The Fresno State Bulldogs have had several legendary basketball players who left a lasting impact on the program and, in some cases, went on to have notable professional careers. Here are some of the most legendary players in Fresno State Bulldogs basketball history:

1. Paul George

  • Full Name: Paul Clifton Anthony George
  • Born: May 2, 1990 (Palmdale, California)
  • Height/Weight: 6’8″ (2.03 m) / 220 lbs (100 kg)
  • Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
  • College: Fresno State (2008–2010)
  • NBA Draft: 2010, 1st Round, 10th Overall (Indiana Pacers)
  • NBA Career: Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers
  • Notable Achievements: Multiple-time NBA All-Star, All-NBA Team selections, Olympic gold medalist

Paul George is arguably Fresno State’s most famous basketball product, known for his elite two-way play in the NBA.

2. Chris Herren

  • Full Name: Christopher Albert Herren
  • Born: September 27, 1975 (Fall River, Massachusetts)
  • Height/Weight: 6’2″ (1.88 m) / 195 lbs (88 kg)
  • Position: Point Guard
  • College: Fresno State (1996–1999)
  • NBA Draft: Undrafted, later played for the Denver Nuggets & Boston Celtics
  • Notable Achievements: Overcame substance abuse issues to become a motivational speaker

Herren was a highly talented but troubled player whose story of addiction and recovery has been widely documented.

3. Melvin Ely

  • Full Name: Melvin Anderson Ely
  • Born: May 2, 1978 (Harvey, Illinois)
  • Height/Weight: 6’10” (2.08 m) / 261 lbs (118 kg)
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • College: Fresno State (1998–2002)
  • NBA Draft: 2002, 1st Round, 12th Overall (Los Angeles Clippers)
  • NBA Career: Clippers, Hornets, Spurs, Nuggets, Pelicans, Bobcats
  • Notable Achievements: Won an NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs (2007)

Ely was one of the most dominant big men in Fresno State history, known for his shot-blocking and scoring ability.

4. Courtney Alexander

  • Full Name: Courtney Jason Alexander
  • Born: April 27, 1977 (Bridgeport, Connecticut)
  • Height/Weight: 6’5″ (1.96 m) / 205 lbs (93 kg)
  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • College: Fresno State (1998–2000)
  • NBA Draft: 2000, 1st Round, 13th Overall (Orlando Magic; traded to Dallas Mavericks)
  • NBA Career: Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Hornets
  • Notable Achievements: Led the NCAA in scoring (1999-2000) with 24.8 PPG

Alexander was one of the best scorers in Fresno State history and a top NBA prospect.

5. Rod Higgins

  • Full Name: Roderick Dwayne Higgins
  • Born: January 31, 1960 (Harvey, Illinois)
  • Height/Weight: 6’7″ (2.01 m) / 200 lbs (91 kg)
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • College: Fresno State (1978–1982)
  • NBA Draft: 1982, 2nd Round, 31st Overall (Chicago Bulls)
  • NBA Career: Played 13 seasons in the NBA with teams like the Bulls, Warriors, Kings, Sonics, and Cavaliers

Higgins had a long professional career and later worked as an NBA executive.

6. Dominic McGuire

  • Full Name: Dominic Rashad McGuire
  • Born: October 20, 1985 (San Diego, California)
  • Height/Weight: 6’9″ (2.06 m) / 235 lbs (107 kg)
  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • College: Fresno State (2006–2007)
  • NBA Draft: 2007, 2nd Round, 47th Overall (Washington Wizards)
  • NBA Career: Wizards, Kings, Hornets, Warriors, Raptors, Pacers, Bobcats

McGuire was a versatile defender who had a journeyman NBA career.

7. Winford Boynes

  • Full Name: Winford Gladstone Boynes III
  • Born: May 17, 1957 (Brunswick, Georgia)
  • Height/Weight: 6’6″ (1.98 m) / 185 lbs (84 kg)
  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • College: Fresno State (1975–1978)
  • NBA Draft: 1978, 1st Round, 13th Overall (New Jersey Nets)
  • NBA Career: Played three seasons in the NBA

Boynes was a standout scorer in college before a short NBA career.

8. Terrance Roberson

  • Full Name: Terrance Jerod Roberson
  • Born: December 30, 1976 (Saginaw, Michigan)
  • Height/Weight: 6’7″ (2.01 m) / 200 lbs (91 kg)
  • Position: Small Forward
  • College: Fresno State (1995–1999)
  • NBA Career: Brief stint with the Charlotte Hornets

Roberson was an athletic wing player known for his high-flying dunks.

9. Jerry Tarkanian (Legendary Coach)

  • Full Name: Jerry Tarkanian
  • Born: August 8, 1930 – Died: February 11, 2015
  • Coaching Tenure at Fresno State: 1995–2002
  • Legacy:
    • Revitalized Fresno State’s basketball program
    • Led the Bulldogs to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
    • Famous for his defensive strategies and player development

Tarkanian, a Hall of Fame coach, put Fresno State on the national map during his tenure.

Final Thoughts

Fresno State has produced NBA stars, college legends, and international pros, with Paul George standing out as the most successful in the NBA. Players like Melvin Ely, Courtney Alexander, and Chris Herren had great college careers, while Jerry Tarkanian made a lasting impact as a coach.