After just one year at Duke, Irving landed in the NBA as the top pick — his talent was impossible to hide from college ball on.
Born Lew Alcindor, Kareem won three NCAA titles at UCLA, was the 1969 top pick, later changed his name and joined the Lakers. A 20-year career brought six championships.
James Worthy played at North Carolina alongside Jordan, won the 1982 NCAA title, then was drafted first overall by the Lakers, launching the Showtime era.
The 1992 top pick reached two Finals with Orlando but won none; after moving to LA in 1996 he fulfilled the dream in 2000, evolving from stat-monster to champion center.