With more than 300 schools in Division I college basketball, high school seniors need certain categories to help them trim down their potential college lists. Arena quality, fans, coach, supporting cast, academics, proximity to family and the presence of college girls have always been taken under consideration in college basketball. However, as the NBA has expanded and paychecks have skyrocketed, the ability of a head coach to turn a freshman into not only a well-polished college player, but an NBA-ready, potential draft pick has become a deciding factor in the finalizing stages of recruitment.

Luckily, the NBA has been kind recently to former Kansas players, making them NBA players from stars to supporting cast members. The following eight players have made an impact not only on the professional basketball court, but also back at Kansas, where their contributions have helped land key recruits looking for that big future contract.

Paul Pierce — For years, he was the lone superstar on a Celtic team spoiled by years of championships ranging from the days of Bill Russell to the 1980s, led by the threesome of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish. Pierce’s constant outcry for more talent was heard as he was joined by Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in the offseason. He left Kansas after an All-American junior year and was drafted tenth. Since his entrance into the NBA, he became a five-time All-Star and averaged 23.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during his career.

Kirk Hinrich — Although recognized recently for his struggles as part of a disappointing Bulls team which has less heart than the Tin Man, Hinrich exploded onto the scene as part of the NBA draft class including LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwyane Wade. With a career average of 14.7 points and 6.4 assists per game, he helped lead the Bulls to a sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA play-offs. Hinrich stayed until his senior year, beneficial for him as he was drafted seventh in 2003.

Drew Gooden — A member of the Kansas team that lost to Juan Dixon and the Maryland Terrapins in the Final Four in 2002, Gooden decided to put an end to his college career as a junior, declaring early for the NBA draft. After being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies with the fourth pick, he appeared to be a journeyman, traveling from the Grizzlies to the Orlando Magic before finding his niche in Cleveland alongside LeBron James. He averaged 12.1 points and 8 rebounds while trying to escape the “soft” label which haunted him at Kansas.

Nick Collison — Collison is well-remembered for receiving a standing ovation by Dick Vitale for his 24- point, 23-rebound performance in a victory win against Texas. The gritty forward led Kansas to two Final Fours before being drafted 10th by the Seattle Supersonics. He missed his rookie season because of a shoulder injury but has since joined the starting lineup, averaging 9.3 points and almost nine rebounds this season.

Jayhawks have seen playing time in the NBA

Julian Wright — As a member of a young Kansas team that looked like it came straight from freshman orientation, Wright stepped up and became a leader. Despite numerous reports that he would return for his junior year, he decided to forgo his final two seasons and got drafted by the New Orleans Hornets with the 13th pick. However, he has had trouble getting off of the bench, still molding his game to become NBA-ready while averaging two points a game.

Raef LaFrentz — LaFrentz was actually drafted the same year as Pierce, seven spots ahead of him at pick three. His numbers never came close to rivaling Pierce’s, and the blockbuster contract he signed with the Denver Nuggets often left him as an addition to trades to fulfill salary cap obligations. Still, his numbers have been respectable, putting up an average of 10.7 points per game coupled with 6.5 rebounds. His perimeter game, which made him such an unorthodox power forward, was prominent his first nine seasons, but he has only made two out of 26 three-pointers in the two years since.

Jacque Vaughn ­— In 126 games at KU, he averaged less than 10 points per game. Scouts still recognized his ball handling and leadership, causing him to be drafted by the Utah Jazz with the 28th pick. With the great John Stockton as his mentor, he found his niche as a backup point guard during the past 10 years. Currently, he is with the San Antonio Spurs. He is regarded as a seasoned NBA veteran, with a career average of 4.5 points and 2.5 assists per game.

Scott Pollard — A man of many hairstyles (including the duo-ponytail experiment that made people mistake him for a schoolgirl needing a shave), Pollard has managed to make his living emulating the play and often the appearance of Dennis Rodman. Playing for five different teams over his 11-year career, he averages more rebounds per game during his career (4.7) than points (4.3). He was drafted 19th by the Detriot Pistons who saw similarities between him and Bill Laimbeer, a member of the infamous Bad Boy teams of the ‘80s.

Kansas can expect to add many more players to this list, as scouts are taking an interest in Darnell Jackson, Darrell Arthur, Sasha Kaun, Mario Chalmers, Brandon Rush, and Sherron Collins. These players are Bill Self players, and if he successfully helps them transfer their skills to the NBA, his already impressive recruiting abilities will be much improved. That may result in many future Kansas teams mirroring the standout team everyone is watching today.