Not Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant or Dwyane Wade but This Hall of Famer Took NCAA by Storm Before 5 NBA Titles

Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade have all become revered members of the NBA community as their contributions to the league is recognized by many. While the trio share multiple NBA championships and were part of the 75th Anniversary Team their journey to the top all began in college while competing in NCAA’s Division 1 basketball program. Although all three of them represented different schools they had very similar impacts and left with their jerseys being displayed hanging from the rafters. Out of the three icons, KD spent the least amount of time in the division as the 4x scoring champion suited up for the Texas Longhorns for a single year. This sole season was enough for Durant to make a name for himself as he averaged 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds and won all the individual collegiate awards including the Naismith College Player of the Year. On the other hand, ex-teammate Stephen Curry who suited up for Davidson spent 3 seasons in North Carolina and led his team to multiple NCAA tournaments before declaring himself eligible for the NBA draft during his final year.

While Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry seamlessly entered the Division 1 basketball scene, the journey taken by Dwyane Wade wasn’t all that straightforward. The guard committed to Marquette University in Milwaukee but was unable to represent the school in his freshman year as he failed to achieve the academic eligibility requirements needed for participation in Division 1 sports. Wade sat out his entire freshman year in college as he was tutored to become better in his academics. The sacrifice paid off in the long run as Wade shone during the next two seasons with his performances earning him a high NBA draft projection. Despite the trio being largely successful and influential during their collegiate careers their influence pales in comparison to a 5x NBA champion who took the NCAA by storm before his stint in the NBA.

The Hall of Famer who took the NCAA by storm before his 5 NBA titles

NBA legend Tim Duncan is widely regarded as the best power forward to have ever played in the NBA. Winning 5 NBA titles the icon was a one-team player and spent his entire 19 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs. Drafted as the first overall pick during the 1997 draft Duncan was always touted for greatness as his collegiate career changed the landscape of NCAA basketball. While the 3x NBA Finals MVP failed to win a NCAA Championship similar to the aforementioned stars his contributions to his team still stand tall to this day.

Having committed to Wake Forest University, Duncan joined the Demon Deacons in 1993 just when their leading scorer Rodney Rodgers had entered the NBA draft. The team had also been knocked out of the Sweet 16 the year before and it seemed like Tim would be redshirted by coach Dave Odom as they had fellow freshman Makhtar N’Diaye playing in his position. All this changed in the following weeks, though, as the Senegalese was found violating NCAA rules which saw him transfer to Michigan leaving the stage open for ‘The Big Fundamental.’

Despite being integrated into the team, Duncan struggled during his first few games with the Deacons. The forward was clearly out of his depth and was even scoreless during his first game before having a resurgence during the course of the season. Tim alongside teammate Randolph Childress led the Demons to a 20–11 win–loss record in his first season, with his performances earning him a chance to represent the US in the 1994 Goodwill Games.

It is during his time here that Duncan’s simple, yet effective style of play was first put on notice. With the 6’11 star wielding an array of low-post moves, mid-range bank shots, tough defense and a stoic persona, which opponents quickly took notice of and gave him the name “Mr. Spock.”

While opponents made fun of the future Hall-of-Famer, NBA teams were already monitoring the young star as LA Lakers general manager Jerry West even suggested that Duncan might become the top pick in the 1995 NBA draft. This high praise was completely ignored by Duncan as he said that he had no intention of going pro before graduation with his decision shocking many in the community.

True to his words Duncan stayed in college for all four years and completed his graduation before entering the NBA. This decision unlike KD and Curry’s saw the forward dominate the NCAA landscape for a while as he won the NABC Defensive Player of the Year thrice and was crowned the Naismith College Player of the Year and the USBWA College Player of the Year in 1997.

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While the Spurs legend excelled in basketball, his academic performances were quite remarkable as well. Unlike Wade who struggled with academics Tim worked towards a degree in psychology and was one of the better students with his department chairperson recalling him as, “One of my more intellectual students.” With all that said Duncan was still a better basketballer but his ability to balance sport and academics made him one of the few NBA stars that could boast about being great at both.

While the 15x NBA All-Star was never able to win a NCAA championship the forward left college as the all-time leading rebounder in NCAA history while also becoming the all-time leading shot-blocker in ACC history. Taking the NCAA by storm Duncan’s exploits in collegiate sports remain unchallenged today.

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With collegiate stars making historical NIL deals and being tempted by the glamour of the major leagues it is hard to see an athlete spending enough time in college to beat Tim Duncan’s record.