From Austin To The NBA: Longhorns Light Up The Playoffs

Eight former University of Texas men’s basketball players are set to participate in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, showcasing the program’s continued impact at the professional level.

The group includes Jarrett Allen and Tristan Thompson (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers), Kai Jones (Dallas Mavericks), Cory Joseph (Orlando Magic), Jericho Sims (Milwaukee Bucks), P.J. Tucker (New York Knicks), and Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers). These players will be competing across both the Play-In Tournament and the opening round of the playoffs.

Jarrett Allen, a 2022 NBA All-Star, had a standout season with the Cavaliers, averaging 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while shooting over 70% from the field. Cleveland finished the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record, earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Allen is joined in Cleveland by veteran big man Tristan Thompson, who contributed valuable minutes off the bench. Another key contributor in the East is Myles Turner, who helped lead the Indiana Pacers to the No. 4 seed while averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, as reported by the University of Texas Athletics.

In the Western Conference, Jaxson Hayes (Los Angeles Lakers), Kai Jones (Dallas Mavericks), and Cory Joseph (Orlando Magic) will compete in the NBA Playoffs and Play-In Tournament. Hayes has been a key part of the Lakers’ frontcourt, while Jones, who joined the Mavericks in March, impressed late in the season. Joseph, a 14-year veteran, will also play in the Play-In with Orlando. P.J. Tucker, an NBA Champion with Milwaukee, now with the Knicks, and Jericho Sims, with the Bucks, will also participate in the postseason. Additionally, former Longhorn Royal Ivey serves as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, who are the No. 2 seed in the West, further underscoring Texas Basketball’s influence in the NBA playoffs.