Best NBA Player from every Power 5 School
537. . C. Commodores . Will Perdue. 32. player
Best NBA player who played for Vanderbilt Commodores — Will Perdue
- 4X NBA Champion
Spending the bulk of his NBA career in Chicago and San Antonio, Will Perdue won three titles with Michael Jordan from 1991 to 1993. He was the Bulls’ backup center until 1995. A 240-pound 7-footer, Perdue’s primary contributions were size and physicality behind Bill Cartwright.
The Bulls swapped Perdue for Dennis Rodman in 1996, shipping him to San Antonio. He would go on to win his fourth championship with the Spurs in 1999, playing a fringe role behind Tim Duncan and David Robinson.
At Vanderbilt, Perdue was among the best players in the SEC. He averaged 18.3 points and 10.1 rebounds as a senior, earning conference player of the year honors. He was the 11th overall pick to Chicago in 1988.
Runner-up: Clyde Lee — Lee spent the bulk of his career with the San Francisco Warriors and transitioned with the franchise to “Golden State” in 1971. He made one All-Star appearance and was a terrific rebounder.
446. . C. Cavaliers . Ralph Sampson. 50. player
Best NBA player who played for Virginia Cavaliers — Ralph Sampson
- 4X All-Star
- All-NBA Second Team
- 1984 Rookie of the Year
A phenom out of high school and a superstar in college, Ralph Sampson joined Houston in as the No. 1 overall pick in 1983. He made an immediate impact, averaging 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds while winning Rookie of the Year. He would make four consecutive All-Star appearances to begin his career.
At 7-foot-4, Sampson was saddled by massive expectations. He was joined by fellow No. 1 pick Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984, giving Houston the most dominant frontline in basketball. The Rockets appeared in the 1986 Finals, but lost to Boston in six. Injuries would cut Sampson’s career short. He was traded to Golden State in 1987-88 and would never recover from nagging knee and back ailments. He’s still in the Hall of Fame.
Sampson joined Virginia as one of the most hyped recruits in basketball history. He lived up to his reputation, winning three consecutive NCAA championships and three consecutive national player of the year awards from 1981 to 1983.
Runner-up: Malcolm Brogdon — One of the NBA’s most efficient shooters, Brogdon has found a comfortable home in the modern NBA. His high basketball I.Q., sly pace, and defensive versatility earned him a sizable contract in Indiana.