Kansas basketball: All-time Roy Williams Jayhawks team
Small Forward: Paul Pierce (1995–1998)
One of the most successful Kansas Jayhawks in the NBA, Paul Pierce was “The Truth” in college too. Just take a look at some of the different honors and awards he earned while in Lawrence:
- 3-Time conference champion
- 1998 Consensus first-team All-American
- 1-Time first-team All-Big 12
- No. 10 in all-time scoring at Kansas
- Jersey retired
Paul Pierce played three really solid seasons at Kansas with his best coming in his junior year where he put up 20.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Along with teammate Raef LaFrentz, Pierce led Kansas to a 31-3 finish in the regular season and a Big 12 Tournament championship.
Pierce and the Jayhawks were a favorite heading into March Madness, but unfortunately, the madness wasn’t on Kansas’ side. The Jayhawks would end up being upset in the NCAA Tournament by eighth-seeded Rhode Island.
Pierce would end up waiving his final year of eligibility in order to declare for the NBA Draft. He was taken by the Boston Celtics with the No. 10 overall pick and go on to have an incredible career highlighted by 10 all-star appearances, an NBA Championship, and an NBA Finals MVP Award.
Others considered: N/A