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Many players come to the Big 12 for an education and to play basketball knowing they won't make the NBA. But a lucky few are able to parlay their talents into a professional career.
See the top two earners from each Big 12 school that have struck it rich in the NBA. All figures are only through the recently completed season and don't calculate any future earnings thus Kevin Durant isn't listed yet. (He will be if this list is done ten years from now for sure).
All salary figures courtesy of www.basketball-reference.com.
The two players listed for each school are ones that played in the Big 12, thus disqualifying players like Bryant Reeves or Mitch Richmond.
Kansas Jayhawks
Paul Pierce - $123,486,218
Raef LaFrentz - $84,135,042
LaFrentz's career derailed with injuries, Pierce has won a title with the Celtics and been a great player.
Kansas State Wildcats
Michael Beasely - $8,953,560
Bill Walker - $1,278,534
Pickings are rather slim for Wildcats of NBA players, Beasley gets a chance with TImberwolves this year.
Missouri Tigers
Keyon Dooling - $24,872,450
Kareem Rush - $8,628,927
I would say the game of basketball has been very very good to Keyon Dooling, Rush has bounced around.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Mikki Moore - $25,300,815
Tyronn Lue - $21,382,580
Extremely surprised Mikki Moore has banked this much, knew Lue was doing well for himself.
Iowa State Cyclones
Kelvin Cato - $46,568,465
Jamaal Tinsley - $34,460,706
A lot of money guessing some teams would like back, namely the Pacers with Tinsley.
Texas Longhorns
T.J. Ford - $33,887,987
Chris Mihm - $25,391,705
These two are simply waiting for Durant & LaMarcus Aldridge to pass them on this list.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Tony Battie - $54,899,800
Cory Carr - $287,500
Major drop off from Battie down to Carr, Tech hasn't produced NBA players in Big 12 era.
Brian Skinner - $24,546,644
N/A
Not a 2nd player from Baylor listed in NBA since joining Big 12 conference until Ekpe Udoh now.
Oklahoma Sooners
Eduardo Najera - $31,132,819
Blake Griffin - $5,357,280 **
If Griffin can get healthy he should be able to take top spot over Najera.
** Griffins salary not listed as he hasn't played for Clippers, this figure is pro-rated salary of his 3 yr contract.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Desmond Mason - $37,641,002
Tony Allen - $9,777,037
Who knew Mason had made this much money already, Allen just signed with Memphis Grizzlies.
Colorado Buffaloes
Chauncey Billups - $73,377,720
David Harrison - $4,428,916
Don't think anyone is catching Billups anytime soon for CU.
Texas A&M Aggies
Antoine Wright - $8,623,430
Acie Law - $6,214,920
DeAndre Jordan may be able to catch these two in the future
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