Best NBA player who played for Arizona State Sun Devils — James Harden
- 2018 MVP
- 8X All-Star
- 2012 Sixth Man of the Year
James Harden has won an MVP award and led the NBA in scoring for three consecutive years. He is one of the most prolific shot creators in league history — a mesmeric amalgamation of crossovers, step-backs, and hesitation moves.
Harden has a rhythm unlike any player in basketball, and that was evident even in college. While Harden needed time to round into form in the NBA — he played sixth man for years in OKC before his MVP turn — the signs at Arizona State pointed to future stardom.
As a freshman, Harden was named to the Pac-10 all-freshman team. Then, as a sophomore, he won Pac-10 Player of the Year, emerging as one of college basketball’s most impactful two-guards. He didn’t make it past the second round of the NCAA Tournament, but Harden’s nose for the bottom of the net has always been there.
Runner-up: Andre Iguodala — A future Hall of Famer and the 2015 Finals MVP with Golden State, Andre Iguodala combined explosive athleticism, a high basketball I.Q., and versatile defense to carve out a long, productive career.
Best NBA player who played for Arizona Wildcats — Gilbert Arenas
- 3X All-Star
- 3X All-NBA
- 2003 Most Improved Player
Crowned with one of the catchiest nicknames in NBA history — Agent Zero — Gilbert Arenas became both infamous and beloved during his time with the Washington Wizards. He was no stranger to controversy, but at his peak, Arenas was consistently mentioned among the best point guards in basketball.
A slick athlete and large personality, Arenas was a tantalizing combination of flash and substance. He made three NBA All-Star appearances and averaged 29.3 points per game at his peak in 2005-06. Arenas spent his formative years in Golden State, but he will long be remembered for his contributions as a Wizard.
Spending two years in college, Arenas led Arizona to the national title game as a sophomore. He played next to future NBA star Richard Jefferson, operating as the Wildcats’ chief creator. Arizona fell to Duke, but Arenas adequately set the stage for a long run of success in the NBA.
Runner-up: Damon Stoudamire — A diminutive 5-foot-10 point guard, Damon Stoudamire was a serious playmaking engine from the very start, averaging 19.0 points and 9.3 assists as a rookie.