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Marquette Hoops: Lakers' Drafted Legends
17 Aug
Summary
- Five Marquette University players were drafted by the Lakers.
- Notable alumni include Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler.
- The Lakers selected Terry Rand in the 1956 NBA draft.
Marquette University has a storied basketball legacy, marked by 37 NCAA Tournament appearances and three Final Four berths, including a national championship in 1977. The program has produced notable NBA talents such as Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and current star Jimmy Butler.
Sixty-one Marquette players have been drafted into the NBA, with five specifically chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers. These five include Terry Rand, drafted in 1956, who pursued a career in the National Industrial Basketball League.
Jim Chones, drafted in 1973, played in the ABA before joining the NBA and contributing to the Lakers' 1980 championship. Earl Tatum was a second-round pick in 1976, playing for Los Angeles before a trade.
Walter Downing was a sixth-round selection in 1986 but never played in the NBA. Tony Smith, drafted in 1990, spent his first five seasons with the Lakers before a nine-year NBA career. These players represent Marquette's significant contribution to professional basketball.
