Stanford basketball stars are making their impact in both the NBA and WNBA

The Stanford Cardinal men's and women's basketball programs have been well represented over the years in the world of professional basketball.  Former Cardinal basketball players have been integral parts to their team's success while also achieving numerous accolades as individuals. There are a combined 9 former Stanford players who currently play in the NBA and WNBA.

Let's take a look at some highlights of each player:

NBA

Brook Lopez (Brooklyn Nets)

Years at Stanford: 2006-2008

Year Drafted: 2008 (10^th overall)

Career stats in NBA: 18.3 PTS, 7.4 REB, 1.8 BLK

Notable Achievements: NBA All-Star, First Team All-Rookie, First-Team Pac-10

Although the Nets missed the playoffs this past season, Brook Lopez had a solid year averaging 20.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and almost 2 blocks per game.  Lopez's 7.8 rebounds is his highest average since 2010.

Robin Lopez (Chicago Bulls)

Years at Stanford: 2006-2008

Year Drafted: 2008 (15^th overall)

Career stats in NBA:  8.5 PTS, 5.4 REB, 1.2 BLK

Notable Achievements: Pac-10 All-Defensive Team, McDonald's All-American

After having one of his best seasons, averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds in 2015-2016, Robin Lopez was traded this off-season from the New York Knicks to the Chicago Bulls in a deal for Derrick Rose.

Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks)

Years at Stanford: 2010-2014

Year Drafted: 2014 (45^th overall)

Career stats in NBA: 5.0 PTS, 3.3 REB

Dwight Powell's 2015-2016 numbers aren't eye popping (5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds), but his impact on the floor was certainly seen by the Mavericks. Powell was a restricted free agent this summer, and signed a four-year $37 million contract to stay in Dallas.  Powell was acquired by the Mavericks in 2014, via trade from Boston, in a package deal which included Rajon Rondo.

Notable Achievements: 2 time First-Team All-Pac-12, Pac-12 Most Improved Player, Pac-10 All-Freshman Team

Josh Huestis (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Years at Stanford: 2010-2014

Year Drafted: 2014 (29^th overall)

Career stats in NBA:  2.8 PTS, 2.0 REB

Notable Achievements: 2 time Pac-12 All-Defensive Team

This past season, Josh Huestis got the majority of his playing time from D-League action with the Oklahoma City Blue averaging almost 13 points and 5 rebounds in 25 games played.  His action with the Thunder was just limited to 5 games towards the end of the season, but Huestis showed some promise in a game against Portland where he hit two 3-pointers and grabbed 6 rebounds in 20 minutes. With the wing position being an area of concern for OKC, Huestis may see increased playing time going forward.

Anthony Brown (Los Angeles Lakers)

Years at Stanford: 2010-2015

Year Drafted:  2015 (34^th overall)

Career stats in NBA: 4.0 PTS, 2.4 REB

Notable Achievements: Pac-12 Most Improved Player

As a rookie, Anthony Brown showed flashes of being a capable NBA defender this past season by being solid in terms of defensive field goal percentage.  He spent seven games with the LA D-Fenders of the D-League averaging 14.6 points, and also started 11 games for the Lakers.  Unfortunately Brown's season ended early due to a stress fracture in his foot, causing him to miss the last 19 games of the season.  Brown returned to action in this year's summer league, but didn't have a great offensive showing. With the additions of Brandon Ingram and Luol Deng on the wing, hopefully Brown doesn't get discouraged, and continues to improve upon his game.

WNBA

Jayne Appel-Marinelli (San Antonio Stars)

Years at Stanford: 2006-2010

Year Drafted: 2010 (5^th overall)

Career stats in WNBA: 4.0 PTS, 6.1 REB,

Notable Achievements: WNBA All-Star, Stanford's All-Time leader in blocks

Jayne Appel-Marinelli is currently in her sixth season in the WNBA.  She has played and started all 23 games so far this season. She is second on the team in total rebounds with 113. Her averages this season are 3.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.

Jeanette Pohlen (Indiana Fever)

Years at Stanford:  2007-2011

Year Drafted:  2011 (9^th overall)

Career stats in WNBA: 3.5 PTS, 1.4 REB

Notable Achievements:  WNBA champion, Pac-10 Player of the Year, All-Pac-10 First Team

Jeanette Pohlen is in her fifth season with the Indiana Fever. She has seen limited time this season, only playing in five games, but the Fever are second in the Eastern Conference.

Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks)

Years at Stanford: 2008-2012

Year Drafted: 2012 (1^st overall)

Career stats in WNBA:  15.8 PTS, 7.6 REB

Notable Achievements:  WNBA Rookie of the Year, WNBA All-Star, All-WNBA Second Team, WNBA All-Defensive First Team, Pac-10 Player of the Year, Stanford's second all-time leading scorer

Nneka Ogwumike is in her fourth season in the WNBA, all with the Los Angeles Sparks. Ogumike is having a great season, averaging 19. 4 points, 9.0 rebounds and shooting a league leading 71 percent from the field.  The Sparks are currently 20-3, and have the best record in the league.

Chiney Ogwumike (Connecticut Sun)

Years at Stanford: 2010-2014

Year Drafted: 2014 (1^st overall)

Career stats in WNBA: 13.4 PTS, 7.3 REB

Notable Achievements: WNBA Rookie of the Year, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Pac-12 Player of the Year, John Wooden Award winner, Pac-12 All-Time leading rebounder and scorer

Chiney Ogwumike is having a solid third season in the WNBA averaging 11 points and 6 rebounds.  Ogwumike is second on her team in total points, and first on her team in total rebounds. The former number one overall pick is looking to continue her bounce back season after missing the 2015 season due to a knee injury.  The Sun are currently 6^th in the Eastern Conference.