Did You Know: Ivy League Grads Who Made It To The NBA
The Ivy League, comprising eight prestigious private colleges and universities in the Northeastern United States, is renowned for producing well-rounded and intellectually gifted individuals. While its academic programs are highly regarded, few know that the Ivy League has also produced a remarkable number of talented basketball players who have gone on to achieve success in the National Basketball Association (NBA). In this article, we'll explore the fascinating stories of Ivy League grads who made it to the NBA, and what it takes to achieve such a feat.
The Ivy League's basketball programs, although relatively small compared to those of other top-tier universities, have consistently produced talented players who have gone on to compete at the highest level. From the University of Pennsylvania's Daniel "Pops" Meylach, who played in the NBA in the 1960s and 1970s, to Princeton's Bill Bradley, who won a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics and played 14 seasons in the NBA, the Ivy League has a rich history of producing successful basketball players.
One of the most notable Ivy League grads to make it to the NBA is Jeremy Lin, who graduated from Harvard University in 2010 with a degree in economics. Lin, a point guard, was undrafted out of college but went on to become a sensation with the New York Knicks in 2011, leading the team to a seven-game winning streak and earning himself a six-year, $25 million contract extension. In a phone interview, Lin credited his Ivy League education for helping him develop the skills and discipline necessary for success in the NBA.
"I think my time at Harvard really prepared me for the rigors of the NBA," Lin said. "The academic environment was incredibly challenging, but it also taught me how to prioritize, manage my time, and stay focused under pressure. Those skills have been invaluable to me throughout my career."
Another notable Ivy League grad is Armen Gilliam, a power forward who played at Princeton University from 1983 to 1987. Gilliam was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1987 and went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA, earning a reputation as a dominant rebounder and defender. In a statement, Gilliam credited his Princeton education for helping him develop the mental toughness and confidence needed to succeed in the NBA.
"Princeton taught me how to be disciplined and focused," Gilliam said. "The academics were tough, but they also taught me how to balance my life and prioritize my goals. When I got to the NBA, I was able to draw on those lessons and perform at a high level."
Here are some notable Ivy League grads who made it to the NBA:
• **Daniel "Pops" Meylach** (University of Pennsylvania, 1959-1963): Played in the NBA for the San Francisco Warriors, Baltimore Bullets, and Chicago Zephyrs.
• **Bill Bradley** (Princeton University, 1962-1965): Won a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics and played 14 seasons in the NBA for the New York Knicks.
• **Armen Gilliam** (Princeton University, 1983-1987): Played 12 seasons in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, and Dallas Mavericks.
• **Jeremy Lin** (Harvard University, 2006-2010): Played six seasons in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Brooklyn Nets.
• **Steve Lappas** (University of Pennsylvania, 1980-1984): Played four seasons in the NBA for the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors.
The Ivy League's commitment to academic excellence and athletic development has helped produce a remarkable number of talented basketball players who have gone on to succeed in the NBA. While the odds of making it to the NBA from an Ivy League school are low, the success stories of Lin, Gilliam, Bradley, and others demonstrate that with hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, anything is possible.
In addition to producing talented players, the Ivy League's basketball programs have also played a significant role in shaping the league's history. The Ivy League Tournament, which was introduced in 2017, brings together the conference's top teams in a single-elimination format, providing a platform for its talented players to compete against each other and potentially earn NCAA Tournament bids.
The success of Ivy League grads in the NBA is also a testament to the league's commitment to providing opportunities for its student-athletes. The Ivy League's rules, which emphasize academic and athletic balance, have helped produce players who are not only talented on the court but also well-rounded individuals with a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence.
As Jeremy Lin's story shows, the Ivy League's academic programs can provide a solid foundation for success in the NBA. With its rigorous academic environment, talented coaching staff, and commitment to athletic development, the Ivy League has proven itself to be a breeding ground for talented basketball players who have gone on to achieve greatness in the NBA.
In conclusion, the Ivy League's legacy of producing talented basketball players who have made it to the NBA is a testament to the league's commitment to academic excellence and athletic development. From Daniel "Pops" Meylach to Jeremy Lin, the Ivy League has a rich history of producing successful basketball players who have made a lasting impact on the league. As the Ivy League continues to produce talented players, its legacy as a feeder system for the NBA will only continue to grow.
