As the 2025 NCAA Tournament progresses, more celebrities are making appearances in the stands to cheer on their favorite teams. But did you know that some of these famous faces have a student-athlete past of their own? Here are five celebrities you may not have known once played college basketball.
Denzel Washington, a two-time Oscar winner, played junior varsity basketball for the Fordham Rams in the early 1970s. While there are no stats available for his time on the team, his former teammates remember him fondly.
Mahershala Ali, another two-time Oscar winner, played point guard for the Saint Mary’s Gaels from 1992-96. Despite playing in a down era for the program, Ali averaged 3.6 points-per-game during his four seasons.
Before becoming a wrestling icon known as Undertaker, Mark Calaway was a standout player for the Texas Wesleyan Rams. At 6-foot-9, Calaway was a dominant presence on the court before pursuing a career in professional wrestling.
2Chainz, a famous rapper, started his career as a college basketball player at Alabama State where he averaged 2.8 points-per-game in his two-year career. He continues to support his alma mater by cheering on the Hornets at games.
Tom Selleck, a multiple award-winning actor, played for the USC Trojans in the 1960s but only appeared in 10 games and took one shot during his two seasons. Despite his short basketball career, Selleck went on to achieve stardom in Hollywood.
These celebrity college basketball players add an interesting twist to the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their versatility and talent both on and off the court.
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