Israeli NBA Star Deni Avdija Joins Elite List of Top Players Without College Experience

Israeli basketball player Deni Avdija has been honored by being named among the 25 best NBA players in history who never played college basketball. This prestigious list, published by Yardbarker, includes legendary names such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and others who bypassed the American college system to succeed at the highest level.

Avdija earned his place on the list following a breakout 2025-26 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became an NBA All-Star for the first time. After four seasons with the Washington Wizards where he struggled to stand out, his move to Portland marked a turning point. He averaged approximately 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

The list highlights players who took unconventional paths to NBA stardom, and Avdija’s journey through European basketball and Maccabi Tel Aviv before being drafted ninth overall in 2020 exemplifies this. Yardbarker noted that Avdija’s development into a key player for Portland reflects his growth from a promising young talent to a reliable star who can handle significant responsibility on the court.

This recognition adds to Avdija’s growing list of personal achievements early in his career and underscores the significant progress he has made since entering the league. His inclusion alongside some of the greatest players in NBA history who never played college basketball marks a major milestone in his professional trajectory.