What college did Russell Westbrook go to?

Russell Westbrook is among the brightest stars and most prominent names in the NBA. Drafted by the Supersonics in 2008, Westbrook is an NBA MVP, a nine-time member of the all-NBA team, and a nine-time all-star. But what can be interesting to note is that Westbrook didn’t enter the NBA as the brandished superstar he is known as today. In fact, Russell Westbrook did not even start most of the games in his college career. To understand more about this, let’s take a look at Russell Westbrook’s college career in more detail.

Russell Westbrook’s college career

Russell Westbrook was born in Southern California and spent all of his childhood there. In 2006, Westbrook committed to UCLA and ended up playing two seasons there. In his first season at UCLA, Westbrook played 39 games and averaged only 3.4 points, 0.8 rebounds, and, 0.7 assists. He scored a season-high 11 points twice and was used as an energizer bunny off the bench for most of the season.

It was in his second season that Westbrook took a leap and became a very important player for UCLA. Promoted to the role of a starter, Westbrook averaged 12.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and led the team with 4.3 assists a game. He earned Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named to third team all-Pac-10. He led UCLA to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament where they fell to Memphis in the National Semifinal.

Westbrook was seen as more of a defensive prospect when he entered the NBA and his stellar sophomore season increased his draft stock which led him to being selected 4th overall in the 2008 draft. Westbrook credits most of the tenacity and force with which he plays the game to his college career and has made sure to carry it forward to the NBA. Westbrook has currently signed a 2-year 8 million dollar deal to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers.