30 forgotten college basketball stars who flamed out in the NBA

Whatever happened to these 30 college basketball stars who flamed out in the NBA?

NEWARK, NJ - JUNE 28: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (R) of the Kentucky Wildcats greets NBA Commissioner David Stern (L) after he was selected number two overall by the Charlotte Bobcats during the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft at Prudential Center on June 28, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 07: Tyrus Thomas #12 of the Charlotte Bobcats reacts to scoring against the Denver Nuggets during their game at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 7, 2010, in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

15. College basketball stars who flamed out in NBA: Tyrus Thomas

The NBA has always been looking for athletic bigs to impact the game and Tyrus Thomas looked like a promising candidate to dominate as a pro. Thomas played just one year at LSU but it was extremely impactful as he established himself as a dynamic rim-runner who could be an imposing shot-blocker.

The Tigers paired Thomas with Glen “Big Baby” Davis as they rode their frontcourt all the way to the Final Four. Thomas, who was named the SEC’s Freshman of the Year and Co-Defensive Player of the Year, went pro after the season and was taken with the fourth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

Portland swapped Thomas’ draft rights with Chicago for the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge, a move that ended up paying big dividends for the Trail Blazers. Thomas appeared to be quickly ascending for the Bulls, becoming a starter in his third season and setting career highs in points, rebounds and blocks, but that rise ended after a fractured forearm in his fourth season as a pro.

The injury altered Thomas’s trajectory as he essentially plateaued after returning, never building on that tremendous 2008-09 season. Thomas played a few years in Charlotte and Memphis before washing out of the NBA in 2015, a disappointing end to a career that began with so much promise.