When you think of Alabama athletics, chances are the university's football program is the first thing to come to mind. The Crimson Tide's run to the 2024 Final Four is a reminder that Alabama men's basketball is worthy of respect as well.
While this is the school's first Final Four trip, Alabama has a rich basketball history, complete with a number of notable players. Look no further than "Big Shot" Robert Horry's presence at the Tide's most recent victories for a reminder of the players that paved the way.
Horry is one of more than 35 Alabama alums to step foot on an NBA court. Among that number are 19 first-round picks, four NBA All-Stars, three NBA champions and one of the NBA's brightest young stars.
Who are the best players from Alabama? Here is a look at 10 of the most notable Crimson Tide alums to make an impact at the NBA level.
MORE: Will Alabama's Mark Sears get drafted in 2024 after March Madness run?
Best NBA players from Alabama
T.R. Dunn
The 41st overall pick in the 1977 NBA Draft, Dunn became the third-ever Tide player to be selected in the NBA Draft. In a playing career that spanned from 1977 to 1991, Dunn earned three All-Defensive Team selections. After retiring in 1991, Dunn enjoyed a 25-year coaching career.
Robert Horry
Horry, who grew up in Andalusia, Ala., elected to stay home as a big-time recruit. Horry was selected 11th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft and, thanks largely to his propensity for knocking down big shots, was a member of seven NBA championship teams during a 16-year career.
Herbert Jones
Jones is an Alabama native who made a name for himself during four seasons in Tuscaloosa. He was selected 35th overall by the Pelicans in the 2021 NBA Draft and has quickly emerged as one of the league's best perimeter defenders, as evidenced by the above nickname.
Antonio McDyess
A native of Quitman, Miss., McDyess needed just two seasons at Alabama to become the second overall pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. Injuries put a damper on McDyess' career, but he earned an All-NBA selection in 1999 and an All-Star selection in 2001.
Derrick McKey
As a junior, McKey was named the 1987 SEC Player of the Year and parlayed that into being selected ninth overall in the 1987 NBA Draft. McKey earned two All-Defensive Team selections during his 15-year NBA career.
Brandon Miller
A consensus high school All-American, Miller is one of the most heralded recruits to suit up for the Tide. After an incredible freshman season, Miller was selected second overall by the Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft and is well on his way to an All-Rookie team selection.
Collin Sexton
Sexton needed just one season to become a legend at Alabama. He was a highly-touted recruit, but Sexton's performance when the Tide were down to just three active players put the entire basketball world on notice. Sexton was the eighth pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and an All-Rookie Team selection.
NOH: An oral history of how Collin Sexton nearly led Alabama to a 3-on-5 victory
Latrell Sprewell
After two seasons of junior college ball at Three Rivers College, Sprewell joined the Tide in 1990. After two seasons with Alabama, Sprewell was selected 25th overall in the 1992 NBA Draft. Over 13 seasons, Sprewell earned four All-Star selections, one All-Defensive Team selection and an All-NBA First Team selection.
Gerald Wallace
The 2000 Naismith High School Player of the Year, Wallace came to Alabama as a big deal. After one season at Alabama, he declared for the 2001 NBA Draft and was selected 25th overall. Wallace grew into a one-time All-Star and All-NBA selection as well as one of the NBA's most tenacious defenders.
Mo Williams
Williams left Alabama after two seasons and was selected 47th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. Williams spent 13 seasons in the NBA, earning an All-Star selection in 2009 and winning an NBA title with the Cavaliers in 2016.
Current NBA players from Alabama
There are currently eight NBA players from Alabama. The list is headlined by Jones, Miller and Sexton, each of whom start for their respective teams.
| Player | Team | Draft year | Pick |
| Noah Clowney | Nets | 2023 | 21 |
| JD Davison | Celtics | 2022 | 53 |
| Keon Ellis | Kings | 2022 | Undrafted |
| Herbert Jones | Pelicans | 2021 | 35 |
| Kira Lewis Jr. | Jazz | 2020 | 13 |
| Brandon Miller | Hornets | 2023 | 2 |
| Joshua Primo | Clippers | 2021 | 12 |
| Collin Sexton | Jazz | 2018 | 8 |
