FSU Alumni in the NBA
Contents
- FSU alumni in the NBA: an overview
- FSU alumni in the NBA: by the numbers
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the impact
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the future
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the All-Stars
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the role players
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the journeymen
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the legends
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the forgotten ones
- FSU alumni in the NBA: the what-ifs
FSU Alumni in the NBA – Tracking the successes of our former Seminoles in the National Basketball Association
FSU alumni in the NBA: an overview
Since the early 2000s, Florida State University has produced a number of successful NBA players FSU alumni in the NBA have distinguished themselves as some of the league’s Top Players and have earned awards and recognition at both the team and individual level. Here is a look at some of the most notable FSU alumni in the NBA.
Dwyane Wade is one of the most successful NBA players to come out of Florida State University He was drafted fifth overall by the Miami Heat in 2003 and went on to have a illustrious 13-year career with the team. During his time with the Heat, Wade won three NBA championships was named an All-Star 11 times, and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2006. He also holds numerous franchise records, including most points scored and most assists. In 2016, he was also named one of NBA’s Top 50 Players of All Time.
Another prominent FSU alum in the NBA is Al Thornton, who was drafted 14th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2007. Thornton enjoyed a successful six-year career with the Clippers, averaging over 12 points per game during his time with the team. He is currently playing professionally in China.
Other notable FSU alumni in the NBA include Sam Cassell, Charlie Ward Toney Douglas, James Ennis III, Leonard Hamilton, and Jason Williams
FSU alumni in the NBA: by the numbers
Florida State has produced a number of NBA players over the years, and the school is currently tied for the sixth-most active NBA players among all colleges and universities. Here’s a look at the Seminoles’ NBA presence by the numbers:
-27: Total number of FSU alumni who have played in the NBA
-8: Most NBA seasons played by an FSU alumnus (Mike Mitchell, 1979-87)
-2: Most NBA teams represented by Seminoles (Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards Toney Douglas, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets)
-1: Only Seminole to be named an NBA All-Star (Sam Cassell, 2004)
-0: Number of NCAA Division I schools with more active NBA players than Florida State
FSU alumni in the NBA: the impact
Since the NBA was founded in 1946, there have been a number of Florida State University alumni who have made an impact in the league. In total, there have been 39 FSU alumni who have played in the NBA, including five who are currently active.
FSU has had a Number of players who have gone on to have successful NBA careers, including all-stars like Sam Perkins and Dave Cowens. More recently, FSU alums like Al Thornton and Von Wafer have had solid NBA careers
While not all FSU alums have had successful NBA careers the impact that Seminoles have had on the league is undeniable.
FSU alumni in the NBA: the future
FSU alumni in the NBA: the future
The Florida State Seminoles have a rich history of sending players to the NBA. With an impressive array of alumni currently in the league, the future looks bright for Seminole fans.
Many of the FSU alumni currently in the NBA are still in their prime and playing at a high level. Players like Al Horford, Chris Singleton and David Lee are all having very successful careers. With Horford and Singleton still in their twenties, and Lee just entering his thirties, there is still plenty of time for them to continue to improve and contribute to their teams.
There are also a number of younger FSU alumni who are beginning to make their mark in the NBA. Players like Okaro White and Michael Snaer are still early in their careers, but they are already showing promise. White is averaging nearly ten points per game for the Orlando Magic while Snaer is a key player for the Miami Heat
With so many talented FSU alumni already in the NBA, and many more likely on the way, Seminole fans have plenty to be excited about for the future of their favorite basketball team
FSU alumni in the NBA: the All-Stars
Since the NBA began in 1946, there have been dozens of Florida State alumni who have made an impact on the league. From All-Stars to role players, these Seminoles have left their mark on the NBA. Here are some of the most notable FSU alumni in the NBA.
All-Star forward Chris Singleton played for the Seminoles from 2008 to 2011. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2011 and played two seasons with the team before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets Singleton has averaged 4.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in his NBA Career
guard Michael Snaer was a key player for Florida State from 2009 to 2013. He went undrafted in 2013 but earned a spot on the New Orleans Pelicans roster. Snaer has appeared in 22 games for the Pelicans, averaging 1.8 points per game
Small forward Rodney Pryor was a late addition to Florida State’s Basketball team joining the Seminoles in 2016 after transferring from Robert Morris University Pryor had a breakout season for Florida State averaging 17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game He was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2017 and has appeared in 21 games for the team, averaging 3.4 points per game
FSU alumni in the NBA: the role players
While some Florida State University alumni go on to have All-Star caliber careers in the National Basketball Association many more become role players. These are the players who are key to a team’s success but don’t get the same recognition as the superstars. Here are some of the most successful role players who FSU has produced:
– Udonis Haslem Haslem is a Power Forward who has played his entire NBA career with the Miami Heat He’s a 3-Ime Nba champion and a 2-time All-Star, but he’s best known for his defense and his willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win.
– James Posey: Posey is another player who has made a name for himself as a defensive specialist. He’s won two NBA Championships and was named to the All-Defensive Second Team in 2008. He’s also known for his role in the “Malice at the Palace” brawl between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers in 2004.
– Aaron Afflalo: Afflalo is currently one of the best shooters in the NBA. He’s a 2-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist, but he’s also been praised for his leadership and work ethic.
These are just some of the many successful role players who have come out of Florida State University While they may not be household names, their contributions to their teams have been invaluable.
FSU alumni in the NBA: the journeymen
There are many ways to make it to the NBA. Some players are drafted fresh out of college, others play overseas for years before finally making an NBA roster And then there are the journeymen, players who toil away in the minor leagues for years before getting their big break.
For every Lebron James or Kevin Durant there are dozens of players who have taken the long road to the NBA. Here are a few notable Florida State alumni who have taken the journeyman route to the NBA:
Al Thornton: A star at Florida State from 2003 to 2007, Thornton was drafted 14th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2007. He played three seasons for the Clippers, averaging 9.7 Points per game before being traded to the Washington Wizards in 2010. He struggled with injuries in Washington and was waived by the team in 2011. He then spent time with the Golden State Warriors Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks before finally catching on with his hometown Orlando Magic in 2013. He played two seasons for the Magic before retiring from the NBA in 2015.
Solomon Alabi: Alabi was born in Nigeria and came to America to play college basketball at Florida State He played four seasons for the Seminoles from 2006 to 2010, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game as a senior. He was not drafted by an NBA team but did catch on with the Dallas Mavericks for training camp in 2010. He didn’t make the Mavericks’ roster but did spend time with their D-League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks, before finally making his Nba Debut with Toronto Raptors in 2011. He played three seasons for Toronto before moving on to stints with Cleveland, Dallas and Atlanta. He is currently out of the NBA but still playing professionally overseas.
Udonis Haslem: Haslem starred at Florida from 1997 to 2002, helping lead the Gators to their first-ever NCAA National Championship as a junior in 2000. Undrafted out of college, he caught on with his hometown Miami Heat as a free agent in 2003 and has been with the team ever since. Haslem is now in his 16th season with Miami and is one of only four players remaining from their 2006 NBA Championship team.
FSU alumni in the NBA: the legends
Florida State University has a rich Basketball History with many successful alumni going on to have fruitful careers in the NBA. In this article, we pay tribute to some of the greatest players to ever don the Seminoles jersey.
FSU alumni in the NBA: the legends
Many Florida State University alumni have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA. In this article, we pay tribute to some of the greatest players to ever don the Seminoles jersey.
FSU has produced many Great players over the years who have made a significant impact in the NBA. Some of the most famous and successful Seminoles include Anfernee Hardaway, Sam Bowie, Bob McAdoo, Dave Cowens, and Michael Adapted from: Jordan. goseminoles.com/florida-state-seminoles-nba-alumni/
FSU alumni in the NBA: the forgotten ones
In recent years Florida State University has become known for its Basketball Program With Head Coach Leonard Hamilton at the helm, the Seminoles have made it to the NCAA tournament 11 times in the last 20 years. While Hamilton has been able to produce some great teams in Tallahassee, he hasn’t been able to get them over the hump and into the Final Four.
One of the biggest problems for FSU has been their lack of Basketball Alumni in the NBA. In the last 20 years, only 12 Seminoles have been drafted into the NBA. Of those 12, only two have had any sort of lasting impact in the league.
The first is forward Rodney Rogers, who was drafted in 1993 by the Denver Nuggets Rogers enjoyed a solid NBA career averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game over 12 seasons with six different teams. He was a journeyman but he carved out a nice little career for himself.
The other is center Udonis Haslem, who was drafted in 2002 by the Miami Heat Haslem has spent his entire career with the Heat, winning three championships with them (2006, 2012, 2013). He’s not a star but he’s a key role player who does all of the little things that help a team win.
Those are really the only two FSU alumni who have made any sort of impact in the NBA in the last 20 years. There have been some others who have had brief stints in the league but they haven’t done much. And there are a few more who are currently in the NBA but they are still trying to find their way and establish themselves as rotation players.
So while FSU has had some success on the basketball court in recent years they haven’t had much success producing NBA players And that is something that needs to change if they want to take their program to the next level and compete for a National Championship
FSU alumni in the NBA: the what-ifs
FSU alumni in the NBA: the what-ifs
What if Al Thornton had stayed for his senior year? Would he have been a lottery pick?
What if Jason Richardson had stayed for his senior year? Would he have been a first-round pick?
What if Tim Pickett had stayed for his senior year? Would he have gone in the first round?
These are all questions that Florida State Seminoles fans have asked at one time or another. We will never know the answers, but it is fun to speculate.