The Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly known as Georgia Tech, has a rich basketball tradition that has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to successful careers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In this article, we will take a look at some of the most notable Georgia Tech players in the NBA.
The Yellow Jackets' basketball program has a long history of producing talented players, and many of them have gone on to achieve great success in the NBA. From dominant centers to lightning-quick guards, Georgia Tech has produced a wide range of players who have made significant contributions to their respective teams.
Early Years: Georgia Tech's First NBA Players
One of the earliest Georgia Tech players to make it to the NBA was Roger Kaiser, who was drafted by the New York Knicks in 1961. Kaiser played for the Yellow Jackets from 1958 to 1961 and was a key player on the team that won the 1960 ACC Championship.
Another early Georgia Tech player to make it to the NBA was Richie Naylon, who was drafted by the Chicago Packers in 1961. Naylon played for the Yellow Jackets from 1957 to 1960 and was a two-time All-ACC selection.
Notable Players: The 1970s and 1980s
The 1970s and 1980s were a great time for Georgia Tech basketball, with several players going on to have successful careers in the NBA.
One of the most notable players from this era is John Salley, who was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1986. Salley played for the Yellow Jackets from 1982 to 1986 and was a key player on the team that won the 1985 ACC Championship.
Another notable player from this era is Tom Hammonds, who was drafted by the Washington Bullets in 1989. Hammonds played for the Yellow Jackets from 1985 to 1989 and was a two-time All-ACC selection.
The 1990s: A Golden Era for Georgia Tech Basketball
The 1990s were a golden era for Georgia Tech basketball, with several players going on to have successful careers in the NBA.
One of the most notable players from this era is Stephon Marbury, who was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996. Marbury played for the Yellow Jackets from 1995 to 1996 and was a key player on the team that won the 1996 ACC Championship.
Another notable player from this era is Travis Best, who was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1995. Best played for the Yellow Jackets from 1991 to 1995 and was a two-time All-ACC selection.
Modern Era: Georgia Tech Players in the NBA
In recent years, several Georgia Tech players have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA.
One of the most notable players from this era is Iman Shumpert, who was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2011. Shumpert played for the Yellow Jackets from 2008 to 2011 and was a key player on the team that won the 2010 ACC Championship.
Another notable player from this era is Derrick Favors, who was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2010. Favors played for the Yellow Jackets from 2009 to 2010 and was a key player on the team that made it to the 2010 NCAA Tournament.
Gallery of Georgia Tech Players in the NBA
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Georgia Tech players have been drafted into the NBA?
+According to the Georgia Tech athletics website, a total of 27 Georgia Tech players have been drafted into the NBA.
Who is the most successful Georgia Tech player in the NBA?
+According to various sources, including ESPN and Sports Illustrated, Stephon Marbury is widely considered the most successful Georgia Tech player in the NBA.
What is the Georgia Tech basketball program's record in the NCAA Tournament?
+According to the Georgia Tech athletics website, the Yellow Jackets have a record of 35-34 in the NCAA Tournament.
In conclusion, Georgia Tech has a rich basketball tradition that has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to successful careers in the NBA. From early players like Roger Kaiser and Richie Naylon to modern-day players like Iman Shumpert and Derrick Favors, the Yellow Jackets have a long history of producing talented players who have made significant contributions to their respective teams.