The Minnesota Golden Gophers, Minnesota University’s official basketball team, have a rich history in college basketball dating back to 1896. They also share a notable history with the NBA, having produced many players who have successfully transitioned from college basketball to professional basketball.
While the program may not command the same dominance it once did, it remains a significant part of NBA history. There have been quite a number of historic Golden Gophers who made a lasting impact on the game, both in college and in the NBA.
In this article, we’ll look at some of these top Minnesota Golden Gophers players who left an indelible mark on college basketball and went on to shine in the NBA. But before we dive right in, you can read more about betting on upcoming NBA events and other exciting games.
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale is a name that will forever be etched in the history of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. A true hometown hero, McHale grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota, and began his basketball career at Hibbing High School. After an illustrious High School career, he went on to the University of Minnesota, where he played 112 games from 1976 to 1980.
While Mchale didn’t lead the Minnesota Golden Gophers to a championship, his brilliance earned him All-Big Ten honors in 1979 and 1980. Over his time with the Gophers, he racked up an impressive 1,704 points and 950 rebounds, averaging 15.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
As expected, Mchale’s remarkable college career paved the way for an even greater professional one. He was selected as the third overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics and spent all 13 seasons of his NBA career with the franchise. Throughout 13 seasons, he played 971 games with the Celtics and won the NBA Championship three times: in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
McHale’s NBA résumé is nothing short of legendary. He was a seven-time All-Star, six-time All-Defensive Team honoree, and two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year. In honor of his legendary achievements and legacy, the Celtics retired his No. 32 jersey. The Minnesota Golden Gophers also did the same, retiring his iconic No. 44.
Mychal Thompson
Mychal Thompson is another legendary figure in the history of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Thompson is renowned for his remarkable college career and lasting legacy in the NBA. He joined the Gophers in 1974 as a high school prospect with great potential and more than lived up to it.
His career with the Gophers from 1976 to 1978 was nothing short of impressive, as he won back-to-back consensus All-American honors and three All-Big Ten selections in his four years with the team. Even though he didn’t win a championship, his impact was undeniable. In fact, he is regarded as one of the most dominant players in the program’s history. And to honor his remarkable contributions, the Gophers retired his No. 43 jersey.
After a stellar college career, Thompson went on to the NBA as the first overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, selected by the Portland Trail Blazers, where he played from 1978 to 1986. He had a 12-season professional NBA career, playing with the Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won two NBA championships. Interestingly, Mychal’s son, Klay Thompson, is a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors.
Lou Hudson
Louis Clyde Hudson is another player who holds a special place in Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball history. He was, in fact, the first Golden Gopher to have his jersey (the No. 14) retired.
One of the most remarkable moments of Hudson’s collegiate career came during his senior year when he broke his right hand. With an injury like that, you’d bet most players would call it a season, but Hudson didn’t. Instead, he refused to sit out and adapted to shooting left-handed while his right hand stayed in a cast. Interestingly, he still averaged 19.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game that season.
Hudson’s success didn’t stop in college. He proceeded to the NBA after being selected fourth overall in the 1966 NBA Draft. He then went on to enjoy a stellar 13-year career in the league, playing for the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Although he didn’t win an NBA championship, he was an NBA all-star six times.
To honor his legacy, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. The Atlanta Hawks also retired his No. 23 jersey.
Willie Burton
Willie Burton played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1986 to 1990 and is today recognized as one of the greatest players in the program’s history. Throughout his stay with the Gophers, he played a total of 118 games, scoring 1,800 points to become the second all-time leading scorer by the time he was leaving college.
After college, Burton was selected ninth overall in the 1990 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. He then went on to spend eight seasons in the NBA, playing for Miami, Philadelphia, Atlanta, San Antonio, and Charlotte. In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions, he was inducted into the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame in 2013. His iconic number 34 jersey was also retired.
Trent Tucker
The name Trent Tucker would ring a bell if you’re familiar with the Trent Tucker rule in basketball. Known for his incredibly accurate three-point shot, Tucker was one of the NBA’s early specialists in long-range shots. An unforgettable highlight of this skill came during a thrilling game against the Chicago Bulls, where he sank a stunning three-pointer with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock. That unforgettable shot prompted the creation of the Trent Tucker Rule, which now requires at least 0.3 seconds on the clock for any shot to count.
Tucker was selected by the New York Knicks as the 6th overall pick in the 1982 draft. He went on to play nine seasons with the Knicks before joining the San Antonio Spurs in 1991 and then the Chicago Bulls, where he won an NBA Championship. In total, he played 11 seasons in the NBA and amassed 6,236 points and 1,532 assists.
As expected, Tucker had an outstanding college career with the Golden Gophers. Notably, he led the Golden Gophers to a Big Ten Championship in 1982 and made the Big Ten teams.
Honorable Mentions
The Golden Gophers have had quite a number of legendary players come through its program, particularly in the early part of its history. One of such was George Tuck, who was the first All-America for the Gophers in 1905. There’s also Frank Lawler, who helped the Gophers get a conference title.
Over the years, the legacy continued with standout athletes like Bobby Jackson, Randy Breuer, Mark Olberding, Voshon Lenard, Archie Clark, Jim Petersen, and Ray Williams, leaving an indelible mark on the program’s storied history.