In the Pros
NIU has a proud history of producing professional basketball players, including eight players selected in the NBA Draft. Xavier Silas became the most recent Huskie to appear in the NBA when he saw action with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2011-12 season.
In 2013-14, eight former Huskies played professionally overseas, playing in France, Germany, Japan, Argentina and China.
Huskie Stats in the NBA and ABA Via Basketball Reference
NIU All-Time Professional Draft Choices
NBA Draft
| Year | Player | Round | Selection | Team |
| 1969 | Jim Smith | 9 | 125 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1973 | Larry Jackson | 5 | 85 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1973 | Billy Harris | 7 | 115 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1974 | Jim Bradley | 3 | 48 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1977 | Matt Hicks | 4 | 81 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1979 | Paul Dawkins | 10 | 185 | Utah Jazz |
| 1982 | Allen Rayhorn | 7 | 157 | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1984 | Tim Dillon | 3 | 49 | Chicago Bulls |
ABA Draft
| Year | Player | Round | Team |
| 1969 | Jim Smith | | Miami Floridians |
| 1972 | Jerry Zielinski | | Dallas Chaparrals |
| 1973 | Jim Bradley | 2 | San Diego Conquistadors |
| 1973 | Billy Harris | 9 | San Antonio Spurs |
Huskies Internationally
In addition to professional opportunities, many Huskies have also played basketball internationally. In 2013, former Huskie Aksel Bolin represented Norway at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia, and current Huskie Marin Maric played for his native Croatia at the FIBA U19 World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. In 2012, former Huskie Richard Oruche (below) represented Nigeria at the Summer Olympic Games in London (photo credit: FIBA).
