With Sean Miller hired as the team’s new head coach, the Texas Longhorns will hope to achieve something special. Their new coach has the credentials to lead the charge, but the players must also step up. In the past, the Longhorns have had several top talents, many of whom made it to the NBA.
The Texas Longhorn basketball program works. With Sean Miller hoping to bring through the next crop, he heads into the job knowing it’s almost a certainty, given the team’s history of producing exceptional professionals. These same players are now discussed on podcasts and backed in the betting for the 2025 Finals MVP by fans, with their undeniable talent helping them reach the very top of the sport.
As the Texas Longhorns enter a new era, below, we remember five former players who went on to achieve great success in the NBA. These top Texas Longhorn alumni deserve further recognition, alongside potentially inspiring the next generation of Longhorn prodigies, whom Sean Miller and his staff will be keen to see in action.
Kevin Durant
First and foremost, when assessing the current crop of former Longhorns in the NBA, Kevin Durant is one of the very best. In fact, for many fans, he’s the finest player from Texas despite only playing for the team for one season. Durant was freshly recruited from high school in 2006 and is known for his all-around skills and remarkable agility. Kevin Durant, one of the most talented players in the NBA today, was the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft after winning several awards during his Longhorns career.
Myles Turner
A significant presence on and off the court, Myles Turner’s sheer size makes him an unforgettable former Longhorn. His ability with a ball in his hands shouldn’t be ignored either, as Turner’s defensive and offensive game was exceptional. A player his opponents hated coming up against, Myles Turner, shone regularly and entered the 2015 NBA Draft. Still playing today, the Indiana Pacers star is a key player.
T. J. Ford
Excellent players tend to get the best of their teammates and elevate standards, and that’s precisely what happened when T.J. Ford joined the Texas Longhorn basketball program in 2001. If it wasn’t for Ford, there’s no way the team would have made their first Final Four appearance in over 50 years. His leadership was infectious, his vision was unrivaled, and his reliable assists made him a truly special player to watch. Ford made the 2003 NBA draft and was selected eighth by the Milwaukee Bucks. From there, he didn’t look back.
LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge’s immense potential was clear after playing for the Longhorns for two seasons. Snapped up by Texas in 2004, a great career with the Portland Trail Blazers and the San Antonio Spurs followed. In his early days with Texas, Aldridge really fine-tuned his game and showcased his skills, eventually earning All-Big 12 First Team honors. Widely regarded as one of the very best players the Longhorns have ever had in their ranks, LaMarcus Aldridge was a fantastic player.
D. J. Augustin
A player Longhorns fans enjoyed watching, D.J. Augustin, had it all. From his ability to score to his knack for setting up his teammates, Augustin joined in 2006 and was immediately hot property. In the 2008 NBA Draft, he was a popular option, eventually joining the Charlotte Bobcats and having a solid professional career.
