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Top 20 One-And-Done College Basketball Seasons

One-and-done college basketball players have given fans some of the most electrifying and memorable moments in the history of the sport.

These fleeting seasons, where a single year on campus defines the trajectory of an athlete’s career, often leave an indelible mark not just on the program but on all of college basketball.

What makes these seasons so magical is the convergence of talent, opportunity, and the ultimate stage of college basketball—March Madness.

For many, these players aren’t just remembered for their stats but for their ability to shine when the stakes are at their highest.

Whether it’s a game-winning shot, a dominant performance in a Final Four matchup, or a defensive masterclass in a championship showdown, these moments captivate audiences and remain part of basketball lore.

The sheer dominance and poise that these young athletes bring to the court during the NCAA Tournament showcase their ability to rise to the occasion.

Their feats often elevate their teams to heights they had only dreamed of while inspiring fans with their skill, heart, and determination.

These seasons bring a mix of joy and bittersweetness, knowing their collegiate chapter is short-lived but unforgettable.

Years later, fans still talk about the brilliance of these one-and-done players, who often go on to become stars at the professional level.

Their presence reshapes programs, energizes March Madness, and reminds us why college basketball is one of the most unpredictable and thrilling sports experiences.

Take a look below at the Top 20 One-And-Done College Basketball Seasons.

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1. Anthony Davis | Kentucky 2011-2012

College Stats: 14.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 blocks per game

College Season Results: National Championship, Consensus National Player of the Year, First Team All-American

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2012)

2. Carmelo Anthony | Syracuse 2002-2003

College Stats: 22.2 points, 10 rebounds per game

College Season Results: National Championship, Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Second Team All American

NBA Draft pick: 3rd overall (2003)

3. Kevin Durant | Texas 2006-2007

College Stats: 25.8 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.9 blocks per game

College Season Results: Upset in the 2nd Round of NCAA tourney, Consensus National Player of the Year, First Team All-American

NBA Draft pick: 2nd overall (2007)

4. Michael Beasley | Kansas State 2007-2008

College Stats: 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.9 stocks (steals + blocks) per game

College Season Results: Lost in the 2nd Round of NCAA tourney, Consensus First-Team All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 2nd overall (2008)

5. Derrick Rose | Memphis 2007-2008

College Stats: 14.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds per game

College Season Results: Lost in the National Championship Game, Third-team All-American, C-USA Freshman of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2008)

6. Kevin Love | UCLA 2007-2008

College Stats: 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.4 blocks per game

College Season Results: Final Four appearance, Consensus First-Team All-American, Pac-10 Player of the Year,  Pac-10 Freshman of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 5th overall (2008)

7. DeMarcus Cousins | Kentucky 2009-2010

College Stats: 15.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks per game

College Season Results: Elite 8 appearance, Consensus second-team All-American, SEC Rookie of the Year, First-team All-SEC

NBA Draft pick: 5th overall (2010)

8. Sion Williamson | Duke 2018-2019

College Stats: 22.6 poitns, 8.9 rebounds, 3.9 stocks per game

College Season Results: Elite 8 appearance, National college player of the year, Consensus First-Team All-American, ACC Player of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall

9. Cade Cunningham | Oklahoma State 2020-2021

College Stats: 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game

College Season Results: Lost in the Second Round of the NCAA tourney, Consensus first-team All-American, USBWA National Freshman of the Year, Big 12 Player of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2021)

10. John Wall | Kentucky 2009-2010

College Stats: 16.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 stocks per game

College Season Results: Elite Eight appearance, Consensus first-team All-American, SEC Player of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2010)

11. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Kentucky 2017-2018

College Stats: 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.1 points

College Season Results: Sweet Sixteen appearance, Second-team All-SEC, SEC All-Freshman Team, SEC Tournament MVP

NBA Draft pick: 11th overall (2018)

12. Jahlil Okafor | Kentucky 2014-2015

College Stats: 17.3 points, 8.5 rebounds per game

College Season Results: National Championship, Consensus first-team All-American, USBWA National Freshman of the Year, ACC Player of the Year

NBA Draft pick: 3rd overall (2015)

13. Trae Young | Oklahoma 2017-2018

College Stats: 27.4 points, 8.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds per game

College Season Results: Lost in the First Round of the NCAA tournament, Consensus first-team All-American, USBWA National Freshman of the Year, First-team All-Big 12

NBA Draft pick: 5th overall (2018)

14. Karl-Anthony Towns | Kentucky 2014-2015

College Stats: 10.3 points,  6.7 rebounds, 2.3 blocks per game

College Season Results: Final four appearance, Consensus second-team All-American, SEC Freshman of the Year, First-team All-SEC

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2015)

15. Anthony Edwards | Georgia 2019-2020

College Stats: 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game

College Season Results: No NCAA Tournament, SEC Rookie of the Year, Second-team All-SEC

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2020)

16. De’Aaron Fox | Kentucky 2016-2017

College Stats: 16.7 points, 4.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds per game

College Season Results: Elite 8 appearance, First-team All-SEC, SEC All-Freshman Team, SEC Tournament MVP

NBA Draft pick: 5th overall (2017)

17. Kyrie Irving | Duke 2010-2011

College Stats: 17.5 points, 4.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds per game

College Season Results: Sweet 16 appearance

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2011)

18. D’Angelo Russell | Ohio State 2014-2015

College Stats: 19.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game

College Season Results: Lost in the Second Round of the NCAA tourney, Consensus first-team All-American, First-team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Freshman of the Year 

NBA Draft pick: 2nd overall (2015)

19. Jayson Tatum | Duke 2016-2017

College Stats: 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assist, and 1.3 steals per game

College Season Results: Lost in the Second Round of the NCAA tournament, Third-team All-ACC, ACC All-Freshman team 

NBA Draft pick: 3rd overall (2017)

20. Ben Simmons | LSU 2015-2016

College Stats: 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2 steals per game

College Season Results: Missed the NCAA tourney, Consensus First-Team All-American, First-team All-SEC

NBA Draft pick: 1st overall (2016)