The NBA Draft has been the lifeblood of the Golden State Warriors' success, serving as the primary pipeline for franchise-altering talent. While stars have come from every corner of the collegiate map, the connection to Arizona State University has produced some notable names in Warriors history. Let's explore the Sun Devils who heard their name called by Golden State on draft night.
The most prominent name on the list is undoubtedly Ike Diogu. Selected with the 9th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, Diogu arrived with a reputation as a prolific collegiate scorer. During his three-year stint with the Warriors, the powerful forward provided a physical presence off the bench, averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. His tenure coincided with the early stages of the "We Believe" era, adding depth to a rising team.
Going further back, the Warriors selected Alton Lister in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1981 NBA Draft. The 7-foot center brought immediate size and defensive prowess, blocking 1.7 shots per game as a rookie. Lister's role evolved into that of a reliable backup, and he was part of the 1987 Warriors squad that made a thrilling return to the playoffs, showcasing the value of a solid draft pick from a major conference like the Pac-10 (now Pac-12).
While the Arizona State-to-Warriors pipeline isn't the most extensive, it highlights the franchise's long-standing strategy of identifying talent from major college programs. These Sun Devils each played a part, however big or small, in different chapters of Warriors history, proving that impactful contributors can be found throughout the draft.
