Top 10 NBA careers by Michigan State basketball alumni

3. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph had the second-longest NBA career of any Spartan, spanning 18 years. He was incredible throughout his career and was one of the best big men in the league.

Many people outside of East Lansing forget that Randolph actually played at Michigan State because it was just for a season in 2000-01 but he did help lead the Spartans to their third straight Final Four before opting to make the jump to the NBA. He didn't have success right away in the league, averaging 2.8 points as a rookie and 8.4 points in year two which had some fans questioning if he made the right choice to leave early.

The doubters were silenced from year three on as Z-Bo won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2003-04 when he averaged 20.1 points and 10.5 rebounds, shooting 49 percent from the floor.

Randolph would continue that solid play throughout his career as he averaged 16.6 points and 9.1 rebounds over 18 years which is truly remarkable when you think about it. He's 70th all-time in total points and 41st in career rebounds in the NBA. That's wildly impressive and it just makes you appreciate the top two guys on this list even more.

The NBA misses Randolph and Spartan fans probably wish they had more than one year with him.