Ranking the 25 best Kansas basketball NBA careers of all-time

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 04: Paul Pierce and Drew Gooden attend the game between the Kansas Jayhawks and the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship at Caesars Superdome on April 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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Kansas Jayhawks logo on a basketball (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

player. 462. . C. Jayhawks . Clyde Lovelette. 5

Career statistics: 704 games, 17.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.6 APG, 44.3% FG

Minneapolis Lakers, 1953-1957
Cincinnati Royals, 1957-1958
St. Louis Hawks, 1958-1962
Boston Celtics, 1962-1964

The first Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer on this list, Lovellette is one of the most accomplished centers ever, not just at Kansas. He was the first player to win an NCAA Championship team, an Olympic gold medal, and an NBA Championship — and he did all of that in a two-year span.

After helping legendary Kansas basketball head coach Phog Allen win his third national title in 1952, Lovellette did not take long to leave his mark on the NBA. He won an NBA Championship as a rookie, then averaged 18.7 points and 11.5 rebounds in his second season. His best statistical year came in 1955-56 when he averaged 21.5 points and 14.0 rebounds per game.

He had the opportunity to be mentored by centers such as George Mikan and Bill Russell. Lovellette won three NBA Finals during his 11 years in the NBA, also making four All-Star teams. Without a doubt, he had one of the most storied careers of any KU player to ever make the league.

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