1988 NBA draft

[2][3] This was also the first draft for the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat, prior to their inaugural season.

Not only that, for the third time in a row, there would be at least one player that qualified for the status of "college underclassman" while playing professional basketball overseas.

San Antonio College to play for the Waitemata Dolphins in New Zealand, the Argentinian born Hernán Montenegro leaving Louisiana State University to play for Olimpo de Bahía Blanca in his home land of Argentina, and Eddie Pope leaving the University of Southern Mississippi to play for Saint-Étienne Basket in France.

Regardless, the following college basketball players successfully applied for early draft entrance.

[5] This would be the third year in a row with at least one player that previously played in college entering the NBA draft as an underclassman.

Rik Smits , the 2nd pick
Rod Strickland , the 19th pick
Brian Shaw , the 24th pick
Keith Smart , the 41st pick
Steve Kerr , the 50th pick
Craig Neal , the 71st pick
John Starks was undrafted but had a successful career, including an appearance in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game .