Which college has had the most first-round picks in NBA Draft history?

Certain college programs have a reputation for producing NBA talent. But which college has produced the most first-round picks in NBA Draft history?

The 2023 NBA Draft will be held on June 22. As a result, 30 players will, once again, be selected in the first round and make the jump to the NBA.

Over the draft’s storied history, which college has produced the most first-round picks? Let’s take a quick look.

Kentucky has produced the most first-round picks in NBA Draft History

The Kentucky Wildcats have produced the most first-round picks in NBA Draft History (57), according to the NCAA.

The Wildcats have dominated the draft in the John Calipari era. They are the only program to have six prospects selected in the same draft, accomplishing the feat twice (2012, 2015). They are also second on the all-time No. 1 overall pick leaderboard with three (John Wall, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns).

Duke and North Carolina are tied for second place with 53 first-round picks each. Duke is the all-time leader in No. 1 overall picks with five (Art Heyman, Elton Brand, Kyrie Irving, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero). Meanwhile, some of the best players in the history of the league have come out of North Carolina, including Michael Jordan, James Worthy, and Vince Carter.

Here is the full top-20 list:

1. Kentucky (57)
T-2. Duke (53)
T-2. North Carolina (53)
4. UCLA (40)
5. Kansas (35)
6. Michigan (28)
T-7. Indiana (26)
T-7. Arizona (26)
T-9. Louisville (24)
T-9. Syracuse (24)
T-9. Ohio State (24)
T-12. Michigan State (21)
T-12. Connecticut (21)
T-12. Notre Dame (21)
15. Maryland
T-16. Georgia Tech (19)
T-16. Texas (19)
T-18. Alabama (17)
T-18. Tennessee (17)
T-18. LSU (17)
T-20. North Carolina State (16)
T-20. Minnesota (16)
T-20. St. John’s (16)

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