HBCU Men's Basketball Programs That Produced NBA Champions

Which HBCU men's basketball programs produced National Basketball Association Champions?

Kyle T. Mosley | Sep 20, 2023

HBCU Men's Basketball Programs That Produced NBA Champions /

HOUSTON — We are on the verge of tipping off a new HBCU basketball season in 2023-24. Stay tuned for news, notes, and nuggets from the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, and SIAC as the conferences host their respective media days in October.

Last year's MEAC Player of the Year from Norfolk State, Joe Bryant Jr., and Bankston are pursuing their dreams in international professional basketball. In the 2023 Summer League, players from HBCUs like Makur Maker (Howard), Anthony Tarke (Coppin State), and Javonte Cooke (Winston-Salem State) were hoping to continue their NBA dreams, and eventually landed spots on G League squads.

Despite the HBCU All-Star game showcasing players, the NBA has yet to draft an HBCU player since Norfolk State's Kyle O'Quinn in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. It's been an exceptionally long drought for HBCU talent. Only 351 HBCU men's basketball players have been drafted in NBA history. Since 2013, Tennesse State forward Robert Covington (Clippers) has been the one HBCU basketball star listed on an active NBA roster.

Fadeaway World set out to "analyze the rosters from all NBA teams that have ever made it to the Finals and the schools that NBA players on those teams attended." We analyzed their list and found 17 HBCU programs — out of the 139 colleges and universities — that produced National Basketball Association champions.

NCCU Eagles guard Sam Jones who won NBA Championships with the Boston Celtics

The results may be shocking to most:

North Carolina Central: 10
Grambling State: 4
Tennessee State: 3
Jackson State: 2
Norfolk State: 2
Texas Southern: 2
Alabama A&M: 1
Albany State: 1
Coppin State: 1
Dillard University: 1
Florida A&M: 1
Hampton: 1
Howard: 1
Southern University: 1
Virginia Union: 1
West Virginia State: 1
Winston-Salem State: 1

HBCU Legends will have more news and updates on the upcoming basketball season in the SWAC, MEAC, CIAA, and SIAC.

Published Sep 20, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: