Like father, like son: Sons of former NBA stars are making their mark in college basketball this season. Bronny James captured attention last year as his father, LeBron James, continued to excel in the NBA.
After one impressive season at USC, Bronny decided to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft, paving the way for other young talents. This trend of legacy players is evident as several sons of former NBA greats are either starting their college journeys or already making waves.
One standout this season is Dylan Harper, a freshman at Rutgers and the son of Ron Harper, a two-time NBA champion. Additionally, the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden Boozer, have committed to Duke for the 2025-26 season, with Cameron being highlighted as the top recruit in his class.
As the new college basketball season unfolds, it’s fascinating to explore the players nationwide who share a connection to the NBA through their fathers.
Dylan Harper and Ron Harper
Ron Harper, a Miami (Ohio) standout in the 1980s, was a two-time Mid-American Conference Player of the Year and a key player in the NCAA Tournament. He was selected as the eighth overall pick in the 1986 NBA Draft and had a successful career, particularly with the Chicago Bulls, where he won three championships alongside Michael Jordan.
At Michigan State, Jase Richardson, son of Jason Richardson, has begun his college career. Ranked among the top-40 recruits in the Class of 2024, he has made a solid start, averaging 8.4 points per game and showcasing his potential as a valuable player.
Jason Richardson had a remarkable tenure at Michigan State, contributing to a national title as a freshman and later earning consensus All-American honors. He was selected fifth overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA Draft and became known for his exceptional dunking ability.
Another notable player is the younger Stojaković, who has drawn attention for his skills on the court. After starting at Stanford, where he averaged 7.8 points per game, he has transferred to Cal and is currently leading his team with an average of 18.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Peja Stojaković, the elder, was recognized as one of the best three-point shooters during his NBA career, winning several accolades and contributing significantly to the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks.
Cal also features Stephon Marbury II, son of the NBA star Stephon Marbury, who is joining the program as a preferred walk-on. Marbury’s father was a standout point guard, earning All-American honors and being drafted fourth overall in 1996.
At Georgia Tech, Ryan Mutombo, son of Dikembe Mutombo, has transferred after his time at Georgetown. The elder Mutombo was a dominant force in the NBA, known for his defensive prowess and earning multiple All-Star selections.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. stands out with a strong college career, having earned All-Mountain West team honors and recently transferring to Temple, where he made an immediate impact by scoring 26 points in his debut.
His father, Jamal Mashburn, was a star at Kentucky and had a successful NBA career, being selected fourth overall in the 1993 Draft.
Scottie Pippen’s son, Justin Pippen, is making his way at Michigan, while his brother Scottie Jr. previously starred at Vanderbilt. Jace Howard, son of former Michigan coach Juwan Howard, continues to play for the Wolverines despite coaching changes.
Mike Miller’s legacy continues as his son follows in his footsteps, while Shaquille O’Neal’s children, Shaqir and Me’arah, are also making headlines in college basketball this season.
Finally, the younger Abdur-Rahim is carving out his path after transferring to Providence, while his father, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, was a highly regarded player in the NBA.
The legacy of NBA stars continues to thrive in college basketball, showcasing the next generation of talent who carry the torch of their fathers’ achievements on and off the court.
