NBA stars who surpassed expectations (based on CBB career)

[Mr. French]

Gilbert Arenas might be a good answer here too. He was a starter but nothing special at Arizona, 2nd rounder. Became one of the best scoring guards in the league a few years.

Not many guys play 3-4 years of solid ball then become stars in the league. It’s crazy what Butler has done. He’s a beast.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Giannis Antetokounmpo

He lasted until 15 in the worst draft in modern NBA history. The only reason he was picked at all was because that draft was such a dumpster fire.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Khris Middleton averaged 13.2 ppg for a bad Texas A&M team his last season of college. His pro career was a surprise.

 

[huskyblooz]

JJ Redick had a helluva NBA career

? He was an awesome collegiate player and a solid pro.
and as an analyst, will say anything controversial to get his name out there.

 

[REB1094]

I don't know if Devin Booker counts here because he was a lottery pick, was on a loaded Kentucky team, and we knew how good he was..but a bench player in college with a career high of 19 points being one of the best scorers in the NBA is kind of crazy to see

 

[XLCenterFan]

Thought Bradley Beal immediately for some reason.

 

[XLCenterFan]

Ben Wallace is the only undrafted player in the Hall of Fame...

Awesome factoid.

 

[Scoe]

JJ Barea undrafted out of Northeastern.

 

[Mr. French]

Khris Middleton averaged 13.2 ppg for a bad Texas A&M team his last season of college. His pro career was a surprise.

This is a great answer in the true spirit of the question. I honestly barely heard of him when he started with the Bucks.