If you’ve found yourself searching for "Klay Thompson UCLA," you’re not alone. The NBA star’s connection to Los Angeles and his brother’s time at the university often lead to this very question. Did Klay Thompson go to UCLA? This article clears up the confusion, diving into his real college career and his path to becoming one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
What College Did Klay Thompson Actually Attend?
Klay Thompson did not attend UCLA. He played college basketball for the Washington State Cougars in the Pac-10 (later Pac-12) conference. He committed to Washington State University coming out of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, choosing the Cougars over offers from other major programs.
Klay Thompson’s Career at Washington State University
Thompson played three seasons for the Washington State Cougars from 2008 to 2011.
- He was a three-year starter and one of the most prolific scorers in school history.
- He finished his college career as the second all-time leading scorer for the Cougars.
- He was named First Team All-Pac-10 in his junior season.
- Known for his incredible shooting form and range, he declared for the NBA draft after his junior year.
Why Do People Search for "Klay Thompson UCLA"?
The search query "Klay Thompson UCLA" is a classic internet phenomenon. Here are the most likely reasons:
- His Brother, Trayce Thompson: Klay’s younger brother, Trayce Thompson, is a Major League Baseball player who played his college baseball at UCLA. It’s a common mistake to confuse the colleges of famous siblings.
- The Los Angeles Connection: The Thompson family is heavily connected to Southern California. Klay was born in Los Angeles. His father, Mychal Thompson, was the first overall pick in the NBA draft and won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. Klay himself was drafted by the Warriors, but his family’s NBA roots in LA are strong.
- General Confusion: With UCLA being one of the most famous college basketball programs, producing stars like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Russell Westbrook, many fans assume any NBA star from California played there.
From WSU to the Golden State Warriors
After his stellar career at Washington State, Klay Thompson was selected 11th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. He went on to become a cornerstone of the Warriors’ dynasty, winning multiple NBA championships, setting playoff and finals records for three-point shooting, and becoming one of the greatest shooters in league history. His college experience at WSU, under coaches like Tony Bennett, developed the disciplined two-way game that made him an NBA star.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Klay Thompson play for UCLA?
No, he played for the Washington State Cougars.
Where did Klay Thompson go to high school?
He attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
What NBA team drafted Klay Thompson?
The Golden State Warriors drafted him with the 11th overall pick in 2011.
Did any of Klay Thompson’s family go to UCLA?
Yes, his brother Trayce Thompson played baseball at UCLA.
Conclusion
While "Klay Thompson UCLA" is a popular search term, the reality is that Klay Thompson built his incredible basketball foundation at Washington State University. His journey from the Pac-12 to the NBA mountaintop with the Golden State Warriors is a testament to his hard work and skill. For more sports, tech, and knowledge content, explore the rest of our archives.