The Best One-And-Done College Basketball Players
Who is the best one-and-done in college basketball history? The one and done rule in college basketball means a player must spend at least one year in college before they are allowed to enter the NBA. The byproduct of a rule established under the NBA's 2005 collective bargaining agreement, high school basketball stars have the option to attend college, go play overseas (a la LaMelo Ball), or join the G League. Look no further college hoops fans, because we've got you covered with all the best college basketball players who played college basketball for one season. Who are the best one-and-dones of all time? Which one and done college basketball players do you love?
Out of all the one and done NCAA basketball stars, three national champions stand out. Carmelo Anthony at Syracuse, Anthony Davis at Kentucky, and Jahlil Okafor at Duke all took their teams to the title and won it all like true freshman phenoms, then landed as top draft picks in the subsequent NBA draft. Other incredible NCAA one and dones like Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, and Chris Bosh went on to have great NBA careers. Then there's modern NBA stars like Zion Williamson, Ben Simmons, and Trae Young who were all the best freshman in college basketball at one point.
Vote up your favorite college hoops one and dones of all time! Then, check back every year as new college basketball freshman are added to the list!
- Small forward
College Stats: 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.9 blocks per game
College Season Results: Upset in the 2nd Round of NCAA tourney, Consensus National Player of the Year, First Team All-American
College: Texas Longhorns
NBA Draft pick: 2nd overall (2007)
- Point guard
College Stats: 14.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds per game
College Season Results: Lost in the National Championship Game, Third-team All-American, C-USA Freshman of the Year
College: Memphis Tigers
NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2008)
- Center
College Stats: 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks per game
College Season Results: Elite 8 appearance, Consensus second-team All-American, SEC Rookie of the Year, First-team All-SEC
College: Kentucky Wildcats
NBA Draft pick: 5th overall (2010)
- Small forward
College Stats: 22.2 points, 10 rebounds per game
College Season Results: National Championship, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Second Team All American
College: Syracuse Orange
NBA Draft pick: 3rd overall (2003)
- Small forward, Power forward
College Stats: 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.9 stocks (steals + blocks) per game
College Season Results: Lost in the 2nd Round of NCAA tourney, Consensus First-Team All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year
College: Kansas State Wildcats
NBA Draft pick: 2nd overall (2008)
- Point guard
College Stats: 16.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 stocks per game
College Season Results: Elite Eight appearance, Consensus first-team All-American, SEC Player of the Year
College: Kentucky Wildcats
NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2010)