Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Hollis Miller from Drury University in the 7th round of the 1975 NBA Draft, taking him 120th overall. The forward did not make the final roster and never played a game for the franchise. This selection reflects the Thunder's long-standing practice of scouting talent from diverse college programs, including smaller schools like Drury.
What did the Thunder gain from drafting Drury players?
The only Drury alumnus ever selected by Oklahoma City Thunder is Hollis Miller, chosen in 1975. He played forward at Drury but failed to earn a roster spot with the Thunder. No other players from Drury have been drafted by the franchise since. This highlights how the Thunder have historically looked beyond major conferences for potential contributors, even if most selections did not translate to NBA careers.
Why does this draft history matter for Oklahoma City Thunder?
While Hollis Miller never played for Oklahoma City Thunder, his selection shows the franchise's commitment to evaluating talent from all levels of college basketball. The Thunder, formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, have consistently used the draft to build rosters, combining star picks with developmental fliers. Recent form shows Oklahoma City Thunder lost their last four games, including a 103-111 defeat to the San Antonio Spurs on May 31, 2026, underscoring the ongoing importance of smart player acquisition.
What comes next for Oklahoma City Thunder's draft strategy?
Oklahoma City Thunder continue to prioritize the draft as a core team-building method, balancing high-upside prospects with reliable role players. Fans can monitor upcoming schedule to see how current roster performs, while stats offer insight into player development. The franchise remains open to finding value in overlooked programs, though no Drury players have been selected since Miller over four decades ago.
