Ranking the Biggest NCAA Superstars Who Turned Out to Be NBA Flops
Buzzer-beaters, flashy dunks, and nail-biting moments – college basketball is the breeding ground for stars, where players capture our hearts with their heroics on the court. But sometimes, their stardom is limited to the college game, and they fail to make a mark in the big leagues. Toward 2025 March Madness, we’re talking about the college basketball superstars who flopped in the NBA. These players lit up the NCAA with their skills but couldn’t replicate their success in the NBA for one reason or another. In this list, we won’t be talking about your typical draft busts, but only players who played at least three seasons in the NCAA and were considered among the 100 greatest men’s college basketball players of all time.
40. Drew Gooden
Drew Gooden was a force to be reckoned with during his time at Kansas, leading the nation in rebounding and helping the Jayhawks win their first conference title in years. His impressive college career earned him the fourth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, where he quickly made an impact as an All-Rookie first-teamer.
However, Gooden’s journey in the NBA was rocky, with multiple trades and team changes preventing him from finding a permanent home. While he enjoyed a solid 14-year career, Gooden never reached the stardom expected of him after his standout college years. Despite falling short of expectations, Gooden’s journey from college superstar to NBA journeyman is a testament to his resilience and determination.
39. Sean May
Sean May was a key figure in Roy Williams’ great North Carolina squad and an All-American junior. May play a significant role in the Tar Heels’ victory against a strong Illinois squad in the national championship game, scoring 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds on his way to being named the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
The Charlotte Bobcats took May with the 13th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, where he was expected to make it big in the pros. However, his NBA career was riddled with injuries, including a microfracture surgery that cost him the entire 2007-08 season. May struggle with conditioning and was out of the NBA by 2010. He did play for a few years overseas before returning to his alma mater as the director of basketball operations for the Tar Heels. Despite his success in college, May could not significantly impact the NBA, leaving many to wonder what injuries could have been if injuries hadn’t derailed his career.
38. O.J. Mayo
O.J. Mayo was one of his generation’s most highly-touted college basketball players. Still, his NBA career didn’t quite live up to expectations. As a freshman at USC, Mayo was a dominant force, averaging 20.6 points per game and leading the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament. Mayo’s success continued in the NBA, where he started for the Memphis Grizzlies and averaged 18.5 points per game as a rookie.
However, Mayo’s career faltered after being demoted to a bench role in 2011. Injuries, a drug violation, and declining production plagued the rest of his NBA career, and he eventually found himself playing overseas. While Mayo had a productive career, his NBA legacy will always be overshadowed by what could have been.
37. Jarrett Culver
Jarrett Culver, a standout at Texas Tech, was instrumental in leading the Red Raiders to the NCAA Championship game with his all-around play. His sophomore year shone with impressive averages in points, rebounds, and assists, painting him as a versatile and NBA-ready talent.
Culver’s ability to take over games caught the eyes of scouts, leading to his sixth overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft. Yet, his NBA career has so far not mirrored the promise of his college days, with Culver struggling to find his role and rhythm in the league. The transition has highlighted the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where college success guarantees nothing at the next level.