Did any NBA Players go to Harvard?

By Edcel Panganiban December 07, 2023 05:41

When we think of NBA players, we often associate them with their athletic abilities and on-court achievements. However, many NBA players also excel academically and have attended prestigious universities. One such institution is Harvard University, known for its rigorous academic programs. In this article, we will explore whether any NBA players have had the privilege of attending Harvard and how their experiences at the university have shaped their careers.

The Harvard Connection

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is renowned for its academic excellence and rich history. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. While Harvard is predominantly known for its academic programs, it also boasts an impressive athletic legacy.

NBA Players Who Attended Harvard

Although Harvard is not typically associated with producing professional basketball players, it has had its fair share of alumni who have gone on to play in the NBA. Here are a few notable NBA players who attended Harvard:

1. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin is perhaps the most well-known NBA player to have attended Harvard. Lin, born in California to Taiwanese parents, played for the Harvard Crimson from 2006 to 2010. During his time at Harvard, Lin became one of the top players in Ivy League history and was named to the All-Ivy League First Team twice. After going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, Lin signed with the Golden State Warriors and later gained worldwide fame during his time with the New York Knicks. Lin's success story has inspired many aspiring basketball players and has brought attention to the talent that can be found outside of traditional basketball powerhouses.

2. Ed Smith

Ed Smith, a former NBA player who played for the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks, attended Harvard in the 1950s. Smith was a standout player for the Crimson and earned All-American honors during his college career. His success at Harvard paved the way for other athletes from non-traditional basketball backgrounds to pursue their dreams of playing in the NBA.

3. Saul Mariaschin

Saul Mariaschin, another Harvard alumnus, played for the Philadelphia Warriors in the early 1950s. While his NBA career was short-lived, Mariaschin's time at Harvard helped solidify the university's reputation as a breeding ground for talented athletes.

The Impact of Harvard Education on NBA Players

Attending Harvard not only provides NBA players with a world-class education but also helps shape their character and values. The rigorous academic environment at Harvard instills discipline, time management skills, and a strong work ethic, which are transferable to the basketball court.

Harvard's emphasis on intellectual curiosity and critical thinking also encourages players to approach the game analytically. This mindset can give them a unique advantage in terms of understanding the complexities of the game and making strategic decisions on the court.

Furthermore, the Harvard network, consisting of successful alumni across various fields, can provide valuable connections and opportunities for NBA players after their basketball careers. This network can open doors to business ventures, endorsements, and other post-NBA endeavors.

While Harvard may not be the first university that comes to mind when thinking about NBA players, it has produced some notable talents who have made their mark in the league. Players like Jeremy Lin, Ed Smith, and Saul Mariaschin have shown that excellence on the basketball court and in the classroom can go hand in hand.

Attending Harvard provides NBA players with a unique set of skills and experiences that can contribute to their success both on and off the court. The combination of a rigorous academic environment, a strong support network, and a focus on intellectual growth can help shape NBA players into well-rounded individuals who excel both athletically and academically.