A remarkable chapter is being penned in the NBA Playoffs, as nine players who didn’t initially make the Division I cut turn out to be indispensable to their teams’ successes this postseason.
Although these players were initially overlooked, they have also become essential to the teams’ postseason successes, demonstrating their willingness to work and also their natural abilities.
Top 9 Non-DI College Stars Dominating the NBA Playoffs
While other American sports, such as football, see more impact on professional success from players from major programs, basketball is one of the premier sports at elevating “lower-level” talent.
Not every player can go to Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, or Michigan State. In fact, most don’t even come from a “Power Four” conference. Let’s look at the best nine players in the NBA Playoffs who didn’t go to a Division I program in college.
NBA PLAYOFFS:
Jimmy Butler – Tyler (Juco)
Max Strus – Lewis (D2)
Steph Curry – Davidson (SoCon)
Ben Sheppard – Belmont (OVC)
Derrick White – UCCS (D2)
Cam Payne – Murray State (OVC)
Enrique Freeman – Akron (MAC)
Jalen Pickett – Siena (MAAC)
Adam Flagler – Pres. (Big South) pic.twitter.com/B5bfv8ZavQ— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) May 10, 2025
Jimmy Butler, Golden State Warriors (Tyler Junior College [TX])
Jimmy Butler’s journey from Tyler Junior College to NBA superstar proves his elite level of play. His amazing season at Tyler led to his transfer to Marquette, which ended up resulting in six selections to the NBA All-Star team.
Since Stephen Curry is out with a hamstring injury, Butler has become more significant in the Warriors’ playoff push. In Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Butler scored 33 points, showed good leadership skills, and received praise from coach Steve Kerr.
Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers (Lewis [D-II, IL])
Strus began his college basketball career at Division II Lewis University, where he was scoring 20.2 points each game consistently.
To continue advancing, Strus switched to DePaul and continued succeeding, and ended up becoming an important player in the NBA. Now starting for the Cavaliers, a strong team in the Eastern Conference, Strus proves how elite athletes can improve their careers using unconventional approaches.
Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors (Davidson)
Stephen Curry’s impressive ride through Davidson College in the Southern Conference before reaching the Elite Eight in 2008 was a seminal memory in the history of the NCAA.
Even with his current injury, Curry’s influence in basketball and the team itself is evident. Whenever he does retire, Curry will go down as Davidson’s best aumni and one of the best shooters in NBA history.
Ben Sheppard, Indiana Pacers (Belmont)
Ben Sheppard excelled at Belmont in 2022 and was awarded First-Team All-OVC recognition.
After a remarkable college career, he was drafted by the Indiana Pacers and became a useful member of their playoff effort. Now, he is leading an effort that could result in the organization’s third-straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance if they can get past the No. 1 seed Cavs.
Derrick White, Boston Celtics (Colorado-Colorado Springs)
Derrick White is an example of true grit, from his unforgettable All-American year at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs to his rise through the ranks to Colorado and eventually in the NBA. His consistent progress has placed him in the frontline position in the NBA playoffs.
Cameron Payne, Oklahoma City Thunder (Murray State)
Cameron Payne’s dynamic play at Murray State University caught the NBA’s attention, leading to his selection in the 2015 draft. He played a crucial role in the Phoenix Suns’ journey to the 2021 NBA Finals, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
Enrique Freeman, Indiana Pacers (Akron)
Enrique Freeman’s journey is the definition of resilience. He walked on at Akron, no scholarship, no buzz, but worked his way to becoming the 2024 MAC Player of the Year. Now with the Pacers, he’s proving he can compete at the highest level. despite playing for a low-level MAC school.
Jalen Pickett, Denver Nuggets (Siena)
Jalen Pickett started his college career at Siena College, where he was a standout and earned MAAC Preseason Player of the Year honors.
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He later transferred to Penn State, where he boosted his draft stock before entering the NBA with the Nuggets.
Adam Flagler, Oklahoma City Thunder (Presbyterian)
After earning Big South Freshman of the Year at Presbyterian College, Flagler transferred to Baylor, where he played a key role in their 2021 national championship run. That success helped pave his way to the NBA playoffs.
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