With the NBA draft today, Go Joe Bruin takes a look at and ranks several UCLA basketball players that have been taken in the last 10 years.
This is UCLA basketball. It is the program with the most men’s college basketball championships in NCAA history with 11. Along with an awe-inspiring amount of banners, UCLA has also had a rich history of players entering the NBA.
UCLA has had players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Reggie Miller, Gail Goodrich, Jamaal Wilkes and Bill Walton (just to name a few) not only make it to the NBA, but make a huge impact with their respective teams. It is the Bruin way.
Related Story: UCLA Will Not Have A Player Taken In the 2016 NBA Draft
The same goes for the last 10 years, sort of. From 2006 to 2015, UCLA has had 16 total players taken in the NBA draft, some of which have faded into the background (or the Euro League) and some that are shining brighter and brighter every year.
Here we rank these 16 former UCLA Basketball players that were selected in the NBA Draft based on their achievements at UCLA, their draft selection as well as what they have achieved in the professional ranks.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the UCLA Basketball players selected in the NBA Draft in the last decade…
Next: UCLA's NBA Draft Selections By Year
UCLA Basketball NBA Selections By Year
Before we get into the rankings, let us get some perspective on the UCLA Basketball players taken in the NBA Draft. Here are the 16 players taken in the draft by year.
2015: Kevon Looney 30th (1st Rd.) by Golden State, Norman Powell 46th (2nd) by Milwaukee then traded to Toronto
2014: Zach LaVine 18th (1st rd) by Minnesota, Jordan Adams 22nd (1st) by Memphis, Kyle Anderson 30th (1st) by San Antonio
2013: Shabazz Muhammad 14th (1st) by Utah then traded to Minnesota
2012: N/A
2011: Tyler Honeycutt 35th (2nd) by Sacramento, Malcolm Lee 43rd (2nd) by Chicago then traded to Minnesota
2010: N/A
2009: Jrue Holiday 17th (1st) by Philadelphia, Darren Collison 21st (1st) by New Orleans
2008: Russell Westbrook 4th (1st) by Seattle, Kevin Love 5th (1st) by Memphis then traded to Minnesota, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute 37th (1st) by Milwaukee
2007: Arron Afflalo 27th (1st) by Detroit
2006: Jordan Farmar 26th (1st) by LA Lakers, Ryan Hollins 50th (2nd) by Charlotte
Next: A Questionable Exit
16. Malcolm Lee 2011-15 (length of NBA career)
Played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers
Lee was the caged bulldog that was on a leash, apparently. Lee had talent, but like several UCLA Basketball players trying to get away from former coach Ben Howland, Lee might have taken the jump to the NBA too soon. Due to a difference in opinion with Howland on how he was being used, Lee was not happy in Westwood.
Lee had decent production in the three years at UCLA and looked like he could lead the team in the senior season. Unfortunately he chose to go to professional route rather then stick around in Westwood in Howland’s defensive-minded style, which did not allow Lee to showcase his offensive skills.
Lee was selected by the Chicago Bulls in 2011, but was immediately traded to Minnesota. As far as his professional career, he only played in three seasons, mostly due to an injury-plagued career.
Next: Barely Made the Cutt
15. Tyler Honeycutt 2011-13
Played for the Sacramento Kings
There was so much potential with Honeycutt. He was long, athletic and could do a lot of special things on offense. The unfortunate issue with him is that he was in a defensive-minded team coached by Ben Howland.
Honeycutt could have benefited from another year at UCLA, but he was another player that also did not see eye to eye with Howland on how he fit in to the system. In 2011, Honeycutt chose the draft over another year with Howland.
Honeycutt’s professional career was short-lived as he only played 2 seasons in the NBA, but mostly playing the majority of his professional time with both the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets development league teams. Honeycutt is currently playing professional ball in Russia.
Next: The Improved Center
14. Ryan Hollins 2007-16
Played with the Charlotte Bobcats, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards and the Memphis Grizzlies
Hollins is indeed an NBA journeyman, roaming from city to city, looking for a place to call home. In his 11 years in the NBA, Hollins played on 9 teams with one stop off in the D-League.
It was unclear how Hollins would operate in the NBA, though his final season in Westwood helped out his draft stock. In his time under former UCLA Basketball Steve Lavin, he was good, but he did not hit his potential. Under Ben Howland, that changed as Hollins became a hard-nosed defensive center that took crap from no one.
Hollins was essential in the Bruin’s first Final Four run under Howland as he was named the (west) Oakland Regional MVP and was key to beating Gonzaga in one of the most epic comebacks in NCAA Tournament history.
Hollins is currently an on-air personality for ESPN Radio.
Next: A MuhamMAD Choice
13. Shabazz Muhammad 2013-present
Plays with the Minnesota Timberwolves
Things were different during the 2012-13 season as Ben Howland landed a huge class with Shabazz Muhammad as the centerpiece. Though the start of his time at UCLA was marked with controversy surrounding his ineligibility, Muhammad eventually joined the Bruins without missing too many games and helped bring back some of that early Howland glory.
He was a tough player that could score at will and was very active all over the court. He was almost seen as the savior to the program, but often seemed to play whenever he saw fit (possibly due to being unfit). Unfortunately, he only stuck around for one season after nearly getting UCLA a championship in the Pac-12 Tournament. He was drafted by the Utah Jazz, but immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2013 NBA Draft.
The drama did not stop there though. Muhammad had an interesting start to his pro career as he was sent home from a rookie transition program for violating rules. Once he got acclimated to the NBA life, things seemed to calm for the proud ball player who is getting solid playing time with Minnesota.
Next: A Looney Selection
12. Kevon Looney 2015-present
Plays with the Golden State Warriors
Looney is a player that could do almost anything. He could rebound, defend and even hit shots from the outside. He was expected to be the net savior of the Bruins after the exit of Kyle Anderson and Jordan Adams.
Though he was not a game changer, he was able to turn on his game when needed. Though Looney could have benefitted from another year, he could not have been any luckier to get drafted by the National Champion Golden State Warriors.
Although, with the champs on the hunt for a second consecutive title, the roster was full, so Looney spent most of his freshman season preparing for the future in the D-League.
Next: A Grizzly Choice
11. Jordan Adams 2014-present
Plays with the Memphis Grizzlies
Adams was coming back to the UCLA Basketball team for his junior year… until he realized that he could go in the first round of the NBA Draft. Adams was an unsung hero from that 2012 recruiting class as he came out of nowhere with a hot hand that led the Bruins in scoring when Muhammad was waiting to hear about his eligibility.
In his sophomore year, Adams came alive and helped the Bruins return to the Sweet 16 with first-year coach Steve Alford. His production caught the eye of several NBA scouts which led to him declaring and eventually getting chosen 14th in the 1st Round of the 2013 NBA Draft.
Adams played 30 games in his rookie year, and only 2 last season as he spent a good amount of time in the D-League. This off-season he will have surgery to repair cartilage on his right knee.
Next: Did you know he is a Prince?
10. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute 2008-present
Played with the Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and is currently with the Los Angeles Clippers
Did you know he was a prince? How could you not as every tv announcer that called a UCLA Basketball game durging his freshman year had to make a note of it.
Mbah a Moute was also a gem. Known for his thorough recruiting searches, Ben Howland had landed this Cameroon native out of Montverde School in Florida when no one else was looking at him. From Mbah a Moute’s first few games, Bruin fans instantly knew what he could do… REBOUND!
Mbah a Moute was very effective in the low post, despite his lankiness, but his toughness and effort greatly made up for it. That same effort quickly translated to the pros as he became a starter at power forward early on in his rookie year.
Since then, Mbah a Moute has bounced around the NBA, playing with six different teams. Currently is with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Next: L.A. Born and Bred
9. Jordan Farmar 2006-present
Played for the Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets and tis currently with the Memphis Grizzlies
He was the point guard that started the Ben Howland revolution. Howland’s first class was special because it assembled four players that’s not only embodied Howland’s grittiness but also had the talents to see his plan through.
Arron Afflalo, Lorenzo Mata, Josh Shipp and Farmar were with first four to put forth the gospel of Howland and helped return UCLA to glory. In his two years, Farmar, who carried himself with a certain swagger, helped the Bruins not only return to the NCAA Tournament, but start off three consecutive Final Four trips in his second year.
After his sophomore year he wanted to take his skills to the next level. Working with Howland had improved his game, but now he was ready to turn pro. Farmar was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, keeping the LA native in LA.
He spent four years with the Lakers, but then left for New Jersey as he was trying to find a starting role. Since then he has bounced around the NBA and the Israeli and Turkish leagues.
Next: If We Took a Holiday...
8. Jrue Holiday 2009-present
Played with the Philadelphia 76ers and is currently with the New Orleans Pelicans
Holiday was another one-and-done that did not exactly fit into Ben Howland’s system. Though he was a point guard, he was made to move over to the #2 spot as Darren Collison, who came back for his final year of eligibility, was the lead candidate at the #1 spot.
With two PGs, it made for some awkward basketball at times and did not exactly lift the Bruins to Final Four status as it did the three seasons before. Still, Holiday had the tools to jump to the NBA after one season of college ball.
Holiday spent four seasons with the lowly 76ers, but seems to have finally gotten the chance to make his mark on a team when he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Next: POW...
7. Norman Powell 2015-present
Plays with the Toronto Raptors
The last true hard-nosed Ben Howlnad player is one of the few Bruins selected that used all four years of his college eligibility.
In his first two seasons with Howland, he showed flashes of greatness but also had a tough defensive game. Under Steve Alford, he was allowed to have his offensive game blossom and not only became the Bruins go to guy, but he was also a human highlight reel.
After helping the Bruins return of the Sweet 16 twice, Powell graduated and was able to take his talents and the professional ranks. This last season in Toronto he helped the Raptors get to the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, they lost to eventual champions, the Cleveland Cavaliers
Next: We Have a Point With this Selection
6. Kyle Anderson 2014-present
Plays with the San Antonio Spurs
Anderson was the last good point guard during the Ben Howland era. Along with Shabazz Muhamed and Jordan Adams, Anderson was seen as the new hope for the UCLA basketball program.
KA was able to return the Bruins to glory in Steve Alford‘s first year and compete for the Pac-12. The Bruins missed out on the regular-season championship, but proved they were a team to be feared when they defeating Arizona in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game.
During the NCAA tournament, they were able to get back to the Sweet 16, but an old foe had stopped them. Billy Donovan and those pesky Florida Gators once again gave the Bruins an unfortunate exit in the Big Dance.
Things seem to look up for Anderson after his college career. With the last pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA draft as Anderson, whose nickname was “Slo Mo”, joined a tough, methodical San Antonio Spurs where he is slowly getting acclimated to the Gregg Popovich style of ball.
How lucky can one guy be?
Next: A Slam Dunk of a Choice
5. Zach LaVine 2014-present
Plays with the Minnesota Timberwolves
LaVine had a decent season the one year he played for the Bruins. He was a solid backup shooting guard that could attack the rim like no other. It is fair to say that LaVine is one of the best Bruin dunkers in the last ten years.
Though many thought he could do with another year at UCLA, LaVine left early due to differences with Head Coach Steve Alford. The decision to go pro turned out to be a good one as LaVine was taken 11th overall and was headed to Minnesota.
Though he has not been able to lift Minny put of the cellar, he has been impressive as a two-time NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Champion.
Next: THE Defender
4. Arron Afflalo 2008-present
Played with the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, Orland Magic, Portland Trailblazers and is currently with the New York Knicks.
Afflalo was a fan favorite at UCLA. He was a part of that first Ben Howland class that helped turn the program around and helped them return to elite status.
During his sophomore and junior year he helped the Bruins get back to the Final Four, with a championship game appearance in his second season. Afflalo was the epitome of a Howland defensive player. Not only was he fierce on the ball, but could shut down opposing players as he was usually assigned to guard the Bruin opponent’s best player.
That defensive prowess is what peaked the interest of the Detroit Pistons during the 2008 NBA draft. The Pistons who were known for tough defense seemed to be the perfect fit for Afflalo. Unfortunately after two years Afflalo found his way to the Denver Nuggets where he spent the most time with any NBA team. Currently he’s with The New York Knicks.
Next: Four Years of Awesome
3. Darren Collison 2010-present
Played with the New Orleans Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers and is currently with the Sacramento Kings
Collison had skill, he had speed, he had grit and he had loyalty. Joining Howland’s second recruiting class, Collison was a solid back up point guard to Jordan Farmar and did an even better job when he took over the starting spot in his sophomore year. Not only was he one of the best on-ball defenders in the Howland era, but was nearly automatic from the three-point line.
Many expected Collison to go after his junior year but he opted to stay for his final season of eligibility. Though it didn’t turn out as good as his first two, in which he went to two Final Fours, Collison was still a solid point guard option for New Orleans when he was selected in the 2009 NBA draft.
Unfortunately, it took a while for Collison to find his niche in the pros. Collison was selected by New Orleans but only spent one season there. He then went from Indiana to Dallas to the Los Angeles Clippers to Portland. Currently he seems to be fitting in nicely with the Sacramento Kings as their starting point guard
Next: Gotta Whole Lotta Love
2. Kevin Love 2008-present
Played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and is currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers
The rumor is that Ben Howland cried when Kevin Love, a 5-star center out of Lake Oswego Oregon, chose UCLA for his college career.
There was a ton a buzz about Love from his videos of breaking backwards to his dominance around the rim to his outlet passes. Love seemed to be the essential piece that would help the UCLA Basketball team not only stay elite, but also try to get them a championship. The Bruins were successful and once again returned to the Final Four, but lost when they ran into a stingy Billy Donovan Florida team that has had UCLA’s number in the NCAA tournament.
Despite pleas from fans, Love elected to go pro after one season, which many already expected. He had the height, skill and IQ to do good things in the NBA.
Love was selected fifth overall in the 2008 NBA draft by Memphis but was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent six seasons there before being traded to Cleveland. This move was prompted by the return of LeBron James to the Cavaliers in hopes that it would help build a championship team.
Well as we saw this past week, that effort has paid off as Love and the Cavaliers claimed Cleveland’s first ever NBA championship.
Next: He Had His Own Night
1. Russell Westbrook 2008-present
Plays with the Oklahoma City Thunder
No one former Bruin has been a more important piece to their organization that drafted him than Westbrook. Westbrook is one of the few Bruins in the last 10 years that has not only remained with the organization that selected him, but is one of their two best best players.
Aside from making several all-star teams, winning the All-Star MVP, breaking triple-double records and getting his team to the Western Conference Finals, Westbrook has been a breath of fresh air for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Call it “Hipsterism”.
Westbrook has already hit superstar status in the NBA but his next goal is to try to win a championship for his team. Along with Kevin Durant, Westbrook and the Thunder have knocked on the door of the NBA Finals, but are yet to enter. With Westbrook having several more years ahead of him, there is no doubt that he can win a championship and be the next great NBA Bruin.
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Go Bruins!