Winning an NCAA title is tough. Winning an NBA championship is even tougher. But these 10 players conquered both, proving their dominance at every level. From Bill Russell’s dynasty-building to Anthony Davis’ two-way brilliance, they carried their winning mentality from college to the pros. Here’s a look at the rare few who claimed basketball’s ultimate double.

From College Champions to NBA Legends: 10 Players Who Achieved the Ultimate Double

Before leading the Celtics dynasty, Bob Cousy was already a champion with Holy Cross in 1947. Known as “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” Cousy revolutionized the point guard position with flashy passing and elite ball-handling.   He was an 8-time assists leader and played a key role in Boston’s six NBA titles. The first to hit 4K, 5K, and 6K career assists, he set the standard for every point guard who followed.

Bob Cousy – Holy Cross (1947) to Boston Celtics (1957, 1959-63)

The ultimate winner in basketball history! Russell led San Francisco to back-to-back NCAA titles (1955, 1956) before becoming the cornerstone of the Celtics’ 11-time championship dynasty.   He dominated the NBA with elite defense and rebounding, and his leadership was unmatched. His Olympic gold in 1956 made him one of the rare Triple Crown winners in hoops history.

Bill Russell – San Francisco (1955, 1956) to Boston Celtics (1957, 1959-66, 1968, 1969)

Isiah Thomas led Indiana to a national title in 1981 before taking over the NBA with the Bad Boy Pistons. A two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, he was known for clutch performances and relentless leadership. A 12-time All-Star and 2-time All-Star MVP, Zeke proved that heart over height wins championships.

Isiah Thomas – Indiana (1981) to Pistons (1989, 1990)

Not the biggest star, but a certified winner! Cook helped Duke to the 2015 NCAA title and later became an NBA champion with two different teams—the Warriors in 2018 and the Lakers in 2020. A reliable role player, he’s proof that championship DNA translates at every level.

Quinn Cook – Duke (2015) to Warriors (2018), Lakers (2020)

Magic’s legendary 1979 NCAA title showdown with Larry Bird was just the beginning. Drafted #1 by the Lakers, he immediately won the 1980 NBA title—playing center in the Finals as a rookie! The 5-time champ and Showtime Lakers leader changed the game with his 6’9” frame and unreal passing ability. The greatest point guard ever? Many would say so.

6. Magic Johnson, Michigan State (1977-79)

Magic Johnson – Michigan State (1979) to Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)

AD (now with Dallas) was a defensive monster at Kentucky, winning National Player of the Year and leading them to an NCAA title in 2012. In the NBA, he became an elite two-way force, teaming up with LeBron to win the 2020 title with the Lakers. A 10-time All-Star and one of the best big men of his era.

Anthony Davis – Kentucky (2012) to Lakers (2020)

Kareem owned college basketball at UCLA, winning three straight NCAA titles while perfecting his iconic skyhook. He carried that dominance to the NBA, racking up six championships, six MVPs, and holding the all-time scoring record for nearly 40 years.   Few have matched his impact, and even fewer have an NBA 75th Anniversary Team spot to prove it!

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – UCLA (1967-69) to Bucks (1971), Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)

Nicknamed “The Big Ragu,” DiVincenzo came up clutch for Villanova, winning the Final Four MOP in 2018. He then brought that winning touch to Milwaukee, helping the Bucks claim the 2021 NBA title. Now setting records with the Knicks, his shooting makes him a playoff X-factor.

Donte DiVincenzo – Villanova (2016, 2018 to Bucks (2021)

MJ hit the game-winning shot for North Carolina in 1982 before taking the NBA by storm. The 6-time champion and 6-time Finals MVP dominated the ’90s, bringing two three-peats to Chicago. His leaping ability earned him the nickname "His Airness," and he made basketball a global phenomenon. Simply put—the GOAT.

Michael Jordan – North Carolina (1982) to Bulls (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)

Horford was the backbone of Florida’s back-to-back NCAA titles in 2006 and 2007. After years of near-misses, he finally won his first NBA championship in 2024 with the Celtics—after 186 career playoff games! The wait was long, but Big Al got his ring at last.