Greg Buckner remains the last Second Region basketball player taken in the NBA Draft. After a successful career at Clemson, Buckner was taken 53rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the 1998 Draft.
The former University Heights Academy All-State standout played ten seasons in the NBA with the Mavericks, 76ers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies. During his career, Buckner was involved in trades for Jason Kidd, Jerry Stackhouse, and Kevin Love.
After five seasons as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets, Buckner enters his third season on the Memphis Grizzlies’ bench.
Buckner was part of an All-A state championship and was a reserve on UHA’s 1992 KHSAA state champion team that beat Lexington Catholic for the title.
During the 2018-19 basketball season, Buckner was welcomed back to UHA where he was recognized with a night in his honor. He reflected on his time on Academy Drive, playing for Coach Jeff Jackson, and how his coaching career has evolved.
