Top 10 players who were better in the pros than college

These players are prime examples of how to elevate one’s game when being paid millions of dollars.

10. Chris Bosh, Georgia Tech
The hype: Bosh only played one year at Georgia Tech and sometimes that is all you need to make the jump to the pros. Bosh only averaged 15 ppg and 9 rpg, but the Raptors took him anyway with the gamble at No.4 in 2003.
The result: Bosh, like Wade, was overshadowed by James and Anthony in that draft class, but Bosh has become the go-to guy the Raptors were wanting. Bosh led the Raptors deep into the playoffs this year while averaging 23 ppg and 8 rpg.

9. Rasheed Wallace, North Carolina
The hype: Wallace was at times overshadowed by Vince Carter’s highflying dunks while at UNC. Wallace, however, was a much more complete player than Carter and it didn’t show until he went pro.
The result: With an NBA title under his belt, Wallace could have been one of those players who didn’t amount to much at the power forward spot (see Derrick Coleman), but he didn’t. He became one of the best power forwards in the game today.

8. Shawn Marion, UNLV
The hype: The Matrix as he is called was a pure athletic talent buried in the desert. UNLV never did a whole lot, but Marion was one of those players shined light to a basketball program that hardly ever shines.
The result: Marion became an instant threat in the league because of the style of play in Phoenix. Teamed up with Steve Nash, the Matrix was at times unstoppable. We’ll see how he copes in Miami.

7. Jason Richardson, Michigan State
The hype: Not much here on the hype other than his pure athletic talent. He only averaged 14.7 ppg as a sophomore at Michigan State.
The result: The gamble worked out pretty well for Golden State by taking a guy based off of potential. His pro stats skyrocketed from his college days: 18.8 ppg in his career.

6. Scottie Pippen, Central Arkansas
The hype: Scottie Pippen didn’t go to a big school and sport mind-blowing stats, which caused Seattle (you guys are idiots!) to trade him on draft day, thinking that he wouldn’t amount to much.
The result: So I guess that trade worked out well for the Bulls and Mr. Pippen. Six NBA titles and being named to the 50 Greatest Players’ List later and the guy who the Sonics traded is bound for the Hall of Fame.

5. Paul Pierce, Kansas
The hype: True Pierce was one of the best players in the nation when at KU, but he never wowed many people with his game. He averaged 16 ppg over his career in college and early exits out of the NCAA Tournament marked him as a non-clutch player (chocker).
The result: We all know now that he is not a choker. He’s just never been surrounded by strong talent. After 10 years of being mentioned as a good player, not a great player, Pierce is finally an NBA champion. The Truth is averaging 23 ppg for his career and was named Finals MVP for the Celtics.

4. Baron Davis, UCLA
The hype: Baron Davis’ college numbers were not eye-popping (15 ppg and 5 apg), but he was selected third overall by the Hornets who were desperate for a point guard. So, what did they get?
The result: Even though he was traded to the Warriors, Davis has become one of the best point guards in the league. His toughness and versatility makes him tough to guard. In the last three years with Golden State, Davis has averaged 21 ppg and 8 apg. Not bad for a part-time movie producer.

3. Dwayne Wade, Marquette
The hype: Wade was explosive in college and led the Golden Eagles deep into the NCAA Tournament, but was easily overshadowed by LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Wade averaged 21.5 ppg in college, but how would that transfer to the pros?
The result: Looks like D-Wade has done pretty well for himself. He’s averaging 23 ppg over his three-year career with the Heat he not only shed the shadow of James and Anthony, but also won a title before both of them. He was easily the MVP of the finals the year the Heat won, but did anyone see this coming out of Wade?

2. Brandon Roy, Washington
The hype: Not a whole lot of it. Roy had the numbers to be a great player (20.2 ppg), but never got the attention from the rest of the country being buried in the Northwest. His style of play isn’t the most overwhelming, but he doesn’t make many mistakes. He’s a solid dribbler and he can flat out shoot.
The result: There were many, many more players taken ahead of Roy that were touted as Rookie of the Year contenders, but none of them lived up that bill as much as Roy. I can bet my entire weekly salary, which isn’t much, that the Bobcats are kicking themselves for picking another guy from the state of Washington instead of Roy (Rookie of Year).

1. Chris Paul, Wake Forest
The hype: Coming into the draft, Paul was one of three great point guards taken that year. He averaged only 15 ppg and 6 apg his final year as a Demon Deacon.
The result: The Hornets hit the jackpot with Paul. He not only raised his game statistically (21 ppg and 11 apg), but he was in the running of MVP and was named Rookie of the Year.