A Historical Look at Illinois Players Drafted by the Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have built their roster through various methods, but one of the most fruitful avenues has been the NBA draft. Over the years, many of the franchise's standout players have either been drafted directly or acquired via trades on draft night. This has allowed the Warriors to nurture talent from a diverse range of schools, including several from the University of Illinois.

In examining the Illinois alumni who have been selected by the Warriors, we find a series of players, each with their own unique journey. Here’s a closer look at the individuals from Illinois who were drafted by Golden State.

Don Sunderlage, a guard, was the first Illinois player taken by the Warriors, selected in the first round as the ninth overall pick in the 1951 NBA Draft. Despite having played three seasons at Illinois, he did not make the roster for the Warriors.

Following Sunderlage, Don Ohl was chosen in the fifth round of the 1958 NBA Draft as the 37th overall pick. Like Sunderlage, Ohl had three seasons at Illinois but also did not make the team. Similarly, Dave Downey, who played three seasons at Illinois, was picked in the fourth round of the 1963 NBA Draft as the 30th overall selection, yet he too did not play for the Warriors.

Jeff Dawson, another guard drafted in the eighth round of the 1973 NBA Draft, was selected 131st overall after three seasons at Illinois and likewise did not make the final roster. Lastly, Neil Bresnahan was selected in the sixth round of the 1980 NBA Draft as the 117th overall pick, but after four seasons at Illinois, he also did not play for Golden State.

All statistics and information are sourced from Basketball Reference, highlighting the historical connection between the Warriors and Illinois basketball players, even if their time with the team was brief.