Cats by 90, literally

Cats by 90, literally

There's nothing worse than August sports. No one wants to watch a whole baseball game. Basketball has ended. Football hasn't started. Even hockey is in the offseason. Thus, there is just not a lot of sports topics to write about, so we have to get creative. With that in mind, we take a look at the top rated colleges in terms of their alumni in the NBA currently.

#5 Kansas

Starting Five Mario Chalmers Ben Mclemore Andrew Wiggins Paul Pierce Marcus Morris

Not a bad starting lineup, but nothing to marvel at. If Pierce were still in his prime, the lineup would look a little more deadly. Mario Chalmers and Ben Mclemore are two solid NBA guards. Marcus Morris is steadily having a nice career in Detroit, averaging 14 points and 5 rebounds in 20152016. The bench would provide some help with Markieff Morris, Kelly Oubre Jr., Brandon Rush, and an unproven Joel Embiid. The star obviously would be Wiggins, a freak athlete who is perhaps a year or two away from entering the beginning of his prime. With the addition of more

Lawrence products to the NBA in a few years such as No. 1 2016 recruit and current Kansas freshman Josh Jackson, Kansas will eventually rank a few spots higher.

#4 Texas

Starting Five Cory Joseph Avery Bradley Kevin Durant Lamarcus Aldridge Tristan Thompson

As we saw this year, Cory Joseph is more than capable of leading a team in high pressure situations. When Kyle Lowry struggled throughout the playoffs last season, Joseph often played big minutes down the stretch, providing excellent defense and offense when necessary. While his offensive game is improving (15.2 ppg this season), Avery Bradley remains a lockdown defender for the Boston Celtics. As the world knows, the new NBA villain Kevin Durant is one of the deadliest scorers in NBA history. Lamarcus Aldridge has been one of the most efficient power forwards the past few seasons (17.9 ppg and 8.5 rpg,) a duo with KD would form one of the best duos in the entire league. Tristan Thompson, while not known for his offensive prowess, is one of the top rebounders in the NBA, essentially providing second chance points through offensive rebounds. While the University of Texas provides a stellar starting five, they finish fourth due to their lack of bench support. With only eight total NBA players, the bench would only include P.J Tucker, D.J Augustin, and Pacers promising rookie Myles Turner.

#3 UCLA

Starting Five

Russell Westbrook Arron Afflalo Zach Lavine Trevor Ariza Kevin Love

Russell Westbrook is the best player in the NBA*. He is the most dynamic player with the innate ability to tremendously affect the game on either end of the floor. Arron Afflalo is a solid two guard who averaged nearly 13 ppg for the Knicks last season. Drafted as the #13 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Zach Lavine has already won two NBA dunk contests and has one of the most promising NBA futures with his elite athleticism at 6'5 and emerging skillset. Trevor Ariza has been one of the most consistent three & d players in the NBA, averaging 12.5 ppg last season. Kevin Love nearly averaged a doubledouble last season, despite being the third option in route to an NBA championship. While their starting lineup is not quite as impressive compared to Texas, UCLA's bench sets them apart. The Bruins would receive support from the likes of Darren Collison, Jrue Holiday, Norman Powell, Luc Mbah a Moute, Matt Barnes, and others. UCLA has one of the longest standing basketball traditions, so it is no surprise that there are currently fourteen UCLA alumni in the NBA.

*check the "Agent Zero" article on Spartan Report for more information on Russell Westbrook

#2 Duke

Starting Five Kyrie Irving JJ Redick Brandon Ingram Jabari Parker Jahlil Okafor

Kyrie Irving, who is almost single handedly carrying the US men's national team right now, will forever go down in history for the shot he hit over Steph Curry to bring Cleveland its first championship in over 50 years. Irving averaged nearly 20 points and 5 assists this season. JJ Redick has long been known as one of the top sharp shooters in the NBA, shooting 47.5% from deep this season. Brandon Ingram is practically the spitting image of Kevin Durant as a rookie, and if he turns out half as good as the four time scoring champion, Laker Nation will be pleased. Jabari Parker quietly averaged a respectable 14.1 ppg this season which he looks to improve on once fully healthy. Jahlil Okafor had a very strong rookie campaign, which will only improve with addition of another threat in #1 draft pick Ben Simmons. Duke's bench includes Rodney Hood, Justise Winslow, Luol Deng, Josh McRoberts, Austin Rivers, and others. While the Blue Devils form a formidable lineup, they would be no match for Big Blue Nation.

#1 Kentucky

Starting Five John Wall Eric Bledsoe Michael KiddGilchrist Anthony Davis Demarcus Cousins

Four of the five starters are allstars, and the other is a lockdown defender. Wall is known for his electric speed and great passing. Bledsoe is a strong, athletic scoring point guard who looks to return better than ever after a torn meniscus last season. KiddGilchrist can guard four different positions effectively, and he is efficient in transition with his athleticism at 6'7. Anthony Davis is on the verge of being a League MVP and NBA champion. Demarcus Cousins, for all of his antics and attitude, still averaged nearly 27 ppg and 11.5 rpg last season. But then there is the second platoon: Rajon Rondo, Devin Booker, Julius Randle, Enes Kanter, KarlAnthony Towns. The second lineup alone has an argument to be included in the top five as well. I know, I'm biased towards Kentucky, but honestly there's no question denying the amount of talent produced by Calipari. Kentucky, hands down, would have the best NBA team.

Sam Harris

Works Consulted

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