11 Rings! Discover The Unstoppable Bruin Players Who Made UCLA Men's Basketball History

No school has won more men's basketball national championships than UCLA's 11. The Bruins' unmatched legacy, founded by legendary coach John Wooden, has been built upon the skills of exceptional players who have worn the blue and gold jersey. From dominant centers to sharp-shooting guards, these legends of the hardwood have not only won games but have transcended generations to become icons of college basketball.

Many of the players who made history at UCLA went on to thrive in professional basketball, with some making their mark on the international stage. The ability of the program to churn out consistent winners and talented athletes is a testament to the high level of skill, strategy, and teamwork that the university demands from its players.

Ranking the very best players from UCLA men's basketball history is no easy task. We've assembled an all-star lineup that takes into account a number of factors, including their collegiate achievements, their NBA success, as well as their lasting impact on the UCLA legacy.

Heading up our list is UCLA's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, he is college basketball's all-time leading scorer and an integral component of the program's three-year win streak (1967-1969) under John Wooden, resulting in three NCAA championships. Kareem would lead the league in scoring for six of his 20 seasons and went on to capture six NBA championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers.

Bill Walton also claimed successive national titles in 1972 and 1973 leading the team to a 30-0 record. With his unparalleled court vision and a reliable mid-range game, Walton won three NCAA Player of the Year Awards. Despite his interrupted basketball career, Walton claimed the league MVP award in his second year and went on to earn two NBA All-Star selections.

Following UCLA's history book closely is another NBA all-time great in Baron Davis. Davis's assertive and fearless attitude immediately elevated the level of play and atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion. Although Davis only spent two seasons with UCLA (1996-1998), he displayed the brilliant talent, explosive athleticism and outstanding instincts that would later make him one of the league's finest point guards.

Furthermore, among other standout performers who are impossible to leave out is Ed O'Bannon. O'Bannon, a lanky small forward, played crucial roles on UCLA's tournament-defying squads of the mid-1990s. His influence led UCLA to a thrilling 74-73 last-second come-from-behind win against Oklahoma State in the 1994 championship game.

We can all have distinct perspectives on this unique list of UCLA legends, but UCLA's dynamic basketball history defines and confirms the reason why this iconic basketball school went on to have undeniable respect and admiration well into the 21st century.