Former College Stars Compete in NBA Playoffs

The 2025 NBA Playoffs feature several notable matchups highlighting former college standouts now playing key roles for their teams. Former Texas Longhorns Jarrett Allen and Myles Turner will compete as starting centers for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers, respectively, marking their first playoff meeting and showcasing contrasting play styles—Allen's dominance in the paint versus Turner's perimeter versatility. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals, ex-West Virginia Mountaineers Joe Mazzulla, coaching the Boston Celtics, and Deuce McBride of the New York Knicks, face off for the first time in the postseason, with both having contributed to their teams' successful first-round series. Additionally, Asian American players Jalen Green (Houston Rockets) and Jaylin Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder) have played pivotal roles for their teams, with Green gearing up for a decisive Game 7 and Williams helping the Thunder sweep their first-round opponent. These storylines underscore the influence of former college stars and diverse backgrounds on the current NBA playoff landscape.