Usually, the best and brightest stars in the NBA don’t finish their college degrees as they go on to make a fortune at the next level and don’t necessarily need to graduate to be successful.
However, some big-name players wait until their NBA careers are over to earn their college degrees, as they have a lot more time and may want to begin a post-playing career in business or another area that intrigues them.
Some players even pursue their degrees during their career, as Vince Carter did during his time with the Toronto Raptors, earning his degree from the University of North Carolina.
Another famous Tar Heel that graduated from the prominent university was Michael Jordan, who waited until after his playing days, unlike Carter.
Two-time NBA champion Ray Allen is the most recent big-name player from the NBA to graduate and earn his degree.
According to NBA on ESPN, Allen went back to school and earned his degree from the University of Connecticut.
A special moment for Ray Allen as he earned his degree from UConn 👏
(📸: @UConnMBB) pic.twitter.com/lGkOP4kE3Q
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 7, 2023
Here are some fan reactions to Allen officially graduating from UConn:
I always think of He Got Game whenever I hear/see Ray Allen. Congrats to him..
— AustinWestmoore (@SirWestmoore) May 7, 2023
That’s what’s up RA!!! Keep Pushing 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Monya207🌹 (@LamonyaShotwell) May 7, 2023
For me to say I graduated in the same year as JF and Ray Allen will be something I won't forget, Congrats to Ray Allen and towards the entire Class of 2023 across the country 👏
— Martin Kelly (@MartinK7924) May 7, 2023
With players only being required to stay in college or overseas for one year, it’ll be interesting to see how many prominent athletes end up going back to college to earn their degrees.
Another aspect that will make it unlikely that this happens often is the amount of money earned in the league today, with the league now having an active billionaire playing in the league in Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Obviously, not every star in the league is going to earn the kind of money James does, but with the average NBA salary being around $10 million, there may not be much motivation to further their education.
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