Before reaching the NBA, Antonio Anderson attended the prestigious Laurinburg Institute. He played a key role in leading Laurinburg to a perfect 40–0 record. His strong performance helped elevate his profile, eventually earning him a scholarship to the University of Memphis, where he became a standout guard before briefly playing in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Renaldo is a Puerto Rican–American forward who spent a pivotal prep season at the Laurinburg Institute, where he dominated on the court—leading the Tigers to a 40–2 record and earning a #1 national prep-school ranking. His standout performance at Laurinburg helped secure him a scholarship to the University of South Carolina, and in 2006 he was selected 20th overall in the NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.

Willis “Spider” Bennett attended Laurinburg Institute where he sharpened his game before moving on to collegiate basketball at Winston‑Salem State and following his college career he joined the ABA. In the 1968–69 season, Bennett played 59 games split between the Dallas Chaparrals and Houston Mavericks. His time at Laurinburg laid a key foundation for his transition to professional play.

Before rising to fame as a rapper and outspoken radio personality, Joe Budden spent time at the Laurinburg Institute. Sent there as a teenager to help get his life on track, Budden began to focus on his music and personal growth. Though his time at Laurinburg was brief, it marked a turning point that led him toward a career in hip-hop—and later to his influential role as host of *The Joe Budden Podcast*.

Draelon Burns spent his senior year at the Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina, where he averaged nearly 27 points per game and led the Tigers to the No. 1 national prep-school ranking before moving on to DePaul University in 2004. His time at Laurinburg provided a strong foundation, preparing him for a professional career that included stints overseas and in the ABA, ultimately propelling him into the ranks of pro basketball.

Wes Covington, in 1932, attended Laurinburg Institute before beginning his professional baseball journey. After honing his athletic skills at this prestigious prep school, he signed with the Boston Braves organization in 1952. Covington went on to enjoy an 11-year Major League Baseball career highlighted by a pivotal role in the Milwaukee Braves’ 1957 World Series championship and more!

Charlie Davis standout tenure at Laurinburg earned him a spot at Wake Forest University, where he became the first Black ACC Player of the Year in 1971. Davis was subsequently selected in the 8th round of the 1971 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and went on to play three seasons in the league with the Cavaliers and Portland Trail Blazers.

Before turning pro, Joey Dorsey attended Laurinburg Institute where he developed his basketball skills. He then played college ball at the University of Memphis, earning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors. Dorsey was drafted in 2008 and went on to play in the NBA and internationally, including winning a EuroLeague title with FC Barcelona.

Robert Dozier attended Laurinburg Institute where he was part of a national prep championship team. He went on to play college basketball at the University of Memphis before being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2009. Dozier has since played professionally in the NBA and overseas.

Arvydas Eitutavičius, a Lithuanian point guard, attended Laurinburg Institute and afterward played college basketball at American University where he became a key contributor. Following graduation, he embarked on a professional career in Europe, playing for various clubs in Spain, France, Greece, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Poland. Notably, he was part of the Cholet Basket team that won the French Pro A championship in 2010.

Michael Leeroyall (Mike) Evans is a former NBA player/coach from Goldsboro, NC. Born April 1955,  he graduated from Laurinburg Institute in 1974 and played collegiately at Kansas State University where he is Kansas State 2nd all time leading points scorer.

Gillespie began playing trumpet at 14 after briefly trying the trombone, and his first formal musical training came at Laurinburg Institute in North Carolina. Gillespie's earliest professional jobs were with the Frankie Fairfax band, where he reportedly picked up the nickname Dizzy because of his outlandish antics.

Johnson attended Laurinburg Institute, where he was part of the prep school's national championship team in 2005, averaging 8.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game as a senior. He then played college basketball at LSU from 2005 to 2009, finishing as the school’s second all-time leader in blocks, before ultimately reaching the NBA, spending time with teams like the Trail Blazers, Celtics, Hornets, and Timberwolves during his pro career.

Jones honed his basketball talents at Laurinburg before becoming a collegiate standout at North Carolina Central.  In 1957, he entered the NBA as the 8th overall pick by the Boston Celtics—beginning a legendary 12-year career highlighted by ten NBA championships, five All-Star selections, and a reputation as one of the most clutch shooters in league history.

Earl “The Goat” Manigault attended Laurinburg Institute where he averaged 31 points and 13 rebounds per game. Known for his incredible athleticism and streetball legend status, Laurinburg was a key step in his journey. Manigault's legendary athleticism—highlighted by tales of his "double dunk" and vertical leaps—earned him respect from top players.

Billy Reid sharpened his basketball skills at Laurinburg and after leading at the prep level, he played collegiately at New Mexico and the University of San Francisco before being drafted in 1980 and starting a professional career with the Golden State Warriors. Later, he transitioned into coaching—including a stint at Laurinburg Institute in 2005–06—before moving on to other collegiate and developmental roles.

Quantez Robertson attended Laurinburg Institute, where he helped lead the team to a perfect 40–0 season and a national title in 2005. He went on to star at Auburn University and enjoyed a long pro career in Germany with the Fraport Skyliners, earning multiple defensive honors.

Rolle spent his senior year at Laurinburg Institute, where he starred for the undefeated Tigers and helped capture a national prep-school championship in 2003–04, averaging a double-double and over 4 blocks per game. He then played at LSU and Louisiana Tech before being selected 51st overall in the 2010 NBA Draft, launching a professional career that included both NBA Development League and international stints.

Scott, transferred to the Laurinburg where he stood out both on the court and in the classroom—graduating as valedictorian. From Laurinburg, he became the first Black scholarship athlete at UNC Chapel Hill, led the Tar Heels to two Final Fours and an Olympic gold medal, and went on to a stellar professional career—earning ABA Rookie of the Year honors, three NBA All-Star selections, and an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 1976.

Jimmy Walker, attended Laurinburg Institute, where he honed his basketball skills before earning a scholarship to Providence College. At Providence, he became the school's all-time leading scorer with 2,045 points and led the nation in scoring during his senior year with an average of 30.4 points per game. He was selected first overall in the 1967 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and went on to play nine seasons in the NBA, earning two All-Star selections.

Moncur, known to his family by a nickname, Bugie — was drawn to the trombone. He found his way back to the trombone, which he studied at Laurinburg Institute.

Returning to the greater New York area after high school, Moncur quickly fell in with musicians like McLean and Williams. He went on the road with Ray Charles for a few years.

Sir Swan, Bermuda's longest-serving Premier, attended Laurinburg Institute in his youth. There, he developed leadership skills that would later define his political career. Swan served as Premier from 1982 to 1995, guiding Bermuda through significant economic and social changes. His tenure is marked by efforts to modernize the island's infrastructure and economy, leaving a lasting impact on Bermuda's development.

Chris Washburn attended Laurinburg Institute before playing college basketball at NC State. He was drafted third overall in the 1986 NBA Draft but struggled with drug issues that cut his NBA career short. Since then, he has turned his life around and now shares his story to help others.

Dexter Westbrook attended Laurinburg Institute before playing at Providence College. He was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1967 and played briefly in the ABA with the New Jersey Americans and Pittsburgh Pipers.