BYU Basketball: The Top 10 Cougars in NBA Draft history

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 23: Jimmer Fredette from BYU greets NBA Commissioner David Stern after he was selected #10 overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round during the 2011 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center on June 23, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

9 of 10

T1. Shawn Bradley

Standing at 7’6, Bradley came to BYU as a freshman and dominated defensively. On the offensive end he averaged 14.8 points per game, but his 7.7 rebounds and 5.1 blocks on the defensive side propelled the Cougars into the NCAA Tournament.

He tied the single-game blocks record with 14 in a game against Eastern Kentucky, and added 10 blocks in BYU’s first round NCAA Tournament game against Virginia. He earned WAC Freshman of the Year Honors, and the Associated Press named him an Honorable Mention All-American.

Following the 1990-91 season, Bradley served an LDS mission, and rather than return to BYU in 1993, he turned pro.

He was a polarizing draft prospect. His height and skills showed his potential, but his thin build and lack of experience drew concern.

Philadelphia couldn’t pass up on his potential, though, drafting him 2nd in the 1993 draft. He’d never live up to that No. 2 status, but he did enjoy a long and solid career.

Bradley played in the NBA for 12 years, splitting that time between Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Toronto. When healthy, he was a dominant defensive force, but he never could develop a complimentary offensive game.

He finished his NBA career with averages of 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He still ranks 8th in NBA history in blocks per game.

Home/BYU Basketball