Can a College Sports Team Start with All Future Pros?

The longstanding debate in college sports circles is whether there has ever been a starting lineup comprised entirely of future professional athletes. A glance at the 1959–1960 Ohio State basketball team might hold the answer. This lineup featured players who would go on to achieve significant success in professional basketball, showcasing the talent that can emerge from collegiate teams.

The 1959–1960 Ohio State Team

The 1959–1960 Ohio State basketball team boasts a starting lineup that included:

Center - Jerry Lucas: Played in the NBA for 12 seasons. He was a dominant player and a two-time All-NBL First Team selection. Forward - John Havlicek: NBA career stretched over 16 seasons, making him one of the game's greatest two-way players. He won numerous accolades including being named to the All-NBA First Team six times. Guard - Larry Siegfried: Played for 10 seasons in the NBA and a brief 1 season in the ABA, contributing significantly to his teams during his career. Guard - Mel Nowell: Although his NBA stint was brief lasting only 1 season, he made a presence with his skill and playmaking abilities. Forward - Joe Roberts: Played in the NBA for 3 seasons and in the ABA for 1 season, further underlining the quality of talent Ohio State had.

Not only did the 1959–1960 Ohio State team boast a potentially all-pro lineup, they were able to secure the chance to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. This Ohio State team went on to win the NCAA championship, defeating the California Golden Bears with a score of 75-55 in the final. This victory highlights the quality of the team and their preparation for professional competition.

2009 UNC Tar Heels Basketball Team

The roster of the 2009 UNC Tar Heels team also hints at the capability of having a college team start with all future pros. While this team's top five players, tyr
ller Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Danny Green, Wayne Ellington, and Bobby Frasor, all went on to successful NBA careers, the depth of the team's talent is equally impressive. Additionally, Tyler Zeller and Ed Davis were drafted in the first round, making the roster a powerhouse of future pro talent. This team led by its renowned coach, Roy Williams, demonstrated that even in the present, the potential for all-star college rosters remains a real possibility.

Conclusion

The history of college sports contains numerous instances where the talent of players could propel them to professional stardom. The 1959–1960 Ohio State team and the 2009 UNC Tar Heels both provide excellent examples of how a college team can', "": "field a starting lineup that could one day graduate to the next level with ease. While it is rare for all players on a team to meet this criteria, it does happen and demonstrates the immense talent that can develop in this nurturing environment. The success of these teams not only impacts the players' lives but also the culture of college and professional sports, reminding us that the pipeline from college to the pros is very much alive and thriving.