Delaware is tiny. You can drive across the whole state in about two hours, and most people only know it for tax-free shopping or corporate headquarters. But honestly, if you're a basketball fan, you've probably noticed something weird lately. The "First State" has been punching way above its weight class in the league.
We aren't talking about benchwarmers either. We're talking about NBA champions, walking double-doubles, and microwave scorers who can drop 20 in a quarter. When you look at NBA players from Delaware, it’s not just a list of names; it’s a legitimate legacy that has exploded in the last decade.
The Big Names Leading the Charge Right Now
If you turn on a game today, you're almost guaranteed to see a Delaware native making an impact. It's kinda wild when you think about it. For a long time, the state was a basketball desert in the eyes of national scouts. Not anymore.
Donte DiVincenzo is basically the poster child for this movement. Born in Newark and a legend at Salesianum School in Wilmington, "The Big Ragú" has become one of the most reliable three-point threats in the NBA. He’s already got a ring from his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, and his stint with the Knicks showed he could handle the brightest lights in Madison Square Garden. As of early 2026, he’s still a high-level starter, currently bringing that Newark toughness to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He holds the Knicks' record for the most threes in a single season—think about that for a second. A kid from Delaware owns a shooting record for one of the most iconic franchises in sports history.
Then there’s Jalen Duren. This guy is a physical marvel. Coming out of New Castle, Duren was a top-tier recruit who bypassed much of the traditional college experience to go pro early. He’s a beast on the glass. Watching him play for the Detroit Pistons, you see a guy who looks like he was built in a lab to grab 15 rebounds a night. He’s young, he’s explosive, and he’s arguably the most promising big man the state has ever produced.
The Bones Hyland Factor
You can't talk about Delaware hoops without mentioning Bones Hyland.
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- Hometown: Wilmington
- High School: St. Georges Tech
- Vibe: Pure electricity.
Bones is the type of player who plays with a playground flair that’s infectious. He had a rough journey, including surviving a house fire that nearly ended his career before it really started. But he made it. Whether he's playing for Denver, the Clippers, or now alongside DiVincenzo in Minnesota, he provides that "instant offense" every team craves. He’s got unlimited range. Like, "logo" range.
The OGs: Who Paved the Way?
It wasn't always this crowded. For years, if you asked about NBA players from Delaware, the conversation started and ended with Walt Hazzard.
Hazzard was the blueprint. He was a Wilmington star who went to UCLA, won a national title under John Wooden, and then spent a decade in the NBA. He was an All-Star in 1968. For nearly 50 years, he was the gold standard. He finished his career with over 9,000 points. That's a massive mountain for the new kids to climb.
In the 80s and 90s, we saw guys like Terence Stansbury and A.J. English. Stansbury was famous for his dunking—he was a three-time Slam Dunk Contest participant. He didn't just play in the NBA; he brought style to it. A.J. English, out of Wilmington, was a scoring machine at Delaware State before playing for the Washington Bullets. He once averaged nearly 10 points a game in the league, proving that you didn't have to go to a massive "Blue Blood" college to make it.
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The Twin Connection: Joey and Stephen Graham
This is one of the coolest stories in Delaware sports history. Twins from Wilmington, both making the league? It sounds like a movie script.
- Joey Graham: A first-round pick in 2005. He played six seasons, mostly with the Raptors, and was known for being an absolute tank of a human being.
- Stephen Graham: He had to grind a bit more, going undrafted, but he still carved out a six-year career.
They both played at Oklahoma State, but their roots are firmly in the 302. Having two brothers from the same household make the NBA is a statistical anomaly, especially from a state as small as Delaware.
Why Delaware is Suddenly a Hotbed
So, what changed? Why are we seeing so many NBA players from Delaware lately?
It’s the culture. High school basketball in Delaware is intense. If you’ve ever been to a sold-out game at the Bob Carpenter Center for the state finals, you know the energy is different. Schools like Salesianum, Sanford, St. Elizabeth’s, and Howard produce battle-tested kids.
Also, Delaware is perfectly positioned. It's right in the middle of the Philly, Baltimore, and DC recruiting triangle. Scouts who are traveling to see the next big thing in Philadelphia often take the 45-minute drive south to check out a kid in Wilmington. Exposure is way higher than it used to be.
"Delaware players have a chip on their shoulder. We're the small state, the underdog. We feel like we have to prove we belong every time we step on the court." — (Common sentiment among local trainers).
The Elena Delle Donne Impact
Okay, she’s WNBA, not NBA, but you literally cannot talk about Delaware basketball without her. She is the GOAT of the state. Period. Her success at Ursuline Academy and then the University of Delaware did more for the sport in the First State than perhaps any other individual. She showed kids in Wilmington and Newark that you could stay home, play for a local school, and still become a #1 overall pick and a multi-time MVP. That confidence trickles down to the boys' side too.
The "Almost" Stars and Future Names
There are always guys who were right on the cusp. Trevon Duval is a name that comes to mind. He was the top-ranked point guard in the country coming out of high school (he spent time at St. Benedict's but he's a New Castle native). He played at Duke and had a cup of coffee in the NBA with the Bucks. Even if he didn't become a 10-year veteran, his rise to the top of the recruiting rankings put a massive spotlight on Delaware talent.
Looking ahead, the pipeline isn't slowing down. We’re seeing more kids get D1 scholarships than ever before. Names like Robert Wright III (a high-level guard recruit) keep the momentum going.
Actionable Insights for Delaware Hoops Fans
If you're following the rise of NBA players from Delaware, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
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- Watch the Minnesota Timberwolves: As of 2026, they are basically "Delaware North" with both Donte DiVincenzo and Bones Hyland on the roster. It's a rare chance to see two First State legends playing together.
- Track Jalen Duren's Double-Doubles: He is on pace to be one of the most statistically dominant rebounders in the league. If he stays healthy, he could eventually pass Walt Hazzard as the most successful Delaware NBA player ever.
- Support Local High Schools: The next NBA star is probably playing at a gym in Middletown or Wilmington right now. Follow the DIAA state tournament; that's where the legends are made.
The narrative that Delaware is "too small" for big-time sports is officially dead. Between championship rings, scoring records, and lottery picks, the First State has turned into a pro factory. It's not a fluke anymore—it's a standard.
To keep tabs on these players, you can follow real-time stats on Basketball-Reference or check out the local Delaware Online sports section, which does a great job tracking "Prohens" and other local exports.