North Dakota may not be recognized for generating a huge number of NBA players, but it has left an impression on the basketball world. Despite having a tiny population and no big basketball program, North Dakota has produced a few NBA players. Doug McDermott, a North Dakota native, is a well-known NBA player. McDermott was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1992. He played collegiate basketball at Creighton University and was one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history. NBA Players From North Dakota.
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Doug McDermott
- Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
- Birth date: January 3, 1992
- Ames High School (Ames, Iowa)
- Creighton University is a college
NBA Career
McDermott was taken with the 11th overall choice in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets then traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night. He is known for his outstanding three-point shooting and scoring variety. His off-ball mobility and ability to spread the floor make him an important role player.
In 2014, he won the John R. Wooden Award (which recognizes the finest college basketball player). With nearly 3,150 career points, he is one of the leading scorers in NCAA Division I history. Doug McDermott is one of North Dakota’s most accomplished athletes, having had an impact on both collegiate basketball and the NBA.
Les Jepsen
- Born in Bowbells, North Dakota.
- Date of birth: June 24, 1967
- Height: 7’0” (213 cm)
- College: The University of Iowa
NBA career
The Golden State Warriors chose Les Jepsen in the second round of the 1990 NBA Draft (28th overall). He spent two seasons in the NBA with the teams listed: The Golden State Warriors The Sacramento Kings
Playing style
Jepsen was a center with a reputation for size and rebounding abilities. Despite his limited NBA career, his presence as a 7-footer made him a memorable player. Post-NBA After his NBA career, Jepsen followed other pursuits, and while he did not gain success, he is regarded as one of the few NBA players from North Dakota.
Glenn Hansen
- Birthplace: Devils Lake, North Dakota.
- Date of birth: September 25, 1951.
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
- Position: shooting guard.
- College: North Dakota State University.
NBA Career
Glenn Hansen played in the NBA for a brief time in the 1970s. He was noted for his work as a shooting guard. During his professional career, Hansen played for the following teams: The Kansas City Kings (now Sacramento Kings) and the Chicago Bulls. Hansen was selected in the fifth round of the 1973 NBA draft by the Kansas City Kings. Despite his brief stint in the NBA, he was one of the few players to represent North Dakota in professional basketball.
Following his NBA career, Hansen played in several professional leagues and was active in coaching and basketball at various levels. Despite his limited stint in the NBA, he remains an important part of North Dakota basketball history.
Dalton Knecht
- Birthplace: Fargo, North Dakota.
- Date of birth: May 24, 2002.
- Position: guard/forward
- College: University of Colorado.
NBA Career
Dalton Knecht was chosen 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He is a rising star from North Dakota with a dynamic playing style and a reputation for scoring, agility, and defense. Knecht’s prowess in collegiate basketball has garnered him recognition as a promising player, making him one of the few North Dakota athletes to be picked into the NBA. His scoring skills, particularly from the outside, have propelled him to prominence in college basketball. Dalton Knecht’s NBA selection highlights a big milestone for North Dakota’s basketball potential.
Taylor Braun
- Birthplace: Fargo, North Dakota.
- Date of birth: October 17, 1990
- Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
- Position: guard/forward
- College: North Dakota State University.
College Career
Braun had an exceptional career at North Dakota State University (NDSU), where he was a major player for the Bison basketball team. He was voted Summit League Player of the Year in 2014, and he was known for his scoring and leadership abilities on the court. Postcollege and Professional Career After graduation, Braun competed professionally in many European basketball leagues, including Germany and France.
Professional Career Taylor Braun did not play in the NBA but had a successful professional career in other leagues. He competed in European and other international basketball events. Despite failing to make it to the NBA, Braun’s accomplishments in international basketball and influence at NDSU have sealed his position in North Dakota basketball history. Taylor Braun’s basketball feat exemplifies the potential that North Dakota has, even if it does not always make it into the NBA.
