at the University of Memphis, showcased his killer instincts during March Madness. While his regular season stats were solid, it was during the tournament where he truly shone, averaging 20.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Despite leading Memphis to the Final Four with an impressive performance against UCLA, they ultimately fell short in the championship game against Kansas. Nevertheless, Rose’s talent was undeniable as he later became the number one overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Gordon Hayward: Butler University
Butler’s Cinderella Run
Butler University’s unexpected journey to the championship game in 2010 captured the nation’s attention. Hayward played a pivotal role, nearly clinching victory with a dramatic shot in the final moments. Coached by Brad Stevens, who is now the president of the Boston Celtics, Hayward’s performance showcased his potential before making his mark in the NBA.
Anthony Davis: University of Kentucky
Dominated by Davis
Despite only playing one year at the University of Kentucky, Davis left a lasting impression. He led Kentucky to the 2012 championship with averages of 15.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks per game during March Madness. Davis was widely recognized as the best college player that year and went on to be the top pick in the NBA Draft.
Devin Booker & Karl-Anthony Towns: University of Kentucky
Kentucky’s Freshman Phenoms
In 2014-15, Kentucky boasted an impressive 38-0 record before falling short in the Final Four against Wisconsin. Both Booker and Towns, freshmen at the time, played significant roles in the team’s success. Towns later became the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, while Booker was selected by the Phoenix Suns at number 13.
Jalen Brunson: Villanova University
Leading Villanova to Victory
Brunson played a crucial role in Villanova’s championship victories in 2016 and 2018. Despite not garnering much attention for individual stats, Brunson’s leadership and contribution to the team’s success were undeniable. He was named the national player of the year in 2018, although he was selected relatively late in the NBA Draft, going 33rd overall to the Dallas Mavericks.(Lvbet)