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University of Utah’s Basketball Program
When it comes to producing the highest-caliber NBA prospects, the University of Utah’s basketball program remains one of the best in history.
Following Thursday night’s 2023 NBA draft, which saw French pro Victor Wembanyama go No. 1 overall to the San Antonio Spurs, the Runnin’ Utes remain tied for third among college programs for the most No. 1 picks produced of all time.
With former top picks in Billy McGill (1962) and Andrew Bogut (2005), Utah is tied with UNC, UCLA, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland, UNLV, LSU, Georgetown, Cincinnati, Purdue, Kansas State, West Virginia, UTEP and Duquesne.
Only two schools have more No. 1 draft picks than Utah — Duke (five) and Kentucky (three).
The Utes aren’t the only basketball program in Utah to have a No. 1 pick. Utah State’s Nate Williams was selected first in the 1971 draft.
BYU has never had a player taken No. 1 overall, but has had two No. 2 selections in Mel Hutchins (1951) and Shawn Bradley (1993).
Weber State’s highest pick came in 2012, when Damian Lillard was selected No. 6 by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Of all the in-state teams, Utah has produced the highest number of top-10 picks as well, including McGill and Bogut, as well as Vern Gardner (No. 6 in 1949), Jerry Chambers (No
