The Mid-American Conference might not always grab national headlines, but its influence in shaping talent is undeniable. Whether it’s the four-time Pro Bowler as a tight end in the NFL, Antonio Gates, or current Washington Wizards ace Richaun Holmes, the unheralded MAC has certainly had its fair share of stars over the years.
With Holmes being one of just five MAC players on an NBA roster today, the conference may not always be the first name that comes to mind when discussing college basketball powerhouses. However, despite how things look at first glance, the conference has produced a lineage of players who have transitioned successfully to the NBA, making significant impacts at the professional level.
Since its inception in 1946, the MAC has served as a steppingstone for athletes aspiring to compete at the highest echelons of basketball. Here are the biggest names to have made it to the big leagues over the years.
Ron Harper
One of the most notable MAC alumni is Ron Harper, who played for the Miami University RedHawks. The Dayton, Ohio-born star became known for his versatility and defensive prowess, making him an invaluable asset to the Hawks and securing his status as the best player in the conference. He secured back-to-back MAC Player of the Year awards in his junior and senior years, alerting scouts all over the country to his endless potential. He was drafted sixth overall in the 1986 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and he immediately went on to establish himself as a formidable presence in the NBA.
He rattled in an average of 22.9 points per game in his maiden campaign with the Cavs, securing an All-Rookie first-team selection in the process. However, that was as good as it got in The Forest City, and Harper was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1989/90 season. He proceeded to set a career-best 23 point-average in his maiden campaign in Tinsel Town, but it wasn’t until he moved on yet again that he would secure legendary status.
Harper was traded to the Chicago Bulls in 1994, and he played a rotation role in the iconic franchise’s second three-peat. Alongside legends such as Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, the former RedHawk claimed three straight NBA titles in 1996, 1997, and 1998. How the Windy City side would love a proven winner such as him in their team today, and if you’re looking to bet on basketball at Bovada, you’ll notice that the Bulls rank +60000 outsiders for the championship next season, the second longest odds of anybody.
Coach Phil Jackson appreciated Harper’s ability, as he would then take the shooting guard with him to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Harper would secure another two championships, putting him in 13th place on the all-time list for most championships with five overall.
Wally Szczerbiak
Wally Szczerbiak is another standout from the MAC, having also played for Miami University. Known for his sharpshooting and scoring ability, the Madrid-born American made a significant impact during his college years, leading Miami to an unforgettable Sweet 16 run in 1999. He followed in Harper’s footsteps by winning the MAC Player of the Year award in his senior year, even having the number 32 jersey number retired in his honor.
Drafted 6th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1999, Szczerbiak quickly became known for his scoring efficiency and consistent play. He secured an All-Rookie selection in his first campaign in Minneapolis, before securing his first and only All-Star selection two years later with an 18.7 points average. The following campaign he would tie the franchise record for most points in a single game when he dropped 44 on the Bulls, but unfortunately things went downhill from there.
Szczerbiak dropped out of favor with the Wolves throughout 2004, going on to spend another three years with the franchise in a part-time role. He then bounced around the Boston Celtics, Seattle Supersonics, and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a backup role, before retiring from the game in 2009.
Dan Majerle
Another notable MAC product is Dan Majerle, who played for Central Michigan University. Known affectionately as “Thunder Dan,” Majerle’s high-energy play and three-point shooting proficiency made him a fan favorite, securing him three All-MAC selections throughout his collegiate career.
The Phoenix Suns selected him with the 14th overall pick of the 1988 draft, and he would go on to become one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. Majerle formed a lethal partnership with Reggie Miller, and the two combined to make the Arizona outfit one of the most feared in the entire NBA throughout the early 1990s.
Together they helped their team become an ever-present fixture in the playoffs – even reaching the NBA Finals in 1993 – but were unable to convert their dominance into championships.
Thunder Dan secured three All-Star selections throughout his stint in Phoenix before moving to the Cavs in 1996. He then moved on to the Miami Heat before returning to the Suns to round out his playing career in 2002. Six years on from his retirement, Majerle was back at the Footprint Center in 2008 as associate head coach, leading the franchise for five seasons and reaching the Western Conference finals in the process.
