ESPN reveals the Top 25 men's college basketball players in past 25 years

The NBA changed its rule that allowed players to go straight from high school to the NBA ahead of the 2006 NBA draft. That means that for the past 16 years, nearly every top high school basketball player has gone on to play college basketball.

Sure, there have been a few guys who have played overseas or in the G League during that time, but college basketball has been loaded with talent in recent years.

ESPN recently ranked the top 25 college basketball players in the past 25 years. The list features players like Steph Curry and Carmelo Anthony, who have gone on to be NBA stars, as well as names such as Tyler Hansbrough and Adam Morrison, who weren’t exactly productive players at the next level.

Here is ESPN’s full list, starting with No. 25:

25. Jalen Brunson, G, Villanova (2015-18)

The 2018 National Player of the Year, Brunson helped the Wildcats to a pair of national titles during his time at Villanova. He was a role player for the first title, before averaging 18.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists as a junior.

Brunson turned pro following his junior season and was drafted by the Mavericks. He is now a star for the New York Knicks.

24. Jimmer Fredette, G, BYU (2007-11)

A great shooter with unlimited range, Fredette was named the National Player of the Year in 2011 after averaging 28.9 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He shot 39.4 percent from 3-point range in his career, which is an impressive number, particularly with his high volume.

Unfortunately for Fredette, his game did not translate to the NBA after he was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2011 NBA draft. However, he has had a very successful career in the NBA Development League and overseas.

23. Adam Morrison, F, Gonzaga (2003-06)

Morrison helped put Gonzaga on the map, averaging 28.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in his final season as a junior. The Zags reached the Sweet 16 that season, before losing a heartbreaker. Morrison shot nearly 43 percent from 3-point range as a junior and was drafted No. 3 overall. However, he struggled once reaching the NBA.

22. Evan Turner, G/F, Ohio State (2007-10)

A bit of a point-forward, Turner was a true do-it-all player for the Buckeyes. During his junior season, Turner averaged 20.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 6 assists per game, while scoring around the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers and making his share of 3-point shots.

Turner was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2010 NBA draft and had a 10-year career in the NBA.

21. John Wall, G, Kentucky (2009-10)

Wall’s only season at Kentucky was a memorable one. The point guard was dominant, averaging 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game. The North Carolina native raced up and down the court at a lightning pace, while making plays himself or setting up teammates to score. He was drafted No. 1 overall after his only college basketball season and is still playing in the NBA.

20. Kemba Walker, G, UConn (2008-11)

A smaller guard who was tough as nails, Walker led UConn to the 2011 national title, while averaging 23.5 points. 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. He had some memorable moments along the way, including his game-winner against Pitt in the Big East Tournament. He was drafted No. 9 overall in the 2011 NBA draft and is still in the league.

19. Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma (2012-16)

The 2016 National Player of the Year winner, Hield was a knockdown shooter during his time at Oklahoma. He stayed in school for all four seasons and as a senior averaged 25 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Hield shot nearly 46 percent from 3-point range his final season at OU, while attempting nearly 9 3s per game. He was drafted No. 6 overall in the 2016 NBA draft and is still a productive NBA player.

18. Blake Griffin, F, Oklahoma (2007-09)

Before Hield starred at Oklahoma there was Griffin, who was just as productive but scored his points in a different way. The high-flying Griffin spent two seasons at OU, averaging 22.7 points and 14.4 rebounds per game as a sophomore, before turning pro.

He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft and is still in the league.

17. Doug McDermott, F, Creighton (2010-14)

An excellent shooter, with a solid post game, McDermott was named a first-team All-American three times in college, winning the National Player of the Year award in 2014. He averaged more than 22 points each of his final three seasons at Creighton, including a career high 26.7 points and 7 rebounds as a senior in 2013-14.

McDermott was drafted No. 11 overall in the 2014 NBA draft and is still a solid rotation piece in the NBA.

16. Emeka Okafor, C, UConn (2001-04)

Known more for his rebounding and defense more than offense, Okafor averaged more than 4 blocks per game in all three seasons at UConn. He helped the Huskies to the 2004 national title and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.

Okafor averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 4.3 blocks during his college career, before being drafted No. 2 overall in the 2004 NBA draft.

15. Elton Brand, F, Duke (1997-99)

The 1999 National Player of the Year, Brand averaged 17.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Duke, while helping the Blue Devils to the Final Four.

He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft and had an excellent professional career, including being named an NBA all-star twice.

14. Richard (Rip) Hamilton, G, UConn (1996-1999)

A two-time All-American and the 1999 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Hamilton had an incredible college career. He averaged 21.5 points per game as a sophomore and junior, before being selected No. 7 overall in the 1999 NBA draft.

Hamilton went on to have a successful NBA career, being named an all-star three times and helping the Pistons to the 2004 NBA title.

13. Shane Battier, F, Duke (1997-2001)

A rare four-year player on this list, Battier won National Player of the Year honors in 2001. He led Duke to the national championship that year and was also named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.

Battier averaged 19.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as a senior, before being drafted No. 6 overall in the 2001 NBA draft. He had an excellent NBA career, including winning two NBA titles.

12. Dwyane Wade, G, Marquette (2001-03)

Wade was excellent during his two seasons at Marquette, leading the Golden Eagles to the Final 4 in 2003. He averaged 21.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists that year, while being named an All-American.

Wade was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2003 NBA draft and is one of the best NBA guards of all-time. He was named an all-star 13 times, won three NBA titles and was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2006.

11. Michael Beasley, F, Kansas State (2007-08)

In his only year of college basketball, Beasley was unstoppable. He averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds per game, while being named a consensus first-team All-American. Beasley was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft. He had a solid NBA career but did not live up to the hype he had coming out of K-State.

10. Trae Young, G, Oklahoma (2017-18)

An elite shooter and playmaker, Young averaged 27.4 points per game and 8.7 assists per game during his only season at Oklahoma. Young led college basketball in both categories. The Sooners reached the NCAA Tournament, falling to No. 7 seed Rhode Island in the first round.

Young was drafted No. 5 overall in the NBA draft. He has already made the NBA all-star game twice.

9. Kenyon Martin, F, Cincinnati (1996-2000)

The 2000 National Player of the Year, Martin had a breakout senior season with the Bearcats. He averaged 18.9 points and 9.7 rebounds his final season, on his way to being the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft.

Martin had a solid NBA career, including making the all-star game in 2004.

8. Carmelo Anthony, F, Syracuse (2002-03)

In his one season at Syracuse, Carmelo Anthony led the Orange to a national title, while earning Most Outstanding Player honors at the Final 4. Anthony averaged 22.2 points and 10 rebounds per game during his one season of college hoops.

He was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2003 NBA draft and went on to be a 10-time NBA all-star.

7. JJ Redick, G, Duke (2002-06)

Arguably the best shooter in college basketball history, Redick averaged 19.9 points per game for his career, while shooting better than 40 percent from 3-point range and 91.2 percent from the free throw line. As a senior, Redick averaged 26.8 points per game, while nearly being a part of the 50-40-90 club.

Redick was named the National Player of the Year his final season at Duke, before being the No. 11 overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft. He went on to have a long and productive NBA career.

6. Tyler Hansbrough, F, North Carolina (2005-09)

Hansbrough wasn’t the most talented player during his college basketball career, but he was tough, productive and played hard. He was named a first-team All-American three times, winning the National Player of the Year award in 2008.

Hansbrough was a role player for a bit in the NBA after being drafted No. 13 overall. He also spent time playing overseas.

5. Steph Curry, G, Davidson (2006-09)

Curry was overlooked coming out of high school and went to Davidson, where he blossomed into a star. He took the Wildcats on a magical run in the 2008 NCAA Tournament, before they lost in the Elite 8.

Curry averaged 25.3 points per game over his college career, including 28.6 points and 5.6 assists per game as a junior. He was drafted No. 7 overall in the 2009 NBA draft and has gone on to be the best shooter in NBA history.

4. Jay Williams, G, Duke (1999-2002)

One of five Duke players on the list, Williams was a two-time All-American who also won a national championship and a National Player of the Year award. He averaged more than 21 points and 5 assists per game in each of his final two seasons at Duke.

Williams was drafted No. 2 overall before being forced to retire early because of injuries.

3. Zion Williamson, F, Duke (2018-19)

Williamson was unstoppable during his one season at Duke, soaring above the rim to throw down vicious dunks or swat shots. He was named the National Player of the Year in 2019 after averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He was drafted No. 1 overall but has struggled with injuries in the NBA.

2. Anthony Davis, F, Kentucky (2011-12)

Davis won a national championship, National Player of the Year Award and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final 4 during his one season at Kentucky. He didn’t have the most impressive stats, but he did dominate on both sides of the court, averaging 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game. Davis has been named first-team All-NBA four times but has battled injuries late in his NBA career.

1. Kevin Durant, F, Texas (2006-07)

Durant only had one season at Texas but it was a memorable one. The consensus National Player of the Year averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during his one season in Austin. He scored in a variety of ways and was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2007 NBA draft.

He has won an MVP in the NBA and is a two-time NBA champion.