Don Maclean Basketball: UCLA Star & Pro Career

By Emma Wilson · October 28, 2028

Who Is Don Maclean in Basketball?

Don Maclean is a former professional basketball player best known for his collegiate career at UCLA and a brief stint in the NBA with the Washington Bullets during the 1992–1993 season. A versatile forward, Maclean played four years at UCLA from 1988 to 1992, earning All-Pac-10 honors and becoming one of the program's top scorers. Though his NBA career was short, he had a long and successful international playing career, primarily in Europe and Asia. Today, he is recognized as a key figure in UCLA basketball history and an example of sustained professional success beyond the NBA.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on March 4, 1970, in Los Angeles, California, Don Maclean developed a passion for basketball at an early age. He attended Loyola High School, a prestigious Jesuit preparatory school known for producing elite athletes.

High School Achievements

Three-time All-City selection in Los Angeles
Named CIF Southern Section Player of the Year
Averaged over 25 points and 10 rebounds per game in senior year
Recruited by top-tier college programs including UCLA, Duke, and UNLV

His standout performance at Loyola positioned him as one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation, ultimately leading him to commit to his hometown team, UCLA.

College Career at UCLA

Don Maclean played for the UCLA Bruins from 1988 to 1992 under coaches Jim Harrick and later, Gary Cunningham. His tenure marked one of the more productive scoring eras in the program’s post-Wooden years.

Key Highlights

Finished his career as UCLA’s second all-time leading scorer with 2,067 points (later surpassed by Kevin Love)
Two-time First Team All-Pac-10 (1991, 1992)
1992 Pac-10 Player of the Year finalist
Led UCLA to two NCAA Tournament appearances (1990, 1992)
Known for his mid-range jumper, offensive rebounding, and clutch scoring

Season	Games Played	PPG	RPG	FG%	FT%
1988–89	29	14.8	6.1	.502	.678
1989–90	32	18.6	7.3	.521	.724
1990–91	30	20.3	8.2	.534	.765
1991–92	33	22.4	8.7	.547	.798

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows consistent improvement across all statistical categories throughout Maclean’s college career. His field goal percentage remained above 50% each year, highlighting his efficiency as a scorer. By his senior season, he averaged over 22 points and nearly 9 rebounds per game, establishing himself as one of the most dominant players in the Pac-10.

NBA and Professional Career

Don Maclean was selected 28th overall in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards). He played one season in the NBA, appearing in 57 games and averaging 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

Post-NBA Journey

Played professionally in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Japan
Starred in the Japanese JBL League, winning multiple championships
Served as player-coach for teams in Japan during late career
Retired in the mid-2000s after over a decade overseas

While his NBA impact was limited, Maclean’s international career was highly successful, demonstrating adaptability and longevity in competitive leagues outside the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Don Maclean remains a respected figure in UCLA basketball lore. Despite not becoming an NBA star, his scoring prowess and consistency earned him a lasting legacy among Bruin fans.

Inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005
Ranks in the top 5 all-time in points, field goals made, and offensive rebounds
Mentored younger players during his pro years abroad
Often cited as a model of professionalism and work ethic

His story exemplifies how excellence in college can lead to global opportunities, even without sustained NBA success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Maclean Basketball

What college did Don Maclean play basketball for?

Don Maclean played college basketball at UCLA from 1988 to 1992. He became one of the program’s all-time leading scorers and a two-time First Team All-Pac-10 selection.

Did Don Maclean play in the NBA?

Yes, Don Maclean played one season in the NBA with the Washington Bullets during 1992–1993. He appeared in 57 games, averaging 4.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

What was Don Maclean’s highest scoring season in college?

His senior year (1991–1992) was his best, averaging 22.4 points per game while shooting 54.7% from the field and 79.8% from the free-throw line.

Where did Don Maclean play after the NBA?

After his NBA stint, Maclean played professionally in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Japan. He found significant success in Japan’s JBL League, where he won championships and served as a player-coach.

Is Don Maclean in the UCLA Hall of Fame?

Yes, Don Maclean was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his outstanding collegiate career and contributions to the basketball program.