What NBA Players Went to the University of Houston?
The University of Houston has been a breeding ground for talent, producing numerous NBA players over the years. With a rich history in basketball, the university has nurtured some of the most skilled and successful athletes in the league. In this article, we will take a look at some of the notable NBA players who went to the University of Houston.
1. Clyde Drexler
One of the most prominent players to come out of the University of Houston is Clyde Drexler. The 6’8″ forward was a three-time All-American during his time at UH, leading the Cougars to the Final Four in 1982 and 1983. Drexler was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the 1983 NBA Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA MVP award in 1986.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon
Another iconic player from the University of Houston is Hakeem Olajuwon. The Nigerian center was a three-time NCAA champion at UH, leading the Cougars to national titles in 1984, 1985, and 1986. Olajuwon was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 1984 NBA Draft and spent his entire 18-year career with the team. He was a 14-time NBA All-Star and won the NBA MVP award in 1994. Olajuwon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
3. Rafer Alston
Rafer Alston, a 6’2″ guard, played for the University of Houston from 1998 to 2000. During his time at UH, Alston was a two-time All-Conference USA selection and led the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 2000. He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the first round of the 2000 NBA Draft and had a 12-year career in the league. Alston was a two-time NBA All-Star and played for teams like the Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat.
4. Donatas Motiejunas
Donatas Motiejunas, a 6’11” forward, spent two seasons at the University of Houston from 2010 to 2012. During his time at UH, Motiejunas was a two-time All-Conference USA selection and led the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 2012. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft and played for the team for four seasons before moving on to play in Europe.
5. Danuel House
Danuel House, a 6’6″ forward, played for the University of Houston from 2013 to 2017. During his time at UH, House was a two-time All-Conference USA selection and led the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament in 2017. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft and has been a valuable role player for the team.
The University of Houston has a proud tradition of producing NBA talent, and these players are just a few examples of the many successful athletes who have passed through its halls. With a strong basketball program and a history of excellence, the Cougars continue to contribute to the NBA’s talent pool.
