Who are the top former Gonzaga players in NBA history?

Out in Spokane, Washington, a new NCAA men’s basketball powerhouse has slowly taken over the sport. Though it’s not as storied as a school like UNC or Duke, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are quickly becoming the model for elite collegiate hoops in the 21st century. As such, many of the top former Gonzaga players in the NBA are still writing their story.

Gonzaga’s men’s basketball program actually dates back to 1907, where the team saw early success. For most of the next hundred years or so, though, the Bulldogs were a cut below the best of the best in the NCAA. In fact, Gonzaga’s first trip to the Big Dance wasn’t until 1995.

Even though the Bulldogs are really only beginning their climb to the basketball mountaintop, there have been plenty of notable alums to lace up for action in the Association. Let’s look at the all-time best Gonzaga players to play in the NBA.

John Stockton

AP Photo/Jeff T. Green

Far ahead of the Bulldog pack lies John Stockton. The Stamp played 1504 games in the NBA. (The next closest Gonzaga alum on the list? Kelly Olynyk and his 600 or so games played.)

Stockton is a native of Spokane, and went to Gonzaga Prep for high school. The man was destined to be a Bulldog – his grandfather played football at Gonzaga back in the 20s. It’s no surprise Stockton agreed to play for the Bulldogs under coach Dan Fitzgerald.

Stockton’s college days previewed the player he would become in the pros. As a senior, he led the West Coast Athletic Conference in points, steals, and assists. and was the first ever Bulldog to be named WCAC Player of the Year. During his NCAA days, Stockton tried out for the 1984 US Men’s Olympic team, and although he came up short, he did meet future teammate Karl Malone.

Stockton and Malone became one of the most accomplished duos the NBA has ever seen. In his 19 seasons as a pro – all with the Utah Jazz – Stockton was an All-Star ten times and won two Olympic gold medals. John Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in…