Basketball fans around the world eagerly await the NBA All-Star Game every year, and the 2023 edition is no exception. As the biggest stars in the sport come together to showcase their skills and entertain fans, we cannot help but wonder where they started their journey. Did they attend a prestigious college, or did they take a different route to the NBA?
In this article, we aim to reveal the journey of NBA All-Stars, exploring where they went to college and how it impacted their basketball careers. Our goal is to provide valuable insights into the players’ backgrounds, their journeys to the NBA, and the importance of college basketball in their development.
The Importance of College Basketball
College basketball has always been a vital stepping stone for players aspiring to make it to the NBA. It provides a platform for young players to showcase their skills, develop their game, and gain exposure to scouts and recruiters.
Some of the most significant names in the NBA started their journey in college basketball. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant all played in college before moving on to the NBA. LeBron James, one of the greatest players of all time, even skipped college but admits that he would have attended Ohio State University if he had gone to college.
The Journey of NBA All-Stars
The NBA All-Star Game features the best players in the league, and most of them attended college. Here is a breakdown of where the 2023 NBA All-Stars went to college and how it impacted their careers:
Western Conference:
LeBron James – Ohio State University
As mentioned earlier, LeBron James did not attend college, but he did express his interest in attending Ohio State University. However, he was drafted straight out of high school by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the rest is history. James is now a 17-time NBA All-Star, four-time MVP, and four-time NBA champion.
Stephen Curry – Davidson College
Stephen Curry is one of the most prolific shooters in NBA history, and he honed his skills at Davidson College. Curry played three seasons for the Wildcats and led them to the Elite Eight in 2008. He was then drafted by the Golden State Warriors and has since won three NBA championships and been named an NBA All-Star seven times.
Luka Doncic – Real Madrid
Luka Doncic is a Slovenian basketball player who skipped college and played professionally in Europe. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018 and has since become one of the best young players in the NBA. Doncic has been named an NBA All-Star twice in his three-year career.
Eastern Conference:
Kevin Durant – University of Texas
Kevin Durant is a 12-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion who played one season for the University of Texas before being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics. Durant was a consensus All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in his lone college season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – No College
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, and he did not attend college. He was born in Greece and played professionally in Europe before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013. Antetokounmpo is now a five-time NBA All-Star, two-time MVP, and NBA champion.
Joel Embiid – University of Kansas
Joel Embiid is a Cameroonian basketball player who played one season for the University of Kansas before being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid was a consensus All-American in his lone college season and has since become a four-time NBA All-Star and one of the best big men in the league.
Anoop Sharma has a passion for writing on trending topics such as entertainment, Society, Customer care information, and solutions for students. His motive is to provide correct information to his readers. With a degree in Information technology and years of experience, Anoop brings a unique perspective to every story, delivering accurate and thought-provoking content. When not writing, Puchchu loves to explore new cultures and cuisines.
