This phrase identifies individuals who, having honed their skills playing basketball at the University of Tennessee, have subsequently reached the professional level by being drafted into or signing with a National Basketball Association (NBA) team. An example would be a player who starred for the Tennessee Volunteers and then was selected in the NBA draft.
The presence of former Volunteers in the NBA reflects the quality of the University of Tennessee’s basketball program. It highlights the program’s ability to develop talent capable of competing at the highest level of professional basketball. Historically, numerous players from the university have gone on to have successful NBA careers, contributing to the legacy of both the Volunteers and the league itself.