The Golden State Warriors have built their dynasty through smart drafting, and while most of their stars come from blue bloods, three players from Drake University—McCoy McLemore, Willie Wise, and Lewis Lloyd—were selected by the team. Here’s a deep dive into their careers, draft journeys, and impact on the Dubs.
The Golden State Warriors’ success is rooted in their draft strategy, with iconic players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson arriving via the annual NBA Draft. But beyond the household names, the team has also picked hidden gems from smaller colleges, including Drake University. Over the years, three players from Drake have been selected by the Warriors, each bringing unique skills and stories to the franchise. From 1964 to 1981, these players—McCoy McLemore, Willie Wise, and Lewis Lloyd—represent a niche but notable chapter in Warriors history.
McCoy McLemore: The 1964 Third-Round Pick Who Played Two Seasons with the Warriors
Drafted in the third round (seventh pick, 25th overall) of the 1964 NBA Draft, McCoy McLemore was a forward who spent two seasons at Drake before joining the Warriors. A physical presence on the court, McLemore contributed to the team’s lineup during an era when the Warriors were transitioning between generations. After his time in Golden State, he went on to play for the Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in 42 games over two seasons. His college career at Drake was highlighted by strong rebounding and defensive intensity, traits that made him an attractive pick for the Warriors in the mid-1960s, per Warriors Wire.
Willie Wise: The 1969 Fifth-Round Pick Who Never Made the Warriors Roster
Selected in the fifth round (seventh pick, 64th overall) of the 1969 NBA Draft, Willie Wise was another Drake forward who joined the Warriors but never made the final roster. Wise spent two seasons at Drake, where he was known for his scoring ability off the bench, but the Warriors’ roster was deep during that period, leading to his release. While he didn’t contribute to the Warriors, his draft selection reflects the team’s willingness to scout and invest in mid-major talent—an approach that would later become a cornerstone of their strategy with picks like Curry and Draymond Green, according to Warriors Wire.
Lewis Lloyd: The 1981 Fourth-Round Guard Who Left His Mark in the 80s
The most recent Drake player drafted by the Warriors was Lewis Lloyd, a guard taken in the fourth round (seventh pick, 76th overall) of the 1981 NBA Draft. Lloyd played two seasons with the Warriors, becoming a key reserve known for his three-point shooting and defensive tenacity. His time in Golden State coincided with the team’s rise in the 1980s, and he later went on to play in the 1986 NBA Finals with the Houston Rockets, facing Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. All stats on Lloyd’s career—including his 4.2 points per game average with the Warriors—are courtesy of Basketball Reference, confirming his impact beyond Drake.
While none of these Drake players became All-Stars or franchise cornerstones, their selections highlight the Warriors’ longstanding commitment to diversifying their draft pool. By picking from smaller schools like Drake, the team has shown that success can come from unexpected places—a philosophy that would later define their modern dynasty. For fans, these names offer a glimpse into the franchise’s history beyond the superstars, reminding us that every draft pick, no matter the round, is part of the Warriors’ story.
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